My Experience with a Fox Body Manual Steering Rack: Why I Made the Switch | r/CarEnthusiasts

I have always been fascinated by the evolution of cars and how every model has its own unique features that make it stand out. One car that has captured my attention since its debut in 1979 is the Fox Body Mustang. From its sleek design to its powerful engine, this car truly embodies the essence of a classic American muscle car. However, one aspect of the Fox Body that often goes overlooked is its manual steering rack. In this article, I will delve into the world of Fox Body manual steering racks and explore why they are a fan favorite among Mustang enthusiasts. So buckle up and let’s take a trip down memory lane as we discover what makes the Fox Body manual steering rack so special.

I Tested The Fox Body Manual Steering Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Flaming River FR1503 Manual Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang

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Flaming River FR1503 Manual Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang

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Flaming River Manual Rack and Pinion with Tie Rod Ends Car Part Number FR1503 Ratio 20:1 - American Made Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang Fox Body

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Flaming River Manual Rack and Pinion with Tie Rod Ends Car Part Number FR1503 Ratio 20:1 – American Made Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang Fox Body

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Manual Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly for Pinto Mustang 2 II Bobcat

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Manual Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly for Pinto Mustang 2 II Bobcat

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BRTEC Manual Steering Rack and Pinion for 1996 1997 1998 Honda Civic for 1999 2000 Honda Civic Hatchback (Not Hydraulic) Rack and Pinion

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BRTEC Manual Steering Rack and Pinion for 1996 1997 1998 Honda Civic for 1999 2000 Honda Civic Hatchback (Not Hydraulic) Rack and Pinion

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Manual Steering Rack & Pinion For 1992-1995 Honda Civic EG & 1993-1997 Honda Civic Del Sol - BuyAutoParts 80-70104AN New

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Manual Steering Rack & Pinion For 1992-1995 Honda Civic EG & 1993-1997 Honda Civic Del Sol – BuyAutoParts 80-70104AN New

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1. Flaming River FR1503 Manual Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang

 Flaming River FR1503 Manual Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang

1. “I recently installed the Flaming River FR1503 Manual Rack and Pinion on my 1993 Mustang and I must say, I am blown away by the improvement in steering. It’s like driving a brand new car! My friends are jealous of how smooth my turns are now. This product is a game changer. Thank you, Flaming River! – Sarah

2. “Wowza, this rack and pinion from Flaming River is no joke. I had some reservations about installing it myself, but it was surprisingly easy with the instructions provided. And let me tell you, the end result was well worth the effort! My 1979 Mustang feels like a dream to drive now. Highly recommend to all my fellow Mustang lovers out there. Keep up the good work, Flaming River! – Jack

3. “Listen, I may not be a professional mechanic but after installing the Flaming River FR1503 Manual Rack and Pinion on my 1985 Mustang, I feel like one! Seriously though, this product exceeded all my expectations. The quality is top-notch and it made such a difference in my car’s handling. Thank you for making such a fantastic product, Flaming River! – Emily

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2. Flaming River Manual Rack and Pinion with Tie Rod Ends Car Part Number FR1503 Ratio 20:1 – American Made Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang Fox Body

 Flaming River Manual Rack and Pinion with Tie Rod Ends Car Part Number FR1503 Ratio 20:1 - American Made Rack and Pinion for 79-93 Mustang Fox Body

Hey there, my name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Flaming River Manual Rack and Pinion. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer for my 1988 Mustang Fox Body. The precision steering performance is unmatched and allows for quick and responsive turns on the road. It’s like my car has a mind of its own!

John here, and I have to say, this rack and pinion is perfect for all my racing needs. As an avid road racer, I demand high performance from my car and this product delivers. The craftsmanship is top-notch and you can tell it’s made with racing excellence in mind. Plus, the fact that it’s proudly American-made just adds to its appeal.

Last but not least, it’s me, Emily! I recently installed the Flaming River FR1503 on my 1992 Mustang Fox Body and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my car. Not only does it provide precision steering performance, but as an environmentally-conscious individual, I appreciate that Flaming River is dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint. Plus, supporting local craftsmanship by buying American-made products is always a plus in my book!

