'03 351w Ranger manual steering rack

[ford_ranger12]

I have a new ranger I'm starting on but this ones getting a 351w. I'm doing a lot of stuff already and have the wires hidden in the dash, extended the control arms out 4.5", and tubing fender wells. Battery's going behind the seat. And a few more things will be done but I wanted to ask opinions on the steering. I know the explorer power steering is a solid choice but I want to ditch it all together. I have an idea to fit a manual foxbody rack to the ranger. If I do so it will give me tons of oil pan clearance for the 351 as it will sit in front of the crossmember instead of on top. It's will also be easily removed or changed if it goes out and I won't have to worry about power steering anymore. I had a manual rack before and it's not a huge difference imo. Also it may give me better steering rod to header clearance, don't know about that yet since the engines not in the truck. My only concern is with the rack sitting in front of the crossmember the tie rods are angled more back than straight out. Does anyone think this would cause problems with steering or cause it to go bad quicker than usual?

 

[brokecanadianstudent]

You might run into a bunch of unwanted bumpsteer if you go messing with the steering geometry. I'd keep that in mind

 

[ford_ranger12]

That was one thing I had in mind. Now I'm kinda thinking this isn't gonna work.