67-69 Camaro & 68-74 Nova Rack & Pinion Mounting Kit

This kit converts the stock rear steer system to a rack-and-pinion front steer setup. The installation requires removing the stock lower control arm crossmember. A replacement removable tubular crossmember, designed to fit under the engine, is included.

The kit also includes:

• A rack-and-pinion mounting bracket
• A billet aluminum Pinto rack mount clamp
• Tie rods
• Diagonal brace gussets
• Crossmember cap-off plates with integral tie-down loops
• All necessary hardware

Installation Notes:
Cutting, fitting, and welding are required.

Important: Pinto rack (35-042) and aluminum steering arms (35-078) are not included.

This upgrade reduces weight by approximately 25 pounds.

Installation Instructions

1. Front Crossmember Removal & Preparation

• Remove the front crossmember.
• Before removing the rear crossmember, install the cap plates and a new 1-1/2” diameter crossmember.
• Cut 20” from the center of the front crossmember.
• Align the top & back edges of the 1/4” cap plates with the top & back edge of the sectioned crossmember. Tack weld in place.
• Install the 1-1/2” crossmember between the cap plates.
• Refer to the general arrangement drawing for dimensions.
• Ensure the crossmember is square with the frame before tack welding it to the cap plates.
• Tack weld the 1/8” gussets to the front of the crossmember & cap plates.

2. Rear Crossmember Removal

• Carefully remove the rear crossmember. This crossmember has multiple layers.
• Cut away the outer section where the stock engine mounts bolt, but do not remove the section where the lower A-arms bolt.
• Before cutting, study the attached photos and examine the crossmember.
• Leave a portion of the crossmember intact to gusset the A-arm mounting box.
• Use the small gusset (provided in the kit) to reinforce the front of the A-arm box.

3. Installing the 1” Diameter Diagonal Tubes

• Find the centerline of the frame and mark it on the crossmember.
• Center the diagonals on the front crossmember, leaving a gap between them.
• Fit the back of the tube to the front corner of the A-arm mounting box.
• Tack weld the diagonals in place.

4. Installing the Removable Crossmember & Mounting Tabs

• Tack weld the removable crossmember mounting tabs in place.
• Bolt the 1/4” thick tabs to the clevis in the crossmember.
• The tapered end of the tab should face the front of the car.
• Position the crossmember and tabs between the diagonals, ensuring it is parallel with the front crossmember.
• Tack weld the tabs to the diagonals.

5. Attaching the Rack & Pinion Mounts

• Attach the rack & pinion mounts to the front crossmember using the rack & pinion for proper alignment.
• Ensure the steering shaft clears the A-arm mounting box.
• Set the rack to the center of its travel.
• Mark the input shaft & body for reference.
• Find and mark the center of the rack & pinion (R&P) using the tie rod ends.
• Bolt the R&P mounting brackets to the rack. Ensure the gussets on the brackets face toward the center of the car.
• Connect the steering shaft to the rack.
• Position the mounting brackets against the crossmember and align the centerline marks.
• Rotate the rack until there is about 1/4” of clearance between the shaft and the A-arm box.
• Tack weld the rack mounts to the crossmember.

6. Installing Tie Rod Ends & Adjusting Steering

• Install the tie rod ends.
• Bolt your aftermarket steering arms to the spindles.
• Ensure the front spindles are at ride height, pointing straight ahead with 0 – 1/8” toe-in.
• Keep the rack at the center of its travel.
• Screw the jam nuts & tie rods onto the rack & pinion.
• Adjust the tie rods to properly bolt to the steering arms.
• Secure the rod ends to the steering arms using a half-moon washer on each side.
• Move the rack through its full range of motion to check for interference.
• Repeat this check with the suspension at both ends of its travel.

7. Final Assembly & Welding

• Once satisfied with the installation, disassemble and weld all components except the bolt-in crossmember.
• After fully welding the diagonal tubes & mounting tabs, reinstall the bolt-in crossmember and adjust its length if needed.
• Tack weld the clevises and crossmember tube, then remove and weld completely.