Should I replace the steering rack?

[Flesh Eater]

I've only had this one a year, and am a bumper (which arrives Monday) short of having it where I want it. So I would like to get a while out of it.

I do all my own wrenching, and when it is spaced out quite enjoy it. When I have to do it all at once though, it gets old fast. Plus, while a steering rack is diyable, it's not an easy diyable. If it needs to be done I'll do it, but if I'm just borrowing trouble... It doesn't help that the steering rack isn't clearly broken one way or another, and that most steering racks come with parts I have to buy (inner tie rods, boots)

Anyway, I've flip flopped 4 ways since this morning. I'm sure I'll come up with another flip flop or two before ordering parts tomorrow.

I get it man. I built a Bronco from last August until now, rebuilding everything under the body. I got worn out on it and did not want to fix the camber issue. It sucked, but I just keep trucking along.

If you don’t NEED to drive this every day, walk away for a few days and then come back to it. Sometimes that will help. You’ll eventually tell yourself to put your big boy pants on, man up, and get it done.

 

[montijo505]

I get it man. I built a Bronco from last August until now, rebuilding everything under the body. I got worn out on it and did not want to fix the camber issue. It sucked, but I just keep trucking along.

If you don’t NEED to drive this every day, walk away for a few days and then come back to it. Sometimes that will help. You’ll eventually tell yourself to put your big boy pants on, man up, and get it done.

Great advice! Nothing more soul crushing than working on a car when you’re already frustrated and tired.


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[Drcoffee]

Before you go ripping out the rack do these two cheap things. Buy AT205 stop leak and a magnefine 3/8” inline filter. The AT205 reconditions the piston seals and will stop the leak. The filter will keep wear particles from wearing out the seals. All in $35. Run it a while and recheck for leaks. Think of the hell it will be to R&R the rack and hope you get the steering wheel lined up correctly.

I put my inline filter right up by the reservoir in the return line. The steering system has no filtration unless you add it.
I painted mine red, I dont know why

 

[gimlithepirate]

I get it man. I built a Bronco from last August until now, rebuilding everything under the body. I got worn out on it and did not want to fix the camber issue. It sucked, but I just keep trucking along.

If you don’t NEED to drive this every day, walk away for a few days and then come back to it. Sometimes that will help. You’ll eventually tell yourself to put your big boy pants on, man up, and get it done.

Thanks for the encouragement. I ordered parts today, and I'm not touching it until they get here.

Now I just have to decide if it's worth renting an air hammer for the project or if I'm just going with a long punch and a bfh.

 

[gimlithepirate]

Before you go ripping out the rack do these two cheap things. Buy AT205 stop leak and a magnefine 3/8” inline filter. The AT205 reconditions the piston seals and will stop the leak. The filter will keep wear particles from wearing out the seals. All in $35. Run it a while and recheck for leaks. Think of the hell it will be to R&R the rack and hope you get the steering wheel lined up correctly.

I put my inline filter right up by the reservoir in the return line. The steering system has no filtration unless you add it.
I painted mine red, I dont know why

I thought about doing this, as I'm adding at205 to the next engine oil change anyway. Ultimately, there was already a suggestion of play in the bushings, and the leak, and I needed new ITE and boots either way, so I just decided to tackle the steering rack.

 

[Flesh Eater]

Thanks for the encouragement. I ordered parts today, and I'm not touching it until they get here.

Now I just have to decide if it's worth renting an air hammer for the project or if I'm just going with a long punch and a bfh.

I’d get into it and see how the BFH and punch go. Might go better than expected. This looks like a nice Runner from your build. Not a rusted up junker. Take your time, take many beer breaks, and it’ll be done before ya know it.

Nice, tight, new steering is sweet so the effort is worth it.