Rack and pinion steering

I found a rack that is perfect for the B-body steering. They are not cheap, but will work. Check here: https://sweetmfg.biz/home.php.

I spotted a manual one at Daytona last weekend. I would have bought it, if it was power. They have the correct center to center spacing to work with the B-body suspension, and not have bump steer. Of course you need all of the peripheral parts to attach it, but if you want power assist rack an pinion it will work. Be prepared to shell out some serious bucks. The power rack is almost $1000 (manual racks are about $700). You will need an assortment of universal joints, and maybe even a pump. You will also have to make a bracket to mount it with the proper spacing to align the ends with the centerline of the lower suspension arms (do not make a mistake here).

These are specialty racing items, and not found on any production cars. You will have precise steering, and you can pick your ratio, as well as how much assist you want. Anything from one turn lock to lock to about 4 turns lock to lock. You can have light steering, heavy, or even totally manual.

I start wishing for R&P steering everytime I drive the odyssey and if its going to cost over a grand to install,I will just keep on wishing!

I wouldn't go with that setup for a few reasons. One of which is cost. Other reason is that it's an aftermarket setup and getting parts and such in the future is an unknown, and at what cost?

There is a company that makes custom crossmembers for 73-87 chevy trucks, and they are designed to use a 90's Mustang R+P, which can be had for under a $100 usually. Something designed for an existing car would be ideal for retrofit. Custom units are for high dollar cars that don't see alot of road time. What if your custom rack breaks? Can you get parts or a whole replacement at your local Autozone? Doubt it.

MalibuSSwagon wrote:

I wouldn't go with that setup for a few reasons. One of which is cost. Other reason is that it's an aftermarket setup and getting parts and such in the future is an unknown, and at what cost?

There is a company that makes custom crossmembers for 73-87 chevy trucks, and they are designed to use a 90's Mustang R+P, which can be had for under a $100 usually. Something designed for an existing car would be ideal for retrofit. Custom units are for high dollar cars that don't see alot of road time. What if your custom rack breaks? Can you get parts or a whole replacement at your local Autozone? Doubt it.

Do they fit B-bodies?

I doubt it, you'd have to rework the front frame for it to fit, they are custom built crossmember designed to bolt in to a square body truck to replace the factory crossmember.

MalibuSSwagon wrote:

I doubt it, you'd have to rework the front frame for it to fit, they are custom built crossmember designed to bolt in to a square body truck to replace the factory crossmember.

So the option I brought up is the only one available and financially feasible. The Sweet units are made for street and strip, and have been around for about 40 years. They rebuild them as well. There is a rebuilt one in their stock for about $600.

Personally I have to scrape and scrounge for parts, so I will not be getting one soon, but I would have no problem with their units. They are about 50% more than a new stock steering box, and would improve the driving characteristics of the B-bodies.

With all the money I see spent on other go-fast goodies, the cost of the rack is not all that bad, and service on them is readily available.

Thanks for the info Fred.Ive added it to my dream wish list....Come on,Powerball!

My point is say I take a road trip and well something breaks (plan for the worst hope for the best) Can I get replacement parts from Autozone? And you are still faced with mounting it in the car, no matter what option you go with.

Putting a new unit in will probably not break for 100,000 miles, so the risk is small. There are other parts that are OEM that you can not get from Autozone, and will terminate your trip. If you blow up a trans, you may be able to get it fixed, but it can take a few days, and cost you a lot more than the rack and pinion. It is also a lot harder to R&R a trans.