Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

Tommy Z · 08-14-2014, 12:15 PM

Made a post about this a while ago but I'm finally getting around to changing out steering racks. Long (embarrassing) story short, my rack is just about toast after catching a curb. With the front wheels off the ground, the right wheel has left/right play. It is safe to say it's the rack and not the wheel bearing, right? There's no up/down play. In addition, the steering wheel's at 11 O'clock to keep the car straight.

Was ready to pick up an AGR quick ratio (15:1) rack but ran across some info on older Lincoln Mark racks. The AGR runs $300 whereas the others are ~$100. Does anyone know what ratio ours are? All I know is that it's 2 1/2 turns lock to lock. I'd really like a 15:1 manual setup but a couple of buddies have pretty much talked me out of it. Anyone know of some other options?

On another note. Maximum Motorsports does a good job making it sound like the stock steering shafts are terrible designs. Should I go ahead throw in an upgraded shaft while I have it all apart?
Thoughts?

CO Mack · 08-14-2014, 12:34 PM

Since you can't normally get the 2000 "R" rack, traditionally suggestions have been for the 03-04 Cobra or the Mach rack. (Including by MM) If someone has figured out something from the parts bin, I'd be interested...

The solid MM steering shaft is totally worthy. I've bought 2.

01yellerCobra · 08-14-2014, 01:13 PM

Did you check the tie rod where it connects to the spindle? It might be bent from the hit. I'd check everything that connects the spindle to the rack before purchasing anything.

j rick kirby · 08-14-2014, 01:46 PM

My guess is a bent tire rod.

DSG2003Mach1 · 08-14-2014, 02:27 PM

like everything else, the factory steering shaft is a compromise for NVH, safety and performance. The aftermarket ones get rid of the rubber bushing which helps with NVH but adds slop at the same time. Something to think about though is that the aftermarket pieces are NOT collapsible in an accident

j rick kirby · 08-15-2014, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSG2003Mach1

like everything else, the factory steering shaft is a compromise for NVH, safety and performance. The aftermarket ones get rid of the rubber bushing which helps with NVH but adds slop at the same time. Something to think about though is that the aftermarket pieces are NOT collapsible in an accident

Try again.

Tommy Z · 08-15-2014, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CO Mack

The solid MM steering shaft is totally worthy. I've bought 2.

Good to know, thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01yellerCobra

Did you check the tie rod where it connects to the spindle? It might be bent from the hit. I'd check everything that connects the spindle to the rack before purchasing anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by j rick kirby

My guess is a bent tire rod.

I've looked at all of it three or four times now, nothing bent or loose outside of the rack. A bent tie rod wouldn't explain the popping I'm hearing/feeling in the steering wheel anyway, right?

Vndcatr · 08-15-2014, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSG2003Mach1

like everything else, the factory steering shaft is a compromise for NVH, safety and performance. The aftermarket ones get rid of the rubber bushing which helps with NVH but adds slop at the same time. Something to think about though is that the aftermarket pieces are NOT collapsible in an accident

While i cant comment about the Flaming river shaft because ive never seen one in person, I do have the Maximum motorsports shaft sitting on my desk infront of me because it just got here lol. Its a solid piece , and most certainly collapses and telescopes in 2 spots, It was designed to get rid of the play the stock shaft creates with the stupid rag joint. Plus the stock just feels like ****.

Im hoping mine fixes my clearance issues with my Kooks..

DSG2003Mach1 · 08-15-2014, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vndcatr

While i cant comment about the Flaming river shaft because ive never seen one in person, I do have the Maximum motorsports shaft sitting on my desk infront of me because it just got here lol. Its a solid piece , and most certainly collapses and telescopes in 2 spots, It was designed to get rid of the play the stock shaft creates with the stupid rag joint. Plus the stock just feels like ****.

Im hoping mine fixes my clearance issues with my Kooks..

well I stand corrected, can you post a couple pics?

if youre gonna have it installed anytime soon let me know how it goes, I had to hack up my stock one to get to fit with the POS kooks

Ive thought about replacing mine as well

Vndcatr · 08-15-2014, 04:06 PM

Yup i have my 2 week vacation coming up in about 10 days and ill be hitting my car hard to get it wrapped up ..heres a couple quick pics

