Steering rack info:

[markup97]

Some steering rack ratio info:

As per thecarconnectioncom: Rack ratios: Lock-To-Lock turns:


1989-97 MN12 platform and 93-96 MKVIIIs: 14.10:1 2.75
1997-98 Lincoln MKVIIIs: 17.25:1 3.23





Hope this helps answer some swap questions.

 

[warden]

All year part numbers are the same wherever i look. No difference. Do you know the diff part numbers and where to get them?

 

[markup97]

Generally speaking, all remanufactured steering racks will have the Thunderbird steering rack ratio, as it was the most widely used. Partsgeek was the only place I knew of that still listed a separate part number for a remanufactured 97-98 MKVIII rack.

 

[beerdog]

It will be interestingt to see what Bill and Jeremi think. They buy allot of new racks. Thsi has been discussed several times.

 

[markup97]

I have seen some of the discussion related to Remanufactured racks and whether they do indeed have different ratios for their intended generation. That is why I state that 'Generally' all remanufactured racks use the T-Bird/Cougar/Gen-1 MKVIII gearing. A few parts houses still list separate numbers for the Gen-2 cars.


My intent for posting the numbers was to provide a factory reviewed reference for the changes in ratios and for that information to be used to improve the steering response/turn-in of the Gen-2 cars and what racks to look for in the salvage yards if going the low-budget swap route.

 

[billcu]

I agree, I like the quicker steering of the gen 1 and T Bird racks.

I've replaced a couple of racks, but I think once I had to order a T Bird rack, because I couldn't find a gen 1 rack.

 

[markup97]

I am grabbing a rack from a 93 Cougar this weekend. Once I replace the rack bushings and outer tie-rod ends I will be installing it in my 97 Base. Once the car is back together, I will be able to see for myself if it makes any real difference or feels any different!

 

[markup97]

Got the rack and the Energy Suspension bushings. Will be picking up the outer tie rods two weeks from now. Can't wait to report back (as the rest of the car is slowly coming back together).

 

[evilscientistmoose]

So, what the OP is saying is that the 97-98 MK8 rack is a bit more of a stable drive at speed?

Curses. Oh well, this car isn't too bad...and I've got a rebuilt rack going into my '94.

 

[markup97]

What the original poster is saying is that he is a 'G' junkie and was looking for the quickest lock-to-lock ratio rack available for his land yacht (and in the process sharing that info with the collective so that they can make informed decisions for what they want and what they will get in their vehicles)!

What the last poster ^^^^^ took from it was that the 97-98s are more stable at speed due to requiring more turns lock-to-lock (therefore effecting how much deflection occurs when the wheel is inadvertently turned/tweaked). However, any input at speed will result in deflection and deviation from course.

Being a 'G'-junkie, I just learn to drive the car with the quicker rack installed and have fun doing so.