With any vehicle, the ability to steer the vehicle where you want it to go is important. In this installment of the #FairmontProject I install the manual rack I got from a viewer in Washington State as part of a package suspension deal.
Some may disagree with my choice of manual rack for this build and to be honest, I do too. That’s why I have purchased a power steering rack that I’ll be installing with the new K member and front suspension. I think the manual rack would have been fun, but as I’ve said time and again, I want to drive this car. Power steering will make driving it that much more fun.
So, before you get all butt hurt in the comments, read the description!
Previous video in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC3qR0LEUno
The #FairmontProject playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L22GsHQi7tU&list=PLSzhQ6St-ov2nxWVKCeU14Vt7JJ_QSZvs
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/66765-installing-a-manual-steering-rack-fairmontproject
Parts
Manual rack for 79-93 Fox Body: http://www.americanmuscle.com/flamingriver-manual-steering-rack-7993.html
Bump steer tie rod ends: https://lmr.com/item/ST-5558105/79-04-Mustang-Steeda-Bumpsteer-Kit-Manual-Steering-Red
Tools
Knipex Pliers: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/knipex-8701250-10-cobra-pliers/#oid=1002_1
Ironclad gloves (review, links in the description): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EftLemmvA1w
Related videos
What is bump steer?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17q0KMwT5Ls
Alignment Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBUxJSeYiow
New Fairmont Parts (Suspension): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKS0ZLQJpUA
New Fairmont Parts (Suspension): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAxqcAwiDy8&t=4s
#DarkmatterPikachu Dyno Testing Day (Full Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naj3LL-zIj0
Engine Balancing Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjuGkXpha8Q
**Answers to your automotive questions found here: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
Hey Eric, I just swapped the power steering rack in my fox mustang. After bleeding I took it around the neighborhood and found the steering wheel tries to turn itself and doesn't return back to center after a turn. Any ideas? I still need to do an alignment.
I'm converting my 1974 f350 from power to manual steering, do I need a new axle or can I get by with just a manual steering gear box?
Nice…I like the steering stops. Better than the plastic rack limiters.
Are you located in Florida?
Use a 1971 Ford Pinto rack in my Vega. Works great, and I also used heim joints to prevent bumpsteer.
Eric, good video. Just a thought. That steering column is collapsible. You're able to extend it out towards the engine bay and avoid lengthening the steering shaft. Keep up the good vids!
17:06 Eric thats impressive bro, I suggest some kind of rubber stops when turning sterring, also a rubber boot over that custom made part , may prevent debri going in, when it comes to servicing.
I'm starting to wonder if a "This is all subject to change per hindsight 20/20" disclaimer at the beginning of all the vids might remove some outdated comments.
Thank you for posting this series. As someone who is trying to bring an '89 mustang rolling chassis back to life, I find these videos very helpful.
When installing a manual steering rack for 2001 mustang v6 3.8 what do u put in place for the power steering pump when removing it?
Power racks without the assist sucks. I would rather get out of a car on the side of the road and leave it instead of drive one like that.
Dude – you were trying to pound the steering shaft into the column upside down. It'll only go in one way – one side is flat and the other's concave…
Excellent tutorial. I watch all of your videos. As much as I have worked on cars since I was a teenager, I still learn a good amount of things from your videos. Thanks for posting them.
hey Eric our dodge neon just broke down it's a late 90s early 2000s, it's kinda cold but we tried to jump start it and that didn't work it has power you turn the key and it clicks but the car doesn't make a sound, any suggestions thanks
1,2,3,4 … back to power steering setup , LOL !
Eric dont be such stingy and put a power steering on that thing. Manual steerings are for guys who like to wrestle with their cars. Oops sorry, just read the description now, good choice. thumbs up.
7:41 I have a rough Guesstimation
I would run more narrow tires in the front that should help u w the steering too
Nice Fab work Eric. Can't wait to see this beast on the road.
haven't watched in a while. just watched the front brake install too. gotta say. your a likable funny guy, as such you don't need to be Mr. has all the answers. ei: Eric O., you can just be Mr CarGuy. it's not fun to watch a cool; frustrated person struggle. take care man, all the best luck.
Eric you do realize that the fairmont column was collapsing as you were pounding the upper joint in ? its a collapse able column so the shaft doesn't impale your face in a collision
pull the column back out sand the paint off the other shaft and stick it in…if you run it as is at least drill a hole in each end ,pin it with steel dowels and weld the pins
Thanks for the video Eric, the modification you made to the steering shaft is something that is completely illegal in my country and if seen at yearly safety inspection the car is immobilized immediately,
I had a 1979 Mustang, and that damned "rag joint" (flexible coupler) had dry rotted out and cracked into four or five large pieces; these parts were just hanging loose in the joint. When the flexible coupler's chunks finally fell out of the joint I was on the Interstate and almost had a wreck because I had like five or six inches of slop in the steering and made it nearly impossible to keep a straight line. I pulled over to see what had happened. I knew just about zero about cars back then (1989). I "fixed" the sector shaft with my shoelace. It held well for about a month until I could get a replacement flexible coupler installed. (Scary how stupid we can be when we are young.) I replaced it with one that had been punched from a tire, so it was super strong. It was also less spongy feeling, so the feel of the steering was much improved. It was punched from the belt section of a steel belted radial tire and was in goo shape when I finally sold the car in 1996. The OEM rubber flexible coupler completely disintegrates after about a decade. I think you can find the type of steel impregnated one I got (or better) online, and the steering response is much more direct when you get rid of that rubber disc.
I did away with the power steering on my car, and it is awesome. I also did away with my power brakes, but only because I like my brakes to be linear, and with the power assist, they were too touchy. I daily my car like this, and it isn't difficult.
My dream is to build an incredible sleeper out of something mundane, as Eric is doing with the Fairmont. Thanks to Eric I can see that with a little money and a lot of hard work, that dream can be realized.
steering u joints are out of phase its going to bind up
Dude are you like semi hammered doing these vids? Im-ple-menting LOL. I'll drink to that
Hello, Eric. I was informed by an old tool and die maker, years ago, that the heat at a weld joint pulls carbon from the surrounding area and so will cause the joint to be brittle. One has to anneal a weld in order to get the carbon distribution back to its former state. Heat up to a dull red and allow to air cool.
If it don't fit, force it. If something breaks it needed replacing anyway.
Great job on all that hard work Eric