WCF Hydraulic PS Question (Page 1/5)
Slabsurfer OCT 01, 10:30 PM
I've got an 87 GT that I'm making my own. One of the ways is by installing power steering. I've run into a spot where I need advice, which is why I'm reaching out to the community.

I've purchased the hydraulic Power Steering kit (bracket and tie-rod ends) from WCF as well as a steering rack for an F-Body ('00 Camaro) from RockAuto.

I followed the instructions provided by WCF; I removed the mounting points of the new rack, installed the tie-rod ends and then I cut out the mounting point on the driver's side of the sub frame.

As I am piecing everything together, it doesn't seem to fit quite right; the knuckle just above the input shaft on the rack looks as if it'd rub on the coolant line. AND, when I have everything connected up and the rack bolted into place, the steering column doesn't line back up with the orignial bracket under the dash.

I would think that I should be able twist the steering column around for the knuckle to flex correctly and that the entire rack could "rotate" forward in position to help pull the steering column back into place. BUT, none of that seems to be possible.

I searched the forum for someone who's had this experience and it doesn't look like anything recent: http://www.fierosearch.com/...=DoSearch&datesort=D

Does anyone here have experience with this mod and can provide me with some clarity on how to complete this install?

Thanks in advance,
B
IMSA GT OCT 01, 10:55 PM
Contact Joe on here. Here is a quote from another thread:


quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

I used the WCF kit for a hydraulic Camaro rack on an 86.
After a lot of modification it worked out well. Definitely not a bolt-in adapter, but easier than designing one myself.
No input on the electric kit.
Slabsurfer OCT 01, 11:11 PM
Thanks for that!

I just did.
Slabsurfer OCT 02, 10:29 PM
Joe confirmed that additional modifications are needed; you must cut out a portion of the "portal" where the steering column passes through the front bulkhead in the footbox of the cabin. I appreciate his advice!

He also mentioned that the rack isn't quite properly centered on the subframe and will need adjusting. I think I'll account for that as I adjust the tie-rod ends to align it.

I'm going to attach a couple of "before" pictures to show what I'm seeing as it relates to the issue of clearance around the coolant pipe.

Hopefully, I'll be able to widen that opening Joe mentioned and I then can show you how much it improves.
imacflier OCT 04, 12:47 PM
Might be a silly question, but are you SURE you did not get the 1988 kit instead of the kit for the earlier cars?

Mebbe they shipped the wrong one even if you ordered the correct version!
Larry
Slabsurfer OCT 04, 02:05 PM
That's a thought.
I went back to my order receipt and confirmed that I ordered the correct one. Now, as to whether or not they sent my the right part...
dremu OCT 04, 09:22 PM
I would venture a guess that the "kit" requires some creativity and effort on the part of the installer.

I've had some experience with Chris @ WCF, finding that there is more variation in Fieros than Chris' kits can easily cope with. Consider your purchase more an incomplete pile of parts to which you must add more parts AND knowledge, and you'll be off to a good start.

-- A
olejoedad OCT 04, 09:26 PM
I've torn apart and rebuilt dozens of Fieros, there is not much in the way of variation.....
They just make crappy parts.
AMS of the West......

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 10-04-2020).]

Slabsurfer OCT 06, 08:55 PM
Joe, when you widened the hole for the column to clear, did you put on a different "boot", or did you leave it open??
DrXtreme OCT 07, 07:17 AM
I have a PS rack on my 1988 Mera, Let me know what I can do to help (I didn't install it).

Where is the part number on the rack? I need to replace mine and want to order it before pulling the old one out.

Dr Xtreme