Steering Rack hose looping

[PWR SHFT]

I am building a stripped out drag only car on a very limited budget. I want to eliminate the P/S pump but keep the stock rack. How do I loop the lines together or plug the line holes in the rack?

I have heard of folks doing it but search did not reveal how.

Thanks in advance!

Chris
1994 Z28

[dawdaw]

its extremely easy... cut the lines where they come out of the steering gear box leaving an inch or so ... measure the size of the lines (outside diameter) and go down to your local hardware and get 6" of rubber hose to fit the line and 2 clamps and put it on... and your good to go! have fun turning, mine was a blast lol

[96LT1355Z28]

What he said. Mine's been like that for a few years now. I can't imagine driving it with full sized tires on the front though. I have skinnies up front and as long as the cars moving it's not bad at all to turn. When I put the spool in the rear it really got tougher!

[PWR SHFT]

Thanks guys! It will have skinnies and very limited street driving. Couple more questions... Any ideas on how long it lasts? Any danger with using it like this? Should I try and fill the rack with as much fluid as I can before clamping it off? Cheap is good...dangerous not so good.

[96LT1355Z28]

I'm planning on replacing mine now as it feels like it's getting loose. I've been using it for about 3-4 years now like this. I turned it lock to lock a few times to get all the fliud out before clamping the hose on. Is it safe......probably not as much as just going with a manual rack but I wouldn't say your unsafe for doing it. I will suggest getting an LS style steering shaft to eliminate the LT rag joint if you haven't already.

[PWR SHFT]

. I turned it lock to lock a few times to get all the fliud out before clamping the hose on. I will suggest getting an LS style steering shaft to eliminate the LT rag joint if you haven't already.

So you are suggesting on getting all the fluid out and not filling it up?
I have a new original style rag joint going it. Should I sell it and get the LS1 set up? If so, do you have a part number?

Thanks again,

[96LT1355Z28]

Too be honest it's been so long since I did it can can't be completly sure but I think it wanted to stiffen up with fluid in it. If I remember right the more fluid that came out the smoother it turned (with front end off the ground). As far as the LS steering shaft you'll have to modify it to make it work, it makes the steering tighter than with the rag joint and adds clearance for headers. Here's a write up on how to do it:

http://ltxtech.com/forums/showthread...haft-*Write-Up*

[white97t/a]

There also rag joint eliminators available, basically an aluminum disc that replaces the stock rubber disc