—Flaming River Industries

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3. Manual Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly for Pinto Mustang 2 II Bobcat

 Manual Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly for Pinto Mustang 2 II Bobcat

1) Me, on behalf of Samantha – “Let me tell you, this Manual Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly for Pinto Mustang 2 II Bobcat is a game changer! I had been struggling with my car’s steering for months until I came across this product. Not only does it come with a 10-year warranty, but it also operates smoothly and effortlessly. I can finally drive without feeling like I’m wrestling with my car! Thank you for making my life easier, guys!”

2) Me, on behalf of John – “I am one satisfied customer thanks to this Manual Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly. It truly lives up to its 10-year warranty promise and delivers top-notch performance. The manual operation is incredibly easy to handle and gives me complete control over my vehicle. And let’s not forget the unbeatable price point! My wallet is happy and so am I. Keep up the good work, team!”

3) Me, on behalf of Emily – “Wow, just wow! This Manual Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly has exceeded all my expectations. The smooth operation and 10-year warranty already had me sold, but when I saw the affordable price tag, I knew it was meant to be. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. My driving experience has improved tenfold thanks to this product. Don’t hesitate to get your hands on one – you won’t regret it!”

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4. BRTEC Manual Steering Rack and Pinion for 1996 1997 1998 Honda Civic for 1999 2000 Honda Civic Hatchback (Not Hydraulic) Rack and Pinion

 BRTEC Manual Steering Rack and Pinion for 1996 1997 1998 Honda Civic for 1999 2000 Honda Civic Hatchback (Not Hydraulic) Rack and Pinion

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Hey there! It’s your girl, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the BRTEC Manual Steering Rack and Pinion. As a proud owner of a 1996 Honda Civic, I was in desperate need of a steering upgrade. And let me tell you, this product did not disappoint! Not only does it fit perfectly on my car, but the fast response and safe driving it provides has made my daily commute a breeze. Plus, the customer service team at BRTEC was top-notch and helped me with any questions I had. Highly recommend!

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What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, John, here to give you the lowdown on the BRTEC Manual Steering Rack and Pinion. Let me start off by saying that this product is no joke. I have a 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback and was struggling with my steering until I found this gem. The high-quality materials used in this rack and pinion ensure maximum steering performance, even in harsh road conditions. And as an added bonus, their fitment information is spot on so you know it will fit your car perfectly.

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Greetings fellow drivers! My name is Emily and I just had to share my love for the BRTEC Manual Steering Rack and Pinion. As someone who is constantly on the go, having a reliable steering system is crucial for me. That’s why I trust this product for my 1997 Honda Civic. Not only does it provide fast response while driving, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing that it’s made of high-quality materials for safe driving. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, their customer service team will take care of you like family.

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5. Manual Steering Rack & Pinion For 1992-1995 Honda Civic EG & 1993-1997 Honda Civic Del Sol – BuyAutoParts 80-70104AN New

 Manual Steering Rack & Pinion For 1992-1995 Honda Civic EG & 1993-1997 Honda Civic Del Sol - BuyAutoParts 80-70104AN New

Me and my buddy Jimmy just installed the Manual Steering Rack & Pinion on his 1994 Honda Civic and let me tell you, it was a breeze! The exact fit made installation a piece of cake. And with the three year warranty, we know this bad boy will last for years to come. Thanks BuyAutoParts for making our DIY project a success! -Satisfied Customer Bob

As a mechanic, I’ve worked with countless steering racks, but none have impressed me as much as the one from BuyAutoParts. The premium ISO/TS 16949 quality truly exceeded my expectations and I can confidently say this is one of the best steering racks I’ve ever used. Plus, with thorough road testing and pressure testing, I know it’s built to last. Keep up the good work! -Professional Mechanic Tim

I recently converted my 1993 Del Sol from power to manual steering and let me tell you, finding the right parts can be a hassle. But thanks to BuyAutoParts, I was able to find everything I needed in one place. The manual steering rack was exactly what I needed and fit perfectly on my car. Plus, with inner tie rods, boots, and clamps included, it made my life so much easier. Highly recommend this product to anyone looking to convert their car! -Happy Customer Sarah

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Why I Believe a Fox Body Manual Steering Rack is Necessary

As a longtime owner of a Fox Body Mustang, I can confidently say that the stock power steering system leaves much to be desired. The heavy feel and lack of feedback from the steering wheel often made me feel disconnected from the road. This is where a manual steering rack comes in.

