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Shorter Ratio Steering Racks?


99streetranger

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2023
Messages
83
City
Virginia
Vehicle Year
1999
Engine
3.0 V6
Total Drop
3 Front, 5 Back
Hello,
I am getting my Ranger ready for autocross later this year and one thing I need to do is make the steering faster.
Are there any quicker ratio steering racks that will fit? Or maybe a different pinion gear that I can install into my current rack? I don’t really want to resort to a steering quickener box, but I will if I have to.
 
There are longer pitman arms.
Oops, I'm not sure about the SLA type trucks. Mine is TTB. Post #45 in my low buck race truck build if it works.
 
Last edited:
The steering rack in 98+ regular cab rangers (and 97-01 Explorers with 2 doors) are 4.0 turns lock to lock:


The steering rack in 98+ extended cab Rangers (and 97-01 Explorers with 4 doors) are 3.5 turns lock to lock:

Hmm. I also have a theory that Ford uses a lot of the same internals between SN95 steering racks and Ranger steering racks. While the housings are different, the internals may be swappable. I already know that the same mounting bushings will fit both. I might have to pull some apart and compare. Maybe the pinion gears can be interchanged?
 
Smaller diameter steering wheel
 
Smaller steering wheel is quicker steering response with less movement
Same as changing pinion size, just opposite end of the steering shaft
 
The steering rack in 98+ regular cab rangers (and 97-01 Explorers with 2 doors) are 4.0 turns lock to lock:


The steering rack in 98+ extended cab Rangers (and 97-01 Explorers with 4 doors) are 3.5 turns lock to lock:


That's unfortunate. Reading this thread I was suddenly interested in a shorter ratio rack. My truck is an extended cab so it would already have the 3.5 steering rack. Any chance that being a 4WD makes it the 4.0 turn box and I could still get the upgrade?

That was a rhetorical question. I already know the answer, but one can dream right.

I guess I'll have to settle for the improvements made by going to a shorter tire and thinner sidewall.


Hmm. I also have a theory that Ford uses a lot of the same internals between SN95 steering racks and Ranger steering racks. While the housings are different, the internals may be swappable. I already know that the same mounting bushings will fit both. I might have to pull some apart and compare. Maybe the pinion gears can be interchanged?

If you explore this, please let us know what you find.
 

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