Rack and pinion “build”

[LXS]

So my plan, so far, is to go with the Summit rack and pinion (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaz-22-2000/), Steeda bump steer kit (https://www.steeda.com/steeda-mustan...-555-8104.html) and, possibly, urethane or billet Steeda offset rack bushings. My original plan was to go with the LMR rack and pinion kit (https://lmr.com/item/LRS-3504E-K/mus...-rack-kit-9904), but at $369.99, I can get all of the above mentioned for just under the cost of the LMR rack kit! At the moment my front suspension consists of H&R race springs and some OLD Koni struts. I have some tubular lower control arms that I bought from a member here (brtnstrns) almost 5 years back that I never got around to installing because they require coil overs. So guess what, once the rack and pinion “project” is done, I’m FINALLY gonna get some coil overs! Lol I’m also interested in the Steeda X2 ball joints, but the tubular lowers I have are brand new, so I kinda don’t want to swap out a brand new ball joint unless it’s absolutely necessary. I don’t have money galore to throw around, so the coil over/lowers project probably won’t be for another couple months from now, but by then, who knows, I may have some extra cash to throw at those X2?! Anyway, what does everyone think? Am I missing anything? Perhaps I’m overlooking something? Any help, tips, and advice is much appreciated! Thanks!

[j rick kirby]

Forget the ball joints and offset rack bushings.

By the way what are you going to do with this car?

[LXS]

Originally Posted by j rick kirby

Forget the ball joints and offset rack bushings.

By the way what are you going to do with this car?

It’s my daily driven car that I want lowered with a suspension I can have fun with on the freeway, street and track (straight line and twisties). I can see xinay’ing the ball joints, but why the offset rack bushings? Are they really not worth it? More “hype” than anything else?!

[LXS]

And that’s what I want at the moment, it being my daily. Once I have a devoted daily, I plan on either building/stroking my motor, or swapping in a different motor. Either way, I plan on adding boost, a pair of twins or possibly twin screw, but that’s waaay later into the future. I want to enjoy my car as my daily as it sits at the moment. My rear suspension is almost completely “built.” I’ve got MM lowers, adjustable uppers, 31 spline axels, 4.56s, cobra posi, extended wheels studs and I believe that about covers it. One thing I do know I need are sub frame connectors for sure! Not sure if I need a pan hard bar tho, but that’s not on my list at the moment anyway.

[j rick kirby]

Just installing every part on the market does not make the car better. You can easily spend tons of cash and have a car that's good at nothing, no fun to drive, unreliable and a money pit. For one, offset rack bushings create a problem that wasn't there to start with. I suggest you go to the MM website and spend some time reading in their FAQ/tech sections. You will save yourself lots of problems.

[LXS]

Originally Posted by j rick kirby

Just installing every part on the market does not make the car better. You can easily spend tons of cash and have a car that's good at nothing, no fun to drive, unreliable and a money pit. For one, offset rack bushings create a problem that wasn't there to start with. I suggest you go to the MM website and spend some time reading in their FAQ/tech sections. You will save yourself lots of problems.

AWESOME!! Now THAT’S what I’m looking for, great advice!! I’m on it! I do need to read and do my homework, cause you’re completely right, throwing a ton of money at a car doesn’t mean squat! Totally appreciate the advice!

Oh, and word on the shop info?! I don’t plan on getting rid of my stock rack, would love to have it rebuilt and put away for the future

[311-420]

Originally Posted by j rick kirby

Just installing every part on the market does not make the car better. You can easily spend tons of cash and have a car that's good at nothing, no fun to drive, unreliable and a money pit.

yup. and chasing too much hp can easily become another ruiner of a perfectly good car, especially when not done by pros or people who are extremely competent in the shop and have the resources and dedication to see the project all the way out.