Depower Rack

[GTOKID64]

Hi - I have a 99 Ranger and am planning on building a dedicated drag truck for 1/8 and 1/4 mi bracket racing. I need some input on depowering the rack and pinion outside of looping the lines - unless that is the only way. I depowered a Mazda Miata rack last year by dissassembling and cutting out the internal piston.
Any input would be great - Thanks.

 

[19Walt93]

I think looping the hoses is your only choice. Obviously the rack will wear out quickly without fluid circulating through it but it shouldn't be a problem for a drag truck.

 

[Curious Hound]

Wait. Aren't drag strips straight? Get rid of all the weight of the steering system. Weld the wheels straight!

 

[GTOKID64]

I think looping the hoses is your only choice. Obviously the rack will wear out quickly without fluid circulating through it but it shouldn't be a problem for a drag truck.

Thanks, I appreciate the input - I depowered a 91 Mazda Miata rack last year - there is a procedure on-line - basically you dissassemble the rack and remove the piston that separates the driver/passenger side on the shaft - then reassemble. Pretty common in the Miata world - nothing in the Ranger world.

 

[19Walt93]

Take it apart and look it over, the same procedure may work.

 

[racsan]

not sure how similar it would be, but what about a manual pinto rack?