Rack and pinion

[Hjennings]

I have a 04 ford explorer and I'm replacing the rack and pinion, the question I have is the new rack and old rack aren't the same length, can I adjust the toe to make the length the same or was I sold the wrong one it's about 3in both sides to short. Thanks in advance

 

[Mr. Alligator]

You need to have the correct part. I do not think you have it, and making those adjustments to try to accommodate the wrong part will cause headaches.


Good luck!

 

[LMHmedchem]

I have a 04 ford explorer and I'm replacing the rack and pinion, the question I have is the new rack and old rack aren't the same length, can I adjust the toe to make the length the same or was I sold the wrong one it's about 3in both sides to short. Thanks in advance

The 4.0L v6 and 4.6L v8 use different parts. The rack for the 4.0L is shorter and will not fit around the v8 engine. The wheel base is not different, but on the 4.0L v6, the spindle on the rack that branches off to connect to the intermediate steering shaft is closer to the center of the rack than it is for the 4.6L v8 part. The exhause manifold heat shield is in the way preventing the intermediate shaft from being able to fit on the spindle. This is not something that parts dealers adequately clarify in every case, meaning they can say that the part fits your vehicle when it doesn't. I think that the part for the v8 could possibly work on a v6 but definitely not the other way around.

Which engine do you have and what specific part did you order?

LMHmedchem