Thread: Rack & Pinion on a S10 chassis

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Im a new member, I can say from reading the forum, this is a great group of rodders. Im building a 40 ford pickup for my wife, I am using a S10 chevy chassis. The reason being Im going to slam this truck on the ground using air ride and this best fits my budget. Quite a bit of modifications but I think it will work well. I have the cab mocked on the frame and the front mounted steering box might cause radiator mounting issues. My question is, has anyone mounted a rack and pinion on a S10, any input is appreciated. P.S. this truck is still in the planning stage just trying to get some kind of game plan.

What's wrong with the S-10 steering? I've got an S-10 under my 52 F1 and the steering is just fine. A lot better than the stock steering.

Hey Lacoto, I agree I would like to use stock box but this truck is channeled
over frame and the box will interfere with radiator. Even found a manual box
it's a lot smaller than power box but still looks to tight. Just trying to get a hand on good solution. Thanks

I used a radiator from a 70 Ford 6 cyl pick up. It fits between the power steering box and the frame. I had to make special brackets to fit it to the old radiator support. It was a lot cheaper than changing the steering system.

Shouldn't be too difficult to put a rack in an S-10, just have to find a front steer rack with the correct travel and tie rod lengths so you don't end up dialing in a big bump steer problem... With it bagged front and rear, when you start mocking up the rack, make sure you are checking the bump steer and alignment at what will be the normal ride height on the car and not at the bottom or top of the suspension travel.....

It's been awhile, but wanted to post a couple pics of where I am on the truck. I finally decided to go with a flaming river vega box, it solved all the clearance issues, anyway heres the pics:

It's kind of a pain because the rack has to be front steer and very narrow to work...I looked at several and the best deal was a Mazda miata.. You will still have to shorten the tie rod ends and bore out the spindles.. Now I have room for the NASCAR style radiator I wanted to run. Before that I could only use one from a 4 cyl cavalier. Didn't get it done with my 440.

Hi very nice truck. Sure would like to see more pictures? I am building a 39 ford truck on s10 frame. Will be using 302 ford, c4, and blazer 4x4 rear diff. Really nice man cave. Your truck is right on. I like the way the frame is done. Thanks for the pictures. 40Fat.

I built my '37 Dodge pickup on an S10 frame and I used a power rack off an Intrepid, these racks use center mounted tie rods not the traditional style where the tie rods are at each end. Bump steer is real problem with S10 suspension, here's a one from Unisteer Chevy S10 rack and pinion (rack only) 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, these are expensive.

I got mine off ebay for 5.00, it's a rebuild that no one else bid on. I used a stock Chevy pump, Chrysler racks use less pressure so a regulator is required. The one issue I haven't worked out is a sway bar, but I will get it figured out. Will try to get some pics posted soon.

Rack.jpg

Originally Posted by thirty7slammed

It's been awhile, but wanted to post a couple pics of where I am on the truck. I finally decided to go with a flaming river vega box, it solved all the clearance issues, anyway heres the pics:

There was not enough room for a manual GM or a Vega box on my '37 Dodge pickup, had to cut the frame back to the center of the sway bar mounts. I was told that original Vega boxes were not strong enough for my application, Flaming River boxes are much stronger than the original Vegas and are a great option. I do have a Vega box on my '30 Model A Tudor.

Haven't seen either of them around here for awhile, the last post prior to yours was a couple years ago....

Hi, like your hot rod. What year rack and pinion did you use? Are t-rods custom made? How did you mount the rack to the frame? Picture's a great. So light the tires. Thanks 40Fat.