Rack and Pinion Headache!

[sactnato]

So I need to replace the rack and pinion on my 88 LX and ordered a replacement rack from Rock Auto, but it was too big in diameter for my bushings so I returned it. I saw they offered a "return and rebuild" service so I decided to go that route, but got an e-mail yesterday saying they were unable to rebuild it and were returning it to me. I've read that the racks for 88 - 89s are different from the 90 - 93s and was wondering if I can just use the bushings/mounts from a 90 - 93 and order a new 90 - 93 rack, or is there some other difference that would prevent me from doing this.

[Flyin4stroke]

You can use either rack but you have to have that racks bushing and clamps. Clamps might be the same but I know the bushings are different.

[sactnato]

Ok thanks! I guess I could have kept the original rack I ordered and looked for some bushings....OH well!

[avitsefdrof]

Another option sactnato; I had mine rebuilt while I waited.....about an hour.....in Hollywood Florida about two years ago.....I can get the info if you'd like. I think it was 150.00 roughly.
MP

[Hot_Wheels]

Someone on here rebuilds them, cant remember who.

[avitsefdrof]

Someone on here rebuilds them, cant remember who.

I think Mental did it for a while, but now I'm not sure.

[avitsefdrof]

Another option sactnato; I had mine rebuilt while I waited.....about an hour.....in Hollywood Florida about two years ago.....I can get the info if you'd like. I think it was 150.00 roughly.
MP

I'm sure there are places near you but here's the info:
Sams Auto Steering
954-588-3306
Hollywood, Fl

[Flyin4stroke]

That's great info there. I know Greg (Eurotiva) is about to make some bushings for them. Mental had some efi bushings I think they sold out though. Carb and efi needs different bushings.

[sactnato]

I didn't think about having it rebuilt locally, but I'll check into that. Did they also install new inner tie rod ends? I paid $150 for the first rack I ordered which included new inners and it only took 3 days to get here.

[eurotiva]

That's a good deal

[skeeters_keeper]

Remember: the early racks use different inner rod ends than the later racks. I also re-build the racks, but only the later ones.

[1990new]

An FYI. The rebuild bushings that I ordered from FourGreen do not fit the 88/89 steel racks.

[sactnato]

I grabbed a rack and bushings off of a 91 today and will installing it tomorrow.

[sactnato]

So I was installing the 91 rack and for some reason couldn't get the steering coupler retaining bolt started then I noticed the the shaft on my 88 was only notched on one side, but the 91 has a groove around it. I have the coupler as far up as it will go, but still need it to go about 1/16 inch farther up for the bolt to be aligned with the groove. I only compared the bushing locations before I installed it, but it looks like both are notched/grooved at the same location. I was wondering if anyone knows if the couplers on the 88-89s are longer than the 90-93s.

[usmcsgt1968]

I have an 88 LX and need my R&P redone. Does anyone have diagrams of exactly how to do a replacement on this?
The Haynes manual has nothing on this. Where could I send the unit to have it reconditioned? What kind of repair
shops would offer a rebuild locally? I am in Greensboro, NC. Need any and all advice.

Thanks for any help