I know some people have installed merkur steering racks so I hope you guys can help. I have removed my Fiero's (86 SE V6) rack and have bought a rebuilt Merkur rack. I took some pictures to compare them. Since these are obviously from different cars I need help adapting the Merkur rack. First, the part that connects to the steering column looks completely different, any ideas how to make it work? Second, the tie rod ends seem to have a different thread. Should I use Merkur tie rod ends?
[This message has been edited by Randolph (edited 08-28-2002).]
Put the Fiero rack back in. You are really getting in over your head here. Do you know what the rack (steering) travel is for the Merkur Rack? It may be less or more then the Fiero rack. Less means you will have a smaller turning radius and more means you will probably be hitting suspension and or chassis pieces at full steer. As fas as using the Merkur tierod ends, go ahead... But I doubt the Ford ball stud will fit the Fiero knuckle properly and you will probably drop a tierod while driving down the road. Unless you have some real good engineering skills and the ability to test and measure these components please, stick with the factory parts... ALL of your future passengers will thank you.
I am not trying to invent something new. I know others have done this before or used a chevette rack which also requires modification(for different reasons). Rodney? Rockcrawl? Kasdan?
IP: Logged
06:39 PM
Will Member
Posts: 14226 From: Where you least expect me Registered: Jun 2000
go back through the archives. type in something like "bish". this was a person who said he had done it but when asked for details on it and other mods he kind of disapeared. don't know how much info will be in the thread but it is discussed some.
I will be installing a LT1 engine that has a power steering pump and I will also be using the Held Slalom Front suspension. The main thing I am unsure about is how to connect it to the Fiero steering column. I don't have a lot of experience doing custom work like this but I have a good set of tools and can follow directions. I can always reintall the Fiero rack I guess.
IP: Logged
08:26 PM
rockcrawl Member
Posts: 2528 From: Lehigh Valley, PA Registered: Jul 2000
I guess this is where i must make my apearence. Use the merkur ends, but connected to the top of the spindles whereas the fiero ends were on the bottom. the shaft end that goes to the rack (not the colum half) needs to be shortened, i dont remember how much.
The Merkur/XRTI 1985-1989. I ordered the one with the 2.5 quick turn ratio. Thanks for the info Kasdan. I forget, did you ever end up selling your power steering? Were you able to get a Fiero steering rack back on without any problems?
[This message has been edited by Randolph (edited 08-28-2002).]
IP: Logged
09:04 PM
PFF
System Bot
jelly2m8 Member
Posts: 6119 From: Nova Scotia, Canada Registered: Jul 2001
Originally posted by Kasdan: Use the merkur ends, but connected to the top of the spindles whereas the fiero ends were on the bottom. the shaft end that goes to the rack (not the colum half) needs to be shortened, i dont remember how much.
Whoa, DON'T do that!
The hole for the stud in tierod end is tapered. You have to use a tapered stud that matches that tapered hole.
Also the input shaft on the merkur rack is splined, whereas the Fiero steering shaft uses a round shaft with a flat side.
Yes you need to shorten the Fiero steering shaft, but you will need to either find a splined coupling for the rack end, or modify the input shaft on the Merkur rack to accept the Fiero coupling.
Originally posted by Randolph: Kasdan. I forget, did you ever end up selling your power steering? Were you able to get a Fiero steering rack back on without any problems?
[This message has been edited by Randolph (edited 08-28-2002).]
Yes, i sold it to Rodney. And i got a quick turn factory rack and shaft which went on no problems.
IP: Logged
10:33 PM
Will Member
Posts: 14226 From: Where you least expect me Registered: Jun 2000
You could join a Merkur steering coupler with a Fiero steering coupler to connect the pinion end of the rack. Is the Held suspension available with mounts for that rack?
Do not put the tie rod ends in upside down.
IP: Logged
10:36 PM
Aug 29th, 2002
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
I've never done this conversion but I'm not afraid to modify stuff to work. The steering shaft looks like all it requires if to cut it off and grind a flat side to mimick the Fiero rack. Since the housing on the Merkur stick out futher than the Fiero rack, the intermeadiant shaft may eed to be shortened to compensate. I've never check the intermeadient shaft but it may be collapsable (a safety feature in cas of an accident) which would make shortening it easy. If not, you may have to have to cut it and reweld to the correct length (actually, I just re-read Kasden's note and he mentioned shortening this interm shaft).
Kasden - Why mount the tie rod end to the top? is that to correct for the mounting height of the rack?
If the rack is in the correct location, why not just cut the Mekur shat ends off and make a sleeve with the correct threads?
------------------ Roy :D Just another stock Blue 87 GT Suncoast Fieros YELLOW 1988 GT w/ T-Tops, 5-Speed, and Performance Sound.GONE!
IP: Logged
08:29 AM
FieroLT1 Member
Posts: 320 From: MilwauKee, Wisconsin, USA Registered: Nov 2000
News Bulletin!!! The LT1's power steering pump won't fit with a Fiero/LT1 swap. "Unless you are doing a kit car that requires stretching." There is just not enough room. Take my word for it. I am looking at it right now.
quote
Originally posted by Randolph: I will be installing a LT1 engine that has a power steering pump and I will also be using the Held Slalom Front suspension. The main thing I am unsure about is how to connect it to the Fiero steering column. I don't have a lot of experience doing custom work like this but I have a good set of tools and can follow directions. I can always reintall the Fiero rack I guess.
