Anyone tried putting a 4th gen rack and pinion steering system on a 3rd gen?
SubscribeI was thinking of doing it, looks like it would work but wanted to know if anyone had tried it.
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1987 Trans Am GTA WS6
-5.7L SuperRam
-TFS Twisted Wedge Heads
-LT4 HOTCAM
-LT1 PM Rods
-4L60-E Transmission
-LS1 Aluminum Driveshaft
-4.10 SRD
1988 Pontiac Grand Am
-3800 SFI V6
-125-C Trans
-Stock 2.5L converter (stalls at about 3000)
-Stock emissions equipment
Domestic Terrors Car Club Online
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1987 Trans Am GTA WS6
-5.7L SuperRam
-TFS Twisted Wedge Heads
-LT4 HOTCAM
-LT1 PM Rods
-4L60-E Transmission
-LS1 Aluminum Driveshaft
-4.10 SRD
1988 Pontiac Grand Am
-3800 SFI V6
-125-C Trans
-Stock 2.5L converter (stalls at about 3000)
-Stock emissions equipment
Domestic Terrors Car Club Online
Supreme Member
the whole front suspension is different.
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-Tas
'89 Formula WS-6
[soon to be Torch Red with black hood and headlights =) ]
305, TBI, auto, 14x3 chrome flat based open element with K&N, Milodon 160* thermo, functional Formula hood, cross-flow Flowmaster, '99z28 rear pipes and tips....
Super GRK_Taz World
EFI & Intake Options
AOL IM: superGRtaz
ICQ 82881207
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-Tas
'89 Formula WS-6
[soon to be Torch Red with black hood and headlights =) ]
305, TBI, auto, 14x3 chrome flat based open element with K&N, Milodon 160* thermo, functional Formula hood, cross-flow Flowmaster, '99z28 rear pipes and tips....
Super GRK_Taz World
EFI & Intake Options
AOL IM: superGRtaz
ICQ 82881207
I know the whole front suspension is different. But based on the measurements I have already taken, it looks like it would work.
Supreme Member
Just curious, & no offense meant, but.. why do this?
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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!
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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!
well, a lot of reasons, have you ever driven a rack and pinion car? the steering feel is so much more responsive and positive. another good reason, how much do you think an aluminum rack and pinion weighs compared to all the steel and cast iron of the factory 3rd gen? big difference, probably looking at at least 50 lb difference off the front!
Member
am not 100%sure of the measurements (am in aus and we dont get to many 4th gens to look at )
i have read on these boards that the 4th gen tracks around 3 to 4 inches wider than our 3rd gens ..if that is the case i would imagine that shortening the stering arms onto our cars would introduce unwanted bump steer ...will be great when/if someone adapts rack and pinion for 3rd gen i hate the feel of a steering box compared to the rack
maybe the steeroids (sp) people will develop one in time
i have read on these boards that the 4th gen tracks around 3 to 4 inches wider than our 3rd gens ..if that is the case i would imagine that shortening the stering arms onto our cars would introduce unwanted bump steer ...will be great when/if someone adapts rack and pinion for 3rd gen i hate the feel of a steering box compared to the rack
maybe the steeroids (sp) people will develop one in time

Member
I wish I could offer more information on this subject but I've heard of a rack and pinion being done to a 3rd gen before. However, I don't know were the source of the parts came from possibily not even a 4th gen but plenty of other cars have come stock with rack and pinion.
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1984 WS6 Trans Am Hartop
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 Trans Am T-tops
4-bolt main 350, headers, Holley 650, T-5, dual elec. fans and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration
13.98 @ 101
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1984 WS6 Trans Am Hartop
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 Trans Am T-tops
4-bolt main 350, headers, Holley 650, T-5, dual elec. fans and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration
13.98 @ 101
Probably get shorter tie rods, hard part would be mounting it.
Member
Somewhere i think I saw a kit for a 3rd gen to put a Pinto rack & pinion on it. Anyone know where to get this?
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1991 Z28 - 350 TPI, T56, McLeod street clutch, ported plenum & runners, AFPR, Holley Annihilator ignition box and wires, Hooker shorty headers w/o AIR, Flowmaster muffler, homeade ram-air, SSM subframe connectors, Kenny Brown STB, Global West steering box brace, Steve Spohn adjustable torque arm and T56 crossmember
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1991 Z28 - 350 TPI, T56, McLeod street clutch, ported plenum & runners, AFPR, Holley Annihilator ignition box and wires, Hooker shorty headers w/o AIR, Flowmaster muffler, homeade ram-air, SSM subframe connectors, Kenny Brown STB, Global West steering box brace, Steve Spohn adjustable torque arm and T56 crossmember
Senior Member
I've seen conversions done using pinto racks on an aftermarket tubular crossmember/A-arm kit. It was for the drag racing crowd. I don't think it would improve the steering. Since I'm learning to weld and have to sold my 89 IROC, I have to start from scratch; I'm thinking of attempting to graft a complete 88-96 vette front suspension under a third gen if possible along with the IRS which has already been done. It's just an idea, I may just go with a 99-up WS6 or Firehawk since they have a good SLA fornt suspension from the factory. Later, Draino
Senior Member
http://www.paracing.com
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1982 Camaro Z28
should be running 11's this spring...we'll see
Check the website for progress http://members.fbody.com/Pro82Z/
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1982 Camaro Z28
should be running 11's this spring...we'll see
Check the website for progress http://members.fbody.com/Pro82Z/
has anyone triied to do this swap from a 4th gen?
Senior Member
ive seen the paracing kit good stuff and not that expensive.but if it works let us know
Senior Member
I have a front rack from a 4th gen F-body that's like new AND already been narrowed to fit a 3rd gen. It also includes the lines to go to your ps pump and a universal joint adapter that replaces the rag joint. All you need to do is get a bump steer kit and have a mounting bracket welded on your front crossmember.
$375 shipped takes it.
Alot cheaper than the setup Hawk's has!
$375 shipped takes it.
Alot cheaper than the setup Hawk's has!
Member
I have a used 93 k member I'll let go of for dirt in Michigan. 
If you need anything related let me know... I've got nothing to do with the stuff and only need the motor and trans.

If you need anything related let me know... I've got nothing to do with the stuff and only need the motor and trans.
Senior Member
Junior Member
WOW, that pricey! I barely have that invested into my whole car. Looks pretty trick though. I think if I had to make a choice, I would put that kind of money into my engine, or a real good brake system.
Member
Looks familiar
Member
has anyone done this?
TTOP350
Supreme Member
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Its been done many times.
the problem is the turning radius sucks because of the spindle arm length difference. 3rd gens are longer than 4th gen, which means the car wont turn as tight..
the problem is the turning radius sucks because of the spindle arm length difference. 3rd gens are longer than 4th gen, which means the car wont turn as tight..
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.ph...005/FR40022PLN
check out this rack it will fit pinto rack mounts which all manufactures of k-members for our cars have!
check out this rack it will fit pinto rack mounts which all manufactures of k-members for our cars have!



