63-87 rack and pinion

[robnolimit]

Next we cleaned all the greese and grime off of the main crossmember. A piece of tape on the crossmember will make it easier to see the center line marks.

[robnolimit]

Using the lower A-arm u-bolts as a guide, measure and mark the center of the crossmember-make 2 or 3 measurments and double check your center from both sides.

[robnolimit]

Set the main mounting bracket onto the crossmember and line up the center hole with the center line mark. Locate the hole center and mark it.

[robnolimit]

Center punch and drill with a 3/8 bit

[robnolimit]

Re-mount the main plate and bolt in place. Reach through the large port in the crossmember behind each spring pocket,

[robnolimit]

Using the bracket as a guide drill the remaining 4 holes with a 3/8 drill bit.

[robnolimit]

Assemble the rack to the rack mount. Start with the drivers side rack mount bolt.

[robnolimit]

For the passenger side use the two supplied u-bolts to mount the rack to the bracket.

[robnolimit]

Test fit the rack mounting bracket. Our rack hit the lip of the crossmember-mark the interferance.

[robnolimit]

Use a grinder to cut the lip down for clearance.

[robnolimit]

Next is the spindle modification using a 5/8 drill bit. Drill out the tie rod mounting hole. Start from the top side. Try to drill it straight down throught the original hole.

[robnolimit]

Next it's on to steering shafts and u-joints. This bearing mount comes in the kit and must be fitted into the frame rail.

[robnolimit]

Using the diagram provided you will need to drill two new holes in the chassis both 5/16". Then open up the factory hole to 7/8".

[robnolimit]

This shows the holes drilled out. We also did a little die-grinding for steering shaft clearance. You'll see why next.

[robnolimit]

Here you can see the shaft support bearing in place.

[robnolimit]

To get the Flaming River u-joint (supplied with the kit) to fit. The lower lip of the frame needs to be ground back about 3/8" to clear.

[robnolimit]

Before final assembly, we noticed that one of the u-bolts was hitting the crossmember, so the excess thread was cut off. You will need to check this.

[SCOTI]

I haven't seen it asked so what are the chances of this working on larger 3/4-1 ton trucks too?

[robnolimit]

Yes, it will, no differences in the install.

[ebfabman]

robnolimit, how much road time has this kit got? I'm intrested but would like a little more feedback.

[robnolimit]

Three trucks are road testing. 2500, 5000, and 9000 miles. We have puller the tie rod ends off of the two higher mileage trucks and tested them against new ends, and have not been able to find any measurable wear. We are using a dail indicator at .0001". So far there are no problems, and no wear issues. Thanks for the interest

[robnolimit]

Here is a shot of the rack mounted in place.

[robnolimit]

Next we put the first u-joint onto the rack

[robnolimit]

The supplied 3/4 DD shaft fits through the support bearing and into the u-joint.

[robnolimit]

On the top side the second u-joint and the upper steering shaft go on.