Contact the Zimmer motor car company. I think its http://zimmer.com or somthing like that. They used the Merkur P?S rack on the Quicksilver, you know the pimp daddy species of the fiero world. They did it to the 1985 and 1986 Fiero. They might even have the drawings for the specific assemblies and what parts were used. You may have to find another pump to use with the LT-1, Froem what I've seen, its pretty tight in that area. S.WIlliams 1987 Fiero SE (Northstar V8) autopsy completed, cause of death was a hole in the block caused by a failing pushrod...
IP: Logged
03:18 PM
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
I wanted power steering because I will be using 285-35-18's tires all around. I am building a 355 spyder replica so I do have an extra 3" for the power steering pump on the LT1. I don't know if it will be enough because I haven't test fitted the engine yet.
Thanks for the pictures Howard, hopefully as a result of this thread we will have a step by step procedure for installing power steering on a Fiero.
[This message has been edited by Randolph (edited 08-29-2002).]
IP: Logged
06:14 PM
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
Originally posted by solotwo: Why do you need power steering? Is it because your running larger tires?
Why not? I'm not professionally drag racing the car. And, I like power steering. I also like power mirrors, power steering, power windows, power brakes, A/C, and AM sports stations.
um...why would you want to put in this rack in the first place...am i missing something here....kasdan said he replaced his p/s with a quick turn factory rack...why wouldn't you do that...sounds much easier.
...BTW..what the hell is a quick turn factory rack...i just might want one too!
------------------ "it's too bad he had to run out of talent half way through the corner..."
IP: Logged
11:13 PM
Aug 30th, 2002
Rodney Member
Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
um...why would you want to put in this rack in the first place...am i missing something here....
Yes you are missing something here. I have the power steering kit in my 88 and I love it. It is a night and day difference in the joy of driving my car. I hear this "why would you need power steering in a Fiero" quote quite often. The few that have it know. The rest do not realize the difference it makes. Not to mention the 12.5:1 ratio which is super fast.
Originally posted by gt boy: um...why would you want to put in this rack in the first place...am i missing something here....kasdan said he replaced his p/s with a quick turn factory rack...why wouldn't you do that...sounds much easier.
...BTW..what the hell is a quick turn factory rack...i just might want one too!
There was 2 different ratios for the steering racks, auto zone has both i believe.
Have we as men become so soft that we really need power steering on a small vehicle like a Fiero? Power steering will slow the car down. You will lose valuable horsepower and quite a bit of ET from both your 0-60 time and 1/4 mile times with power steering. Gentlemen wake up. We are men, strong powerful macho men. Think of those biceps and how much better they will look with manual steering. When I'm old in a wheelchair and have the nice blue parking sticker dangling from my rear view mirror, then I'll put power steering on my Fiero. Until then give me a hit of nitrous not power steering.
Please continue this thread. The power steering trolls have gotten their jollies, now let's get back to the install.
P.S. I guess these guys don't realize that all of their macho NASCAR heroes use power steering or that it is used in many forms of road racing. I'm all for power steering. It's certainly more useful than 8 12" subs or neon lighting.
Just my opinion...
------------------ "Its a Fiero thing... Heck, even I don't understand!"
Timothy E. Smith 1986 SE V6 1984 Coupe 1996 Ford Probe GT 1999 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 1975 Chevrolet ElCamino SS
IP: Logged
10:01 AM
RBeaubien Member
Posts: 775 From: Glendale (Phoenix), AZ, USA Registered: Mar 2002
I am installing a 3800 Series II SC engine and I am leaving the power steering pump on it. ACE says it will fit. Next is to find an appropriate rack. I figured the best subject is a Chevette rack. I hear the mounting points have to change, but it should work. Then run SS lines to the front and hook it up. I'll let you know how it goes.
------------------
Robert Beaubien 87 GT 5-speed
IP: Logged
12:40 PM
FieroLT1 Member
Posts: 320 From: MilwauKee, Wisconsin, USA Registered: Nov 2000
I also have a bookmark here. I like to see where this goes. Whether a Merkur or a Chevette rack. Who ever gets one done first, make sure it is well documented as far as part numbers and procedure.
Trolls not withstanding, I don't think I have to get a sample of my testosterone to know I'd like to have PS in my car.
my .02
"Trolls - If you don't feed them, they won't come"
quote
Originally posted by tesmith66: Please continue this thread. The power steering trolls have gotten their jollies, now let's get back to the install.
The Northstar pump clears on my installation into an '88 using the Design One kit. I dimpled the shock tower a little bit to get a little more clearance at the PS pulley.
IP: Logged
09:55 PM
DarkRain Member
Posts: 609 From: Calgary, Alberta Registered: Jul 2002
Unless you drive on perfectly smooth roads, you like power steering.
I am NOT willing to drive my Fiero to Regina for 8 hours, just because of the lack of powersteering, my arms would go dead from needing 2 hands to hold the wheel at 120 all the way. I would prefer to drive my gas hog Durango for 8 hours than to have lost all non muscle tissue on my arms because the vibration of lumps and bumps in the road breaks down fat!
