Mustang II style suspension and steering has been around for a while now. In that time, it’s been adapted to work in just about every application from Chevy IIs to Ford F100s. So what happens when you need to extend Mustang II rack and pinion steering for wider applications? That’s what this video is all about.
Related Story: Corvette-Style Mustang II Spindles and Hubs
Part Numbers for Mustang II Rack Extenders:
- 1” Manual Rack: CPRE-1M
- 1” Power Rack: CPRE-1P
- 2” Manual Rack: CPRE-2M
- 2” Power Rack: CPRE-2P
Shop Mustang II Parts HERE
CPRE Installation Instructions
For Mustang II applications that have been widened, it is necessary to use extenders so the tie rod ends can reach the steering arms. The proper way to extend a Mustang II rack is by adding an extension between the rack and pinion and the inner tie rod.
The distance between the lower control arm pivot points on most Mustang II frontends is 22 inches and rack extenders are not needed. To determine if your application has a wider track width and thus require extenders, begin by measuring the distance between your lower pivot points. CPP offers extenders in both 1” and 2” variations; depending on the mounting location of you steering rack, you may need extensions on one or both sides
Caution: It is possible to gain the extra length necessary by extending one or both outer tie rod ends. This method is not advised because it will negatively affect steering geometry, leading to issues like bump steer or tires/wheels rubbing.
Remove the bellow on the side where the extension is needed.
Then, remove the inner tie rod from the steering rack.
Apply threadlocker before installing the extension.
Screw on the rack extender and fully tighten.
Apply threadlocker on the threads of the rack extender, then reinstall the inner tie rod.
Reinstall the bellow, making sure to fit the vent tube into its original location. Heavy-duty tie wraps may be used in place of non-reusable clamps to secure the bellow.
