Rack amp Pinon Question

[Luisv]

I recently started to hear some noise in the rack when the suspension is unloaded and turning the wheels lock to lock. The sound is like a liquid swishing sound, almost like the PS fluid is being aerated. It is likely a bad power steering piston seal in the rack that is allowing fluid to blow by the piston. Regardless, the rack is coming out to rebuild. Most likely I am reaching out to Rack Doctor in the Carolinas to get it rebuilt.

Questions for the guru's out there and/or somebody that has done the homework:

Will the Gen 3/4/5 rack and pinion assembly bolt onto the Gen 2 and will it work with the PS Pump on the Gen 2?

I have been able to determine that the Gen 3, 4 and 5 cars all use the same rack and pinion. This makes sense as the frames are essentially the same.

The 2001 and 2002 racks seem to be the same but in most of the Mopar parts sites show that PN/ 04709489AB to be ONLY for those two years, which seems very odd to me. To use the rack for only two model years would seem very odd. Only thing I can imagine is that the ABS system being on the 2001 and 2002 might require something slightly different.

I also own a Gen V GTS so I will throw it up on the lift and check measurements, but that will only tell me about the mounting. I would like to know if there is anything else I might be over looking. I would assume as tire tech and track width increased, there might be a need for a better/sturdier unit but would it work with the Gen 2 pump and setup? I would assume that the steering linkages/tie rods will be different but I wonder if I could swap over the tie rods.

Specs I was able to find:

Gen 2
Lock to Lock: 2.4 turns
Steering Ratio: 16.7:1

Gen 3/4/5
Lock to Lock: 2.4 turns
Steering Ratio: 16.7:1

Again, unless I am missing something........ is it simply a matter of measuring the setup and tie rods?

[RyanLS.GEN2]

the tie rods mount different is one issue

[Luisv]

the tie rods mount different is one issue

I'm throwing the cars up on the lift today and look. Is the inner rod end different or is it the end? If its the end, it might just be a matter of swapping ends.

I'll double check and post photos for everyone's reference. Thanks!

[fuzzystig]

Very interested in this - would be great to know when my rack eventually gives out. Maybe it even upgrades the overall steering feel and precision? never driven a later Gen Viper, but I'm sure it's better right.

Keep us posted!

[LATAMUD]

The Gen2 steering rack uses a round knurled coupling with set screw to mate to the steering column. The Gen3/4/5 uses a square nub set screw coupling.

Gen2 coupling
gen2.JPG

[Fatboy 18]

The Gen2 steering rack uses a round knurled coupling with set screw to mate to the steering column. The Gen3/4/5 uses a square nub set screw coupling.

Gen2 coupling
gen2.JPG

Where did you find that pic? I believe if you get a rebuilt rack it does not come with that Large black plastic collar so would be interested to know if those black ones shown are available. I need to rebuild my rack on my Gen 2 as Its weeping oil into the rhs bellows.

[dave6666]

I bought a reconditioned rack off of Amazon. Here is how it came.

20180216_134524.jpg

[LATAMUD]

Where did you find that pic? I believe if you get a rebuilt rack it does not come with that Large black plastic collar so would be interested to know if those black ones shown are available. I need to rebuild my rack on my Gen 2 as Its weeping oil into the rhs bellows.

I just did a google image search steering rack Viper 2002 and snagged the one with the best looking round knurled coupling. I couldn't find a good example for the Gen3/4/5.

[Fatboy 18]

OK, Thanks
Found it the dust collar is available at Viper parts USA
https://www.viperpartsusa.com/produc...k-pinion-seal/