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Re: Need steering rack for 1978 Saab 99GL Combi Coupe Posted by Gary Stottler [Email] (#1463) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Gary Stottler) on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 04:53:49 In Reply to: Need steering rack for 1978 Saab 99GL Combi Coupe, Akkadian09, Sun, 18 Nov 2012 20:29:27 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Steve,
I'm glad you got through the smog check! I plan to keep my car running for future generations, as well. Sadly, here in Upstate NY, it's time to put old cars away for the winter, but we are enjoying our last few days in the 50s, so had fun driving around this weekend.
As to the steering rack (of course, do answer Doug's question about power vs. manual), I would suggest that you try East of Sweden in Colorado:
http://www.eastofsweden.com/parts.html
You could also contact Dave Snider, also in Colorado - contact me off line if you need his contact info..
I think that any '75 and later (and maybe earlier) manual rack will fit. There were some differences in in ratio over the years, but unless you already have a Turbo/EMS "fast ratio" rack and are going back to a standard rack you should not see much difference.
Just a thought, if you do have power steering, you might consider replacing it with a manual steering rack. I have not done this before, but I suspect it is a "bolt in" swap and might be easier to find and maintain than a power rack at this point. The only "downside" is that the manual racks have very high effort at low speed/parking maneuvers, so you get an upper-body workout, especially with the Turbo/EMS "fast ratio" rack!
If you are going to the trouble to put in a replacement rack, first make sure that the inner tie rod ends and the plastic bushing on the right hand end are sound. New rubber boots seem to be available on eBay, and new outer tie rod ends are readily available from Saab Parts, from NAPA, or on eBay. The only part that is not available is the rubber bushings that mount the rack, so hopefully yours are serviceable.
Good Luck!
Gary
posted by 70.100.150...
_______________________________________ Gary Stottler
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