DIY Manual Rack Feedback?

[Morelia236]

I'm about to do the conversion tomorrow with a junk yard rack. I just wanted to get some feedback about your feelings on the manual rack vs looping lines from those who have done it. Do you regret doing the conversion?
I've already searched the forum and haven't found sufficient feedback about it so this is why I post this question.
PS: I do have a leaking PS system and will be tracking the car on weekends.

['93CB7Ex]

I did it. It definatly feels better than looping the lines.

[Morelia236]

I did it. It definatly feels better than looping the lines.

Hows the steering feel at a stop? Is there any play in the rack?

[illinois_erik]

let us know how it goes! I want to be doing this to the swap shells rack as soon as the weather breaks. can anyone chime in on what to do with all the accompanying lines behind the block, like to the VSS and the thing that modulates the power steerings assist at speed, can I cleave all that shit off afterwards. im still auto too btw

edit: OP are you throwing in new inner tie rods and outer? i think i will along with new bellows, what kinda grease will you be using?
that might be the play @ stop -------^

[Morelia236]

let us know how it goes! I want to be doing this to the swap shells rack as soon as the weather breaks. can anyone chime in on what to do with all the accompanying lines behind the block, like to the VSS and the thing that modulates the power steerings assist at speed, can I cleave all that shit off afterwards. im still auto too btw

edit: OP are you throwing in new inner tie rods and outer? i think i will along with new bellows, what kinda grease will you be using?
that might be the play @ stop -------^

Yes I am installing new inner and outer tie rods, and I'm not sure on grease yet my step dad will help me with that as he knows what would be best and I'm going to install grease fittings as well. I will reply with what grease I used once finished.

['93CB7Ex]

yea it has play in it. im not sure how to fix it, ive just gotten used to it.

[LadyG]

I am very interested in how this turns out.

I played with the idea of changing out the splined piece that fits into the steering column, and/or swapping inner tie rods from our car on another chassis rack- but I only had ej/ek manual racks to compare to ours.
I have no idea how/if that bit that fits into the steering column can be changed. None of those racks were long enough- but I have not yet had the chance to see if using yet another chassis (longer) tie rod ends is a possibility.
And then, they all have to fit together!
The splines for the steering column for us is COMPLETELY different than the other chassis I compared it to.
By BF seems to think it would be more worth my while to order a custom rack ($1000), but I want to figure out how to make it myself. (and share that info!)
If I figure it out, I'm gonna call it the Frankinrack, lol.

[illinois_erik]

Yes I am installing new inner and outer tie rods, and I'm not sure on grease yet my step dad will help me with that as he knows what would be best and I'm going to install grease fittings as well. I will reply with what grease I used once finished.

Thats a good idea of installing grease zerks, could you show where you install them when youre done, thanks for the info too

[Odogg427]

I just got my spare rack to convert to manual and was also wonder how this conversion holds up in long term use and what was done with the lines no longer being used.