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« on: March 05, 2020, 10:10:49 AM »
Rack and Pinion Steering Conversion Kit for full size 1960-1964 Ford/Mercury
Wurth-It Designs Power Rack and Pinion Conversion Kit for full size 1960-1964 Ford and Mercury cars. I purchased this kit in 2007 from Wurth-It Designs for my 1964 Mercury Marauder. The parts sat unopened in my shop until June of 2019 when I finally found the time and money to start on my project. When I originally purchased the kit from the late Mr. Wurth I asked if it could be used with the factory the Ford high performance cast iron long tube headers that I had scrounged up several years prior for my FE 390 motor. At that time he told me that my headers probably wouldn't work but being the consummate damn the torpedoes type, I disregarded his suggestions and purchased the kit anyway. Fast forward to 2019 and after finally installing the kit If found that Mr. Wurth was correct, I was unable to use the kit with my headers. I attempted to grind clearance in the passenger side rack mount and got the needed clearance there but I could not make them fit on the driver's side. Also because my ride is a 4 speed car, I had to modify the Wurth-It supplied inner steering shaft support which was designed to bolt into the factory Mercury frame using the holes for the clutch Z-Bar mount. My mods to the shaft support worked just fine.
The bottom line here is that I really wanted to use the big cast headers and begrudgingly returned to my original steering system. This set-up was never run in my car and the time has now come to pass the Wurth-It kit on to a new owner. It will work perfectly with the small factory cast iron headers and I'm sure the clever builder could whip up a custom set of tubular headers to work as well. I tried to modify an inexpensive set of shorty tubular headers to no avail. I opted to use my car's original steering column which necessitated removing the factory rag joint flange and fabricating a UHMW polymer steering shaft bearing for the low end of the column. I also secured the proper steering u-joints to attach the stock column to the new rack. These parts and complete instructions are included with the kit. Below is text from Mr. Wurth's original website detailing the product:
" For many classic Ford owners, a car that isn't up to today's driving characteristics can sometimes offset the joy of ownership. Some owners are known to comment that they "love their classic Ford, but can't stand the steering". This is the case with 57- 64 model year Fords. Our Conversions put an end to the problems associated with the out dated factory worm and sector steering boxes. No more excessive play, leaking steering rams, and exhaust manifold clearance problems associated with engine swaps (even the big 460 or the newer 4.6 overhead cam engines.) There are other steering box options (i.e. GM 605) out there to be sure, but why use a modified box of similar design when you can bolt in a modern rack and pinion with our conversion and have the steering response that modern day automobiles have. The steering ratio is 3 1/2 turns lock to lock. If the rack ever needs to be replaced you can buy one at any auto parts store. You will appreciate this if you have ever had a specialty part break while you were on a trip and the only place you could get that part was from the custom shop that made it. Our R & P mounting brackets are made from 3/8 inch steel to insure strength and eliminate any flexing in the steering system. Our goal was to make available a system that is easy to install without compromising, modifying, or altering any part of the stock factory frame. We have met that goal and now offer these Rack and Pinion conversions to you! THIS IS A TRUE BOLT- ON APPLICATION!! NO HEATING, CUTTING, DIMPLING, DRILLING AND WELDING OF THE FRAME IS NECESSARY!!! You can use stock 60-64 Ford spindles, Ford Granada or 77-79 T-Bird-Cougar spindles & disc brake swap with this conversion. Other spindles may (also) apply. "
True to his claims and following the instructions, the kit bolted right in with no problems. Had I not been stymied by the header problem I would have left the unit in my car. The grinding I did on the passenger side mount for header clearance will in no way affect the integrity of the unit. You may need to drill and tap a new hole in your frame for the intermediate steering shaft support due to my modifications to the one that came with the kit. Had I stuck with the unit I probably would have welded mount to my frame for my own peace of mind. The kit came with tie rod ends that I unfortunately banged up when uninstalling the system from my car but they will also go with the kit. Since this is a power rack, unused hoses are included and the unit can be used with your factory steering pump. As you may have gathered from this lengthy description, I'll be glad to provide any additional assistance you might need to install this in your vehicle. Yours for $1100, located in Columbus, OH.
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