Steering rack

I'm now sourcing a steering rack for my new build & would like some info.
I believe the usual installation for a GTD is the Ford Cortina MK 111/VI or V unit. However, I've also been advised that an MGB rack would also be a good choice. Unfortunately the guy who told me this didn't know which type/model is suitable, does anyone have a sugestion?
Also, I believe the Ford GT used a Ford Focus rack, any info on this?
Any help much appreciated.
 

Gregg

Gregg
Lifetime Supporter
Paul, I may have a brand new RHD rack available. Let me know if you are interested. Gregg
 
Paul,
My understanding is that the Focus Rack etc was used for the Ford GT. I played around with trying to fit a Mondeo column for a while, as it was adjustable. I gave up due to its bulkiness in the GTD.

I have a Mark IV/V Cortina rack in mine.

Brett
 
Hi Doc,
The racks did not use MGB internals, although they look very similar dimensionally, also there were two rack ratios, the Le Mans cars had a lower ratio. You can machine the casing to take MGB internals.
 
Since there are already three threads titled "steering rack," I figured I should put my question in this most recent one.

I understand that the RHD steering rack in my RF is from a Cortina Mk III, Mk IV or Mk V. I am planning to replace the stock RF steering column with a til-wheel setup. I would like to fabricate a new intermediate column from 3/4" steel tube with weld-on spline adapters at either end. I was looking to source the U-joints from Equipment for Racing Professionals - Woodward Precision Power Steering!. I looked at the spline on the input of my rack and counted 36 splines and a major diameter of 0.557. According to the Woodward catalog, it looks like the Cortina rack may be a style 110 - 0.536-36 spline that fits Jack Knight and Titan racks.

I talked to the tech guy at Woodward and he said the 0.006" difference between my measurement of the Cortina rack spline and the Jack Knight size might be because it is an odd-ball metric size. I need to know what the spline specification is for the Cortina rack - is it the same as a Jack Knight, 9/16" 36-spline, or is it metric?


, Specifically, I am trying to order find
 
Hi Mark
Not really answering your question, but the uni that came with the car was from a GP4 Escort, as far as I can work out.
Found the info below at https://www.burtonpower.com/



Part No:
RD200
Status:
Available from stock.


Item Price:
£21.23
Surcharge:
£0.00
Price:
£21.23
£24.95
(exc.Vat)
(inc.Vat)


Description:
STEERING COUPLING GP4 ESCORT MK1/2

Other Info:
 
Thanks for that link, CLayton - Burton has some good stuff.

What leads you to conclude that the RF rack is from an Escort and not from a Cortina?

Anyway, my question may be moot because last night I once again disassembled my column, clearanced some of the bolt holes in the rear mounting bracket to allow additional mounting range, and added some shims to the front mounting bracket. The result, my column is now bind free and I can probably save the extra fabrication work and the $400+ that I would've otherwise spent on a new column, intermediate shaft, and U-joints. It would be nice to have a tilt column with stalk-mounted indicator switch, but that will probably have to wait for Version 2.0 of my car. :)
 
Hi Mark

The RF racks are from Cortina’s, TC /TD’s in Australia and I think Mk3’s elsewhere.
The Escort rack looks the same but is narrower than the Cortina one.
I grab an Escort one yesterday and tried the RF supplied knuckle and it fitted (I’ve got a box of them from boning out Escorts for spares). It measured 0.556” x 36 splines.
And now the bad news, I checked the rest of them today and found 2 different sizes ???
0.532” and 0.556”, so go figure ???

But as you said it doesn’t matter anymore :)
Regards

Clayton
 
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