Tight Ratio Steering Racks

[JOEZ33]

I'm about to buy a new rack for my 98 2WD Eddie bauer, its a 4 door version. The parts supplier has an option for a 2 door steering rack. My guess is this is from a "Sport" edition, and possibly means a quicker turning ratio. It costs 10$ more and I don't know if it will bolt right in or not. I want a trouble free install, but at the same time if I do all the hard work of replacing it, why not upgrade to the quicker turning ratio.

Has anyone changed to a different rack unit and if so, is there a common upgrade that you all like to use?

Thanks

 

[JOEZ33]

I havent been able to find out any information about this, so I went ahead and bought the standard replacement rack. If anyone knows the difference between the 2 door and 4 door racks please let me know as soon as you can. Thanks

JOE

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I've never heard of different racks for the sports- who was the vendor?

Check NAPA online.com, they have detailed specifics about their parts.

 

[JOEZ33]

Well, Cardone is the vendor at Advance auto parts. I've searched online for parts, and every place that sells them shows two different part numbers for the 2 door "Sport" and the standard 4 door model. My thoughts are that the "Sport" model gets a quicker ratio to make it feel "sporty". It makes sense to me, but I can't find any info.

 

[Pensa]

The only thing I can tell is I have a two door X and the steering seems quicker than you would think it would be. Having never driven a four door I can't tell you if they have the same feel or not.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

They show to be different part numbers, but I know the front suspension and crossmembers are the same- I'd be the sport model is a quicker ratio. I wonder if that contributed to the higher rollover rate on sports? :scratch:

 

[JOEZ33]

Higher rollover rates...? That's really interesting. I thought about that and did a search earlier, a lawsuit popped up mentioning steering ratios and lack of understeer etc. but I didn't read the whole thing. Now I really want to know if it bolts in or not, and depending on who the main driver is....I may just leave the slower ratio in there. I know how to react to a rear tire blowout but my wife does not- don't react at all LOL. Those who react instinctively hit the brakes and instantly lose control- idiots. There should be a mandatory stunt driving school for getting your license, or some kind of hands on training involving real life situations...

 

[Cobraguy]

You know, I would expect the 2 dr model to have a SLOWER steering response due to the shorter wheel base. But I just checked ATSCO...they have two different applications too.

 

[JOEZ33]

You know that's another good point. With the higher CG and shorter wheel base it really needs a moderate turning ratio. Of course who says that the 17:1 ratio on the standard explorer model is fast to begin with. My old 78 grand am came with a 14:1 ratio steering box as part of the rally sport package, and still isn't a tight ratio in my opinion. The truth is that originally, the type of person who would buy a standard model Xplorer was not looking for performance, and most likely didn't know how to handle a vehicle more than going to the grocery store from point A to B. At the same time I think the designers believed there was a market for people looking to buy an "SUV" but who still wanted performance- and to lure them into buying after the test drive the made the "feel" and look of the vehicle more performance oriented by having two doors and shorter wheelbase. That would lead me to believe it could/would have a tighter steering box- even though a high percentage of the potential buyers wouldn't know how to handle that vehicle in a hazardous situation.

 

[JOEZ33]

Update

I installed the steering rack, it's made by Cardone, came with a lifetime warranty. I don't know if it's a quality brand since I never heard of it, but it was in perfect shape, packaged nicely, and came with real nice protective plastic covers over all the threaded fittings and tie rod ends.

End result is a like new feeling when driving my explorer. We've had this explorer for 9 years, put 173,000 miles on it, and I didn't realize how much the steering system had worn out until now. Before the steering wheel was sloppy and light, felt flimsy- now it's pretty tight and snaps back to center whenever you let go of it. Also there's no more binding feeling or crunching when turning the wheel into a parking spot.

It feels like it's actually harder to steer now than before, so I'm wondering if the rack has a different ratio, or if the rack itself has a setting to control how much assist the steering pump gives.

 

[Cobraguy]

A-1 Cardone is one of the best remanufacturers in the world. I rate their steering boxes right behind ATSCO. Barely behind.

 

[JOEZ33]

Now that I've driven the truck for a few days I've noticed a difference in how it turns corners. The first day was hard to tell because I was too paranoid listening for loose parts and leaks etc. But now It's really obvious when turning into a fork in the road, or just plain turning a corner in a major intersection- it has the quicker steering ratio now. Before I had to turn the steering wheel a LOT more when making a simple right turn, or when backing up a trailer I had to steer like crazy. But now it's much smaller movements of the steering wheel to back up a trailer, or turning corners. I like it, feels good, like a whole new vehicle. I'll find the receipt and post the part number just to be sure, maybe it's all in my head... the part number will tell the truth.

 

[Pensa]

I like the quick steering, but then I used to drive English sports cars with rack and pinion steering. It doesn't take a whole lot of steering wheel movement to make turns.

The down side is you have to keep in mind the Explorer isn't a sports car and will roll over if you are too radical with the steering. In a panic situation you have to keep that in mind.

 

[JOEZ33]

Well the steering isn't "quick" as far as real life comparisons to most vehicles. But it is definitely much nicer than before, a little better feeling, most likely a better ratio. I'm used to my 350Z daily driver, and after driving the X for the last two weeks I was tired of the boring slow ratio steering. After replacing the rack I was slightly reminded of being connected with the road again... lol.

So basically the new rack isn't a dramatic difference, and so far I have no proof of a better ratio, but it definitely feels like a better ratio. I'll know for sure when I dig up the part number I installed.