Rack and Pinion problems

[Ezpilot]

I am a new cobra owner. I bought an 87 Mid States Cobra and I am in need help. The steering is really quite scary. About an inch of slop and at times the car doesn't seem to want to turn. I want to replace the entire rack and pinion, rod ends and anything else associated. The funky thing about it is it has a 12 inch mount. I understand that a lot of manufacturers us a Mustang II system, but they seem to be all 16 inch mount system. I haven't been under the car yet so those are the only measurements I have. There is a number on the rack 35 500 131, can anybody please help.

[joyridin']

Is it a manual rack or power?

[Ezpilot]

It is a 3 mount Manual system.

[eschaider]

You may get lucky and discover the slop is associated with a loose mount. On the other hand, if you have the luck of most of us, it is either rebuild or replace time. Here's hoping for good luck 👍 ...

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Ezpilot

I am a new cobra owner. I bought an 87 Mid States Cobra and I am in need help. The steering is really quite scary. About an inch of slop and at times the car doesn't seem to want to turn. I want to replace the entire rack and pinion, rod ends and anything else associated. The funky thing about it is it has a 12 inch mount. I understand that a lot of manufacturers us a Mustang II system, but they seem to be all 16 inch mount system. I haven't been under the car yet so those are the only measurements I have. There is a number on the rack 35 500 131, can anybody please help.

I believe they used a Mustang II (1974-1978) steering rack. Easy enough to swap out if need be.


Bill S.

[joyridin']

Originally Posted by Ezpilot

It is a 3 mount Manual system.

That might be a bit hard since all the aftermarket units are made with the 15" mounting holes. Rock Auto has them and they say they may come with 2 or 3 holes. I haven't seen a 3 hole mount in years.

[Hotrod46]

Check with Flaming River. They advertise that they can build custom racks within a range of widths. I don't think it's absolutely required to use 3 mounts. Ford abandoned that idea after a few years of production. Many MII'S and all Fox bodies only had 2 mounts.

I know nothing of the Cobra you have,but do know that is possible to narrow the manual MII rack several inches. Classic Roadsters used to do it for their Saxon Healey replica. I have the procedure somewhere. Didn't look too difficult but required a lathe and the ability to cut threads. Welding was needed too.

[Ezpilot]

So, With the help by Dana at Shell Valley I have found out that a Mustang II Rack will work.
He saw that it was a 3bolt mount and asked me to measure the distance from the passenger side mount to the driver side mount. What, wait...it is 16 inches. Amazing what someone with knowledge can do for a newbie. Thanks Dana for your help. Now to save up the money to buy a new rack.