OEM Steering rack repair

[Rick Parker]

I have found it necessary to do some work on my steering rack. I am using a narrowed rack for a very early MGB which is very similar to what was used during production of original CSX cars, with the exception of the input shaft length (mine is cut to match). My question is whether the rack in a CSX application was rigidly mounted to the chassis, or did it have some rubber isolation such as in MGB application. Also inside the rack on the end opposite from the pinion is a bushing that guides the rack. The replacement bushing is made of solid brass with a spiral groove for lubrication, I thought the OEM bushing was worn which initiated this procedure, but it turned out to be the lack of preload between the pinion and the rack itself. The OEM bushing has a rubber isolator within to (I assume) to potentially eliminate harshness in the steering.
Do any of you think using the fresh brass bushing would create an undesirable side effect. The original type is NLA.

Sorry to be so long......

[joyridin']

Throw the rubber isolated version away and put the solid brass in place. You may get a little more vibration, but the responsiveness you get in return will probably be 10-fold.

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

My question is whether the rack in a CSX application was rigidly mounted to the chassis, or did it has some rubber isolation such as in MGB application.....

Rack and pinion steering assemblies in street Cobras/427 Cobras/AC 289 Sports are hard mounted to the chassis. There are short steel distances pieces between the chassis and rack housing.