Back at it again this weekend. Finally got around to replacing the rack and pinion (R&P). We had picked up a use one that seemed reasonably priced. Looked up a few videos on removing the R&P from the frame. Almost all mentioned removing a bolt at the rag joint and described this bolt as fitting into a groove on the shaft. My son and I could see the groove on the replacement R&P, and understood how this worked out. However, when we got under the car, we didn't see the same set up. Instead, we noticed that there was a bolt that ran through a u-shaped bracket that held the rack to the rag joint. We didn't take a picture of the bracket, but in the photos below you can see how different these connecting rods are in the two R&P. So, we would like to know if this is going to present a problem. Can these be swapped without damaging the R&P or subjecting it to future leaks?
Also, while we down there, we noticed that a number of bushings seemed pretty worn out. We decided that because we were already down there, we should take the time to replace them (lower control arm, sway bar, sway bar link, and R&P) along with the tie rods and bellows. Went to the auto parts store and we were only able to pick up the outer tire rods, one bellow, and the bushings (MOOG) for the sway bar link (we would have to wait until Monday to order the others, we were told).
On the way home, we talked about also replacing the struts. Then we started wondering if it made sense to purchase the lower control arm with the bushings and ball joint already pressed in. Then it became a discussion of looking at the rear
control arms, the rear shocks, and the quad shocks.
All of sudden, this seemed to be a pretty expensive weekend project. So, we agreed to seek advice from you all not only in terms of how to proceed but also in terms of recommendations for
suspension parts. This is his daily driver (well, he uses my Monte Carlo when we are working on his Mustang). Not intended for racing (though being 19 years old, I'm sure he's running it harder than he claims). What are decent shocks/struts? Are there
suspension kits that we should consider otherwise. We have the original sway bars in front and back; does it make sense to consider replacing these as well. We were told that there were different stock sizes so we weren't able to pick up the frame-sway bar (?) bushings at the time. Does it make sense to replace the quad shocks?
We came across references to bump-steer, but we were quite sure if these were on his car; at least, we didn't see anything other than the sway bark link bushings on the front end. Are these the same? A lot of questions, we know. Any advice you give is much appreciated.
Thanks, jhp and don