[W126 Coupe] Rack & Pinion Steering

[Mike R.]

Well, I finally got something done on the FrankenBenz. After a significant education on bump steer, I have the rack & pinion (R&P) installed in the car. This is the final configuration and it actually works. The new crossmember is 1/4" steel and is much stronger than the MB sheet metal crossmember. The motor mounts for the LS6 will be bolted onto this crossmember, which is the next part of the project. This is a power rack, so a couple of hydraulic hoses will be needed later.

The crossmember can be made to take the MB engine mounts. This should work just fine in an SEC with the stock motor and tranny, but it needs to be checked for clearance under the engine. That said, it's not that hard (now) to put the R&P in there. But.. it is expensive. For example, that double universal joint in the steering column is $170! I probably have $1,000 in the setup (and if you tell my wife that, I'll deny it forever). 

The idler arm bracket on the left side of the photo does not need to be there, but so far it doesn't impact any other installation so I'll leave it alone. It's just sheet metal spot welded to the frame, so it can come off easy. 

Two advantages to the R&P that I can see - it's a R&P and that should increase steering feel, plus the MB steering box is gone and that opens up the drivers side for much better exhaust systems. That bearing block (shiny thing in the steering column) bolted to the frame rail is about half the height of the steering box. I'll know much more about clearances in a day or so when I put the replica engine back in there to work on the motor mounts. 

That 4x4 on the transmission cross member is a first guess on the height needed for the tailshaft. I'll bolt an empty transmission housing to the replica engine and toss it in there, then see about the driveshaft alignment. We are having fun now!!

Y'all take care,
Mike R.
(702) 494-8056

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