Vndcatr · 08-17-2014, 09:44 PM

Another look .. MM Solid shaft VS. Stock shaft

DSG2003Mach1 · 08-17-2014, 09:46 PM

thanks for the pics

08-14-2014, 12:15 PM	#1
Tommy Z Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 787	Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help Made a post about this a while ago but I'm finally getting around to changing out steering racks. Long (embarrassing) story short, my rack is just about toast after catching a curb. With the front wheels off the ground, the right wheel has left/right play. It is safe to say it's the rack and not the wheel bearing, right? There's no up/down play. In addition, the steering wheel's at 11 O'clock to keep the car straight. Was ready to pick up an AGR quick ratio (15:1) rack but ran across some info on older Lincoln Mark racks. The AGR runs $300 whereas the others are ~$100. Does anyone know what ratio ours are? All I know is that it's 2 1/2 turns lock to lock. I'd really like a 15:1 manual setup but a couple of buddies have pretty much talked me out of it. Anyone know of some other options? On another note. Maximum Motorsports does a good job making it sound like the stock steering shafts are terrible designs. Should I go ahead throw in an upgraded shaft while I have it all apart? Thoughts? __________________ No accident that my birthday is March 1st. Take out the 'r' and you end up with.... 2003 Torch Red Mach 1 ★ Rebuilt 3650 & MGW ★ Spec 2 & Fidanza flywheel ★ H&R Super Sports & Maximum Motorsports struts/shocks ★ Maximum Motorsports rear lowers, MM panhard, MM caster camber plates ★ Mosers + ARPs ★ Brembo slotted rotors, braided lines ★ Catless X and SLP LM2s ★ 18X9/10.5 - Toyo R888R

08-14-2014, 12:34 PM	#2
CO Mack Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 278	Re: Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help Since you can't normally get the 2000 "R" rack, traditionally suggestions have been for the 03-04 Cobra or the Mach rack. (Including by MM) If someone has figured out something from the parts bin, I'd be interested... The solid MM steering shaft is totally worthy. I've bought 2.

08-14-2014, 01:13 PM	#3
01yellerCobra Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,104	Re: Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help Did you check the tie rod where it connects to the spindle? It might be bent from the hit. I'd check everything that connects the spindle to the rack before purchasing anything. __________________ New Ride: 2004 Mystichrome Cobra-Accufab SBTB and plenum, Steeda 2.8" upper, Bassani X, Borla Stingers, Mcleod RXT, MGW shifter, Level 5 halfshafts, chrome FR500's, Stiffler's FIT system and DS safety loop, GT pumps, BA3000, tuned by owner

08-14-2014, 01:46 PM	#4
j rick kirby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Winston-Salem,NC Posts: 1,802	Re: Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help My guess is a bent tire rod. __________________ 2003 Azure mach1 5 speed with IUP Maximum Motorsports R&T Box with Torque Arm and lots of other bits and pieces here and there 2012 Candy Red Metalic Premium GT with Brembo/Trak Pak and 373s HPDE Instructor

08-14-2014, 02:27 PM	#5
DSG2003Mach1 700 HP Mach Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 8,384	Re: Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help like everything else, the factory steering shaft is a compromise for NVH, safety and performance. The aftermarket ones get rid of the rubber bushing which helps with NVH but adds slop at the same time. Something to think about though is that the aftermarket pieces are NOT collapsible in an accident __________________ 03 dsg mach1 - MPR built 9.5:1 motor, D1, cams, ported intake, full exhaust, magnum t56, built rear, E85 etc... '12 F150 FX2 Supercrew with Ecoboost daily beater

08-15-2014, 04:06 PM	#10
Vndcatr SVT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Northern California Posts: 812	Re: Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help Yup i have my 2 week vacation coming up in about 10 days and ill be hitting my car hard to get it wrapped up ..heres a couple quick pics __________________ 2001 Zinc yellow SVT Cobra Forged 11.5CR 284ci Comp 106500 cams - Degreed 01 cobra Heads - tastefully modded Roys ported/polished Intake Kooks longtubes, Magnaflow catback D&D T3650, Mgw shifted FTB Goodies, 4.30s, FRPP diff cover, 31 splined IRS 04 cobra interior , black termy seats, Speedhut gauges Tubular K, MM coilovers/ Koni SA yellows Starkweather tuned, 24* timing on 91 octane 11.7 @ 117mph 1.62 60ft. Raceweight 3200lbs Next up:Sullivan intake and hat, self tuning..

08-17-2014, 09:44 PM	#11
Vndcatr SVT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Northern California Posts: 812	Re: Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help Another look .. MM Solid shaft VS. Stock shaft __________________ 2001 Zinc yellow SVT Cobra Forged 11.5CR 284ci Comp 106500 cams - Degreed 01 cobra Heads - tastefully modded Roys ported/polished Intake Kooks longtubes, Magnaflow catback D&D T3650, Mgw shifted FTB Goodies, 4.30s, FRPP diff cover, 31 splined IRS 04 cobra interior , black termy seats, Speedhut gauges Tubular K, MM coilovers/ Koni SA yellows Starkweather tuned, 24* timing on 91 octane 11.7 @ 117mph 1.62 60ft. Raceweight 3200lbs Next up:Sullivan intake and hat, self tuning..

08-17-2014, 09:46 PM	#12
DSG2003Mach1 700 HP Mach Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 8,384	Re: Steering Shaft + Quick Ratio Rack Help thanks for the pics __________________ 03 dsg mach1 - MPR built 9.5:1 motor, D1, cams, ported intake, full exhaust, magnum t56, built rear, E85 etc... '12 F150 FX2 Supercrew with Ecoboost daily beater

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