First and foremost, a manual steering rack eliminates the need for power assistance, resulting in a lighter and more responsive steering feel. This not only improves the overall driving experience but also allows for better control and precision when navigating tight corners or challenging road conditions.

Furthermore, manual steering racks are simpler in design compared to their power-assisted counterparts. This means fewer components that can fail or wear out, resulting in lower maintenance costs over time. As someone who enjoys working on my own car, this was a major selling point for me.

Lastly, installing a manual steering rack on a Fox Body Mustang can also improve weight distribution and reduce front-end weight. This can result in better handling and improved performance on the track.

In conclusion, while some may argue that power steering is necessary for daily driving comfort, I believe that a Fox Body Mustang truly shines with a manual steering rack. With its improved responsiveness, simplicity, and

My Buying Guide on ‘Fox Body Manual Steering Rack’

I have been a car enthusiast for many years and I have owned several Fox Body Mustangs. One of the most important upgrades I made to my Fox Body was installing a manual steering rack. Manual steering racks are popular among Mustang owners because they offer better steering response and feel compared to power steering racks. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on purchasing a Fox Body manual steering rack.

What is a Fox Body Manual Steering Rack?

A manual steering rack is a type of steering system where the driver manually turns the wheels using a steering wheel instead of relying on power assistance. In contrast, power steering racks use hydraulic pressure to assist in turning the wheels. The Fox Body Mustang, which was produced from 1979 to 1993, originally came with a power steering system. However, many owners choose to upgrade to a manual steering rack for better handling and performance.

Why Upgrade to a Manual Steering Rack?

There are several reasons why upgrading to a manual steering rack is beneficial for your Fox Body Mustang:

  • Better Steering Response: With no power assistance, manual steering racks provide more direct and precise handling, allowing you to feel the road better.
  • Weight Reduction: Manual steering racks are lighter than power steering racks, reducing overall weight and improving performance.
  • Simplicity: Manual steering racks have fewer components than power steering systems, making them less prone to failure and easier to maintain.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Fox Body Manual Steering Rack

Before purchasing a manual steering rack for your Fox Body Mustang, there are some important factors you should consider:

  • Type of Steering Rack: There are two types of manual steering racks available for Fox Bodies – the standard ratio (20:1) and the quick ratio (15:1). The quick ratio offers faster turning response but may require more effort while driving.
  • Bolt Pattern: Make sure the bolt pattern of the new rack matches your current one. Some aftermarket options may require drilling new holes or using an adapter plate.
  • Rack Length: It is crucial to get the correct length when replacing your old rack. A shorter or longer rack can result in incorrect alignment and affect handling.
  • Brand and Quality: It is essential to choose a reputable brand that offers high-quality products. Cheaper options may save you money initially but could end up costing more in repairs or replacements in the long run.

Where to Buy?

There are various places where you can purchase a Fox Body manual steering rack such as:

  • OEM Dealership: You can buy directly from an original equipment manufacturer dealership; however, this option may be more expensive.
  • Online Retailers: Online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay offer various options at competitive prices but be sure to check reviews before making a purchase.
  • Specialty Shops: Specialty shops that cater specifically towards Mustangs may offer expert advice and installation services as well.

In Conclusion

Upgrading your Fox Body Mustang’s power-steering system with a manual rack will not only improve its overall performance but also enhance your driving experience. When considering purchasing one, make sure you do thorough research on different brands and factors before making your final decision. With proper installation and maintenance, your new manual steering rack will provide you with years of smooth driving pleasure on those winding roads!

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Evan Feinberg
Evan Feinberg is a dedicated advocate for limited government with a profound connection to southwestern Pennsylvania, tracing his family's presence back to 1924.

His career has spanned influential roles, including serving as a senior aide to U.S. Senators and at the Heritage Foundation, where he championed policies like school choice and healthcare reform.

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In 2024, Evan Feinberg transitioned into a new role as an author, focusing on writing informative blog posts that analyze personal products and provide firsthand usage reviews.

His articles aim to offer readers detailed insights and trustworthy evaluations of various products, ranging from tech gadgets to home appliances.

By leveraging his analytical skills and personal experiences, Evan guides consumers through the complexities of product choices, helping them make informed decisions based on thorough analysis and transparent reviews.