The Randall's rack-and-pinion...
The Randall's rack-and-pinion is mounted in a strong 1/4-inch steel crossmember, which not only provides support for the rack but also strengthens the Mustang front end. Grade-8 bolts mount the rack to the framerails using existing holes in the frame.
One of the most popular restomod-style modifications for '65-'70 Mustangs involves swapping out the factory worm-and-sector steering for modern rack-and-pinion, which provides tighter, quicker, and more precise steering. A number of systems are available that utilize factory mounting points, which makes installation quick and easy. The hardest part is measuring, cutting, and modifying the factory steering shaft and column to mate it to the rack-and-pinion.
Back in the December 2006 issue, we detailed the installation of a power rack from Randall's Rack and Pinion in a '68 Mustang. However, Randall's has recently upgraded its '65-'70 Mustang system to make installation easier than ever. Instead of utilizing a centerlink that connects to the outer tie rods via late-model, screw-on tie-rods, the new Randall's racks incorporate a revised centerlink that connects to the factory '65-'70 inner tie-rods. With two sets of mounting points, the same centerlink works for both '65-'66 and '67-'70 Mustangs.
This is the revised centerlink...
This is the revised centerlink now included with Randall's rack-and-pinion systems for '65-'70 Mustangs. It allows the use of the factory inner and outer tie rods instead of replacing them with late-model style tie rods. Two sets of mounting holes allow the centerlink to be used with both '65-'66 and '67-'70 Mustangs.
"We've switched to a new centerlink design that has some advantages over the first generation centerlink," says Randall LaRue, owner of Randall's Rack and Pinion. "The new centerlink is designed to retain the original inner and outer tie rods. In addition, the centerlink works on both '65-'66 and '67-'70 Mustangs. With our original design, we had two different length centerlinks depending on the year of the car. With this new centerlink, an owner is able to disconnect the inner tie rods while leaving the outer tie rods connected, install our rack-and-pinion, and then reconnect the inners to the new centerlink. This is an easier and simpler installation for customers versus the original design."
The rack itself is the same stout, dependable unit that is mounted to an 11/44-inch steel, one-piece crossmember that provides a secure mounting point for the rack while also helping to strengthen the front end. The package is protected from damage by the one-piece crossmember design, and the placement of the steering rack provides adequate clearance for both long- and short-tube headers.
The Randall's system can be used with or without an existing power steering pump, with lines included to connect to the original pump. If the Mustang is not equipped with power steering, Randall's offers a new aluminum pump with brackets and hoses for installation.
We installed the new Randall's rack on David Wall's '65 Mustang fastback while it was undergoing an engine swap at Classic Creations of Central Florida. Without an engine in the way, the rack installed easily without the need for a lift or jackstands. Classic Creations' Merv Rego and Dwayne Black removed the factory steering, then replaced it with the latest version of Randall's rack-and-pinion.