Rack & Pinion Cradle System Thank you for your interest in Flaming River products. We hope you enjoy your rack and pinion cradle system. The product that you have selected has been built and designed for improved driving comfort and convenience. No drilling welding or grinding is necessary. All systems have been created on stock chassis with little or no change to the original suspension, engine, or transmission. Quality grade fasteners and materials are used to allow normal installation.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Index For safety disconnect battery cables and ensure that vehicle is properly supported by jack stands. NOTE: Hoses (FR1610) Pump Mounting Brackets (FR1611) is sold separately and is not included in this kit. Chevelle Outer Tie Rod Ends ES333RL and adjuster sleeves ES2032S must be used with this rack and pinion kit. Before paint or powder coating of the rack and pinion cradle system we recommend that you prefit the system to ensure proper fit.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Installation Kit Hardware Package ITEM # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 QUANTITY 3 2 6 3 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 SIZE / PART NUMBER 7/16-14 x 4 1/2" 3/8-16 x 1 1/4" 7/16 Washers 7/16-14 Lock Nuts 3/8 Washers 3/8-16 Lock Nuts FRBSH2 FR20118 FR1810 & BK10500 FR20114 FR1850-22 FR1924 FR1934 FR1920 FR20006 OR FR20006SS FRIGN1 2 68-72 GM A Body Power Steering 01/15/07 DESCRIPTION Driver's Side Cradle Mounting Bolts Passenger Side Cradle Mounting Bolts / Washers for 7/16 Mo
Rack & Pinion Cradle System If using a Flaming River Steering Column it is recommended that before any disassembly you should first verify the wiring for your turn signals and ignition switch to ensue proper operation. Color Verification to be completed before disassembly Before disconnecting the turn signal and the ignition connectors verify the wiring color to ensure proper operation. The colors listed with the ignition switch diagram below are from a stock wiring system.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Original Steering Shaft Removal 1) Remove the pinch bolt that retains the steering coupler to the steering column and the bolt that retains the rag joint to the steering box. Collapse shaft and remove it from the car. Original Column Removal Only perform these steps if using a new Flaming River Steering Column 1) 2) 3) 4) Disconnect the column wiring connectors. Remove the bolts that hold the column floor mount to the firewall.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Steering Box and Linkage Removal Before beginning you must first measure the width of your front end from LEFT outer tie rod end zerk to the RIGHT outer tie rod end zerk to determine the overall width of your front end. Write dimension here for further reference 1) Remove the pitman arm from the steering box using a pitman arm puller. 2) Remove the two bolts that retain the idler arm to the frame rail.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System 4) Next remove the steering linkage from the car. 5) If you have power steering remove the lines from your power box, pump and pump brackets.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Installation of Flaming River Column 1) 2) 3) Install one the rubber isolator strips into the original dash mounting location in-between the dash and the new steering column. Hold the new column into the mounting location and using the original column mounting screws tighten the new column mounting clamp to hold the column in place. Install rubber isolator into the original floor mount and then slide it over the column tube. Slightly snug clamp.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System 5) 6) 7) 8) Install the floor mounting screws and tighten to 15 ft lbs. Ensure that the column straight by having the turn signal arm points to the 9 o’clock position. Tighten the two mounting screws on the new Flaming River clamp. ( see photo B) Tighten the floor mounting clamp around the tube. (see photo A) Install the wiring jumper harness.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Steering Wheel Installation 1) Install horn contact kit into canceling cam tube and turn to lock. 2) Align steering wheel adapter so that the canceling cam hole is at approx the 11 o’clock position and that one of the steering wheel mounting holes is at the 12 o’clock position. 3) To install the wheel adapter run the horn contact wire through the hole for the canceling cam and place the adapter on to the splined column shaft.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Installation of the Flaming River Rack and Cradle 1) Install the rack and pinion cradle by sliding it into place between the frame rails, installing the new hardware using three 7/16” bolts where the gear box was mounted and two 3/8” bolts where the idler arm was located. Tighten the 7/16” nuts and bolts to 50-65 ft lbs and the 3/8” nuts and bolts to 40 -45 ft lbs.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System 3) Install the OEM adjuster sleeves onto the new Flaming River inner tie rod ends, next install the outer tie rod ends into the adjuster sleeves and adjust tie rods until the original zerk to zerk measurement taken before disassembly is obtained. Measurement from the index page. 4) To install the outer tie rod ends into the spindles you must load the front suspension.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System Universal Joint System. 1) Install support-bearing mount onto the rear control arm bolt. (Picture below). Note: The angle of this mount is set for most applications. Some adjustment may be necessary for the correct angle and ujoint alignment. 2) We recommend the use of ¾” wood dowel rod to mock up the steering shaft to obtain the correct length of the shafts. 3) Install your shaft kit and snug each set screw so that it will leave a mark in the shafts.
Rack & Pinion Cradle System 5) Re-install the shafts using red loc-tite thread locker on the set screw threads. Tighten each setscrew to 25 ft. lbs. Tighten all lock nuts securely. We recommend that you Inspect setscrews periodically for tightness.
