rack and pinion omni

Hi, i want to convert to a rack and pinion for my 74 comet.

things i will need.
omni rack (power or manual) which one would you choose
mustang tie rod ends.


ujoint for at column end (11/16"-36 spline)
(Flaming River Billet-Joint Steering Universal Joints FR1783DD 3/4 in. DD, 11/16 in. 36-Spline)

ujoint for the rack
(Omni Manual 9/16” - 26 spline)
(Omni Power 3/4” - 36 spline)
(Flaming River Billet-Joint Steering Universal Joints FR1715DD Steering Universal Joint, Steel, Nickel Plated, 3/4 in. 36-Spline, 3/4 in. DD)

DD shaft
(Allstar Performance Double D Steering Shafts ALL52175
Steering Shaft, Steel, 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. DD, 24 in. Length)

i have a 5.0L with a front sump pan, and douges headers, and an auto trans.

any info on the splines, adaptors, the would be helpful

i have a completely rebuilt frontend, so im going to ditch the new stuff.
with the headers on the engine i have a short turn until the steering arm wants to hit the headers, this is my reason for doing this mod.
im going to document as i go

 

Is there an advantage using an Omni rack, compared to a center steer rack like a Cavalier?

 

i guess the omni is a short rear steer rack. other people have used it on other simular type vehicles with really good success. good turning radius, no real bump steer.

 

well im going the cavilear option. picked up a reman rack for $50 shipped.
cant pass it up.

 

what year is it from?

 

Dont think the omni rack will work, use the center take-off rack instead, easy-peasy-jap-anesy

 

I'm using a 1993 Cavalier rack, $80 (part + core) from Autozone, with a lifetime warranty.

 

I will be working on mounting my rack this weekend. I plan on tieing into the existing center drag link so there will be no issues with bump steer and I will be able to use stock tie rod ends.

 

I'm anxious to see the results

 

received the rack in the mail today, now to figure out all the bolts, hose connections, etc
looks like a 17mm splined input with a D.

16mm male o-ring input
18mm male o-ring output

 

Taking lots of pics? Do you maybe plan a nice article for others once your done?

 

Go to the junkyard and get the lines from a cavalier or achieva or grand am, might be easier than trying to find the fittings.

 

How close is the Cavalier rack to fitting between our narrow frame rails?

 

Check out my gallery pics, there are some rack pics there

 

7/16 x 20 bolts into center steer part of the rack
1.9950 on centers of bolts
3/4 in single d spline
looks like a 36 spline count if you figure around the whole shaft
2" diameter rack tubing

( comet outer tie-rods use a 11/16-18 rh tap )