Thread: Mustang II Rack Fittings ????

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I’m going to change the Mustang II Power Steering rack in the 37 before I put the engine in.

I am aware that the vast majority of the racks sold in the aftermarket as Mustang II racks aren’t; they’re fox body/T Bird racks and have 15 ½” centers instead of 16” centers (which require offset bushings), have metric size fittings and a taller pinion tower ( that usually requires shortening the steering shaft).

The 37 is set up for an original Mustang II rack, so I ordered one from the local parts store. It came in and appears to be correct (16” centers and shorter pinion tower). The Mustang II racks were either made by Ford or TRW and interchange but use different fitting sizes (requiring that you use the appropriate hoses).

The rack that came in is a Ford style rack which happens to be the same as what is currently in the 37. When I pulled the caps off the fittings in the new rack this is what is there……basically two holes with a very thin shoulder at the bottom.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssswjdukg.jpg


The Ford Rack that is in the 37 has inverted flair inserts (which did not come in the O ring kit with the new rack). No problem, I pulled the inserts from the Ford rack.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps50c0twke.jpg



That’s when the issues arose…….. is the hole in the bottom of the new rack is larger and the shoulder smaller. Basically the inserts fit very loose in the new rack and I’m afraid they won’t seal. The fittings themselves are the correct size (5/16 and 9/16 tubing) to screw into the new rack with no problem.


I’m currently hunting for larger flair inserts but not having a lot of luck. I’m wondering if I’m going to be stuck using something like this….if I can find them in the right size to screw in the rack.


http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...psgp7eivpj.jpg


Anybody run into this before and have any suggestions or sources for parts????


This should have been so simple….unbolt and old rack and bolt the new one in!!!!!!



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Detroit Speed has complete adapter fittings for racks and hoses------

I've only done 1, and that needed to be converted with the fittings you show in the 3rd picture.

Thanks Mike. I spent about an hour at the parts store yesterday and was able to source some fitting locally I think will work. Hopefully I'll get the rack installed today. I'll have to wait on building the hoses until the engine is installed.

Now I know that 99% of the Mustang II power steering racks that are sold go onto hotrods and not under Mustang IIs. That being said, I happen to own 2 Mustang IIs with power steering. If I had ordered this rack to put under one of those cars i would have been PISSED rather than merely frustrated and would have sent the rack back and hunted for another vendor. If you order what is supposed to be a stock part for a stock application it should be bolt in. I know from personal experience with the Mustang IIs that there would be NO room for the adapter fitting AND they would not be comparable with the stock hoses.


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I agree with you. But it seems there is a larger market for that rack than the original use.

It's good to hear you've made progress nonetheless, it is a good looker that Cade would be happy in (I think)!

"..... it is a good looker that Cade would be happy in (I think)! ....."


Yeah. Cade things so too.


http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...stom/cade5.jpg