Which 03 Cobra Rack??

[Zero_chance]

Looking to getting a reman Cobra rack but there are two choices. Dimensionally theyre both very similar but I was hoping someone that might have done the swap could chime in. Either code SPR ZM or SPR ZK I believe was the second one. A little research has found some people using the ZM rack but it wasnt in a Mustang. Im sure someone else has done the swap.

 

[Chythar]

ZM is on the 03 Cobra rack I bought from eBay. I remember a thread in 94-95 Talk I believe that verified ZM as an 03 Cobra rack.

 

[Zero_chance]

Yeah for some reason at my store there are two choices but the more I look into it, the ZK one keeps being pegged as the GT rack and / or Mach1 rack. Dont know how truthful that is. But I was definitely leaning toward ZM. Actually, thinking back, didnt you get one sometime last year?? Wasnt it damaged or something? What ever happened with that?

 

[95strokerPSU]

ZM is what you want. That's what I got.

Chad's 2000 Mustang GT American Racer -- 03 Cobra Steering Rack

 

[Chythar]

Yeah for some reason at my store there are two choices but the more I look into it, the ZK one keeps being pegged as the GT rack and / or Mach1 rack. Dont know how truthful that is. But I was definitely leaning toward ZM. Actually, thinking back, didnt you get one sometime last year?? Wasnt it damaged or something? What ever happened with that?

One of the tie rods was messed up. The seller sent me a new one, so I'm all good. I haven't installed the rack yet, it was one of those "I better buy it now" kinda things.

 

[mustangnick88]

benefits of cobra rack?

 

[96darkhorse]

Posted via Mobile Device +2.....what are the benefits of the cobra rack..I got the cobra steering shaft and maybe looking into the rack

 

[Chythar]

The Cobra rack has a stiffer bushing where the steering shaft connects. It's supposed to give you a better steering response. I haven't found any research saying that it has a different steering ratio or anything like that.

 

[Zero_chance]

Heres a quote from various reviews of the Cobra, etc.
"The SVT Cobra's rack-and-pinion steering system gets a new, low-lash intermediate shaft in 2003, and a higher rate steering gear bushing. These changes improve steering feel by helping reduce play in the system.

Its also a close ratio rack according to the info Ive read, meaning less turns lock to lock.

A google search turns up good info on it as well as a lot of people that have done the swap and are quite happy with it. Im not thinking its going to make a HUGE difference now but I think the Cobra rack combined with a solid steering shaft will make for a nice setup. Plus, my passenger side inner tie rod is a little loose so might as well get a rack with my discount for about a hundred or so and mark one thing off the list that I wont have to worry about in the future.

 

[greg94]

rack fluids

hey, what are you guys using for power steering fluid. my 94 calls for "type f" and the 03 unit calls for mercon. there are so many versions of fluids now its' got me confused. also is the mercon or mercon V..... ok for the 94 power steering pump. i simply want to be sure i've got the correct fluids for the change over.

 

[95strokerPSU]

You'll want the type f ATF

 

[timautry]

Which 03 (or 04) Cobra Rack?

I just went through this pain this weekend folks - here's what I learned. I have a 2004 Cobra and blew a steering rack seal on Friday. The seal leaked into the driver's side boot and it actually blew! I went to Advance Auto Parts and they ordered a reman rack. Of course I had no idea at the time there was a ZK and a ZM code. Received the new one but when I went to install it, I realized the pinion shaft was 180 degress off from the one I took out. I rotated the shaft 180 and installed it... but now, of course, my steering wheel is perfectly upside down. I was unaware (until I drove up to the Ford dealership) that there was NO other adjustment to straighten the wheel. He said I either have a wrong part, or when they rebuit the unit some idiot installed the pinion shaft backwards. Now that I've been reading posts and other pages, it appears I ordered the SPR-ZK and I really need the SPR-ZM. I have both a ZK and a ZM on order from Advance Auto (supplier is CARDONE), so one of them has to be right. Now I just get the absolute joy of pulling that rack back off! So, it may not only be the ratio or bushing stiffness, but it might also be a completely different pinion shaft rotation. Anybody else experienced this???