Terminator Steering Rack (How to get it!)

[mu22stang]

(Thread made a sticky 7/27/2012)To my knowledge, all SN95 steering racks carry the serial number: F6SC-3550-AA or similar. This serial number basically means nothing as it references the rack housing casting part number and not the mechanicals within. The guy behind the parts counter of your local dealership or joe blow auto parts store probably doesn't see the second serial number which makes a HUGE difference!

The second serial number appears as a "dimpled" code on the passenger side near the inner tie rod dust boot. The "dimpled" code denotes the specific valve and torsion bar configuration for that particular rack. This determines the "tightness", weight, ratio, and overall quality of steering feel. The "dimpled" code list below has holes. The whole serial numbering system seems to have holes and I haven't found any definitive information to suggest the process of finding the "right" rack is going to be easy...

SPR GY...'94-'96 All (probably not '95 Cobra R, somebody tell me???)
SPR RT...'97-'98 All
SPR SH...'99-'01 V6
SPR SJ...'99-'01 V8
SPR VT...'00 Cobra R
SPR ZL...'02-'04 V6
SPR ZK...'02-'04 V8
SPR ZM...'03-'04 Cobra

SPR NJ... the jury is out on this one...

From 2003 Manual


The 2003-2004 Cobra power steering rack, from what I've read, is just below the 2000 Cobra R rack in steering feel and ratio. It also has limiters, like the R, to prevent the wider factory 275's on 17"x9" wheels (265's on 18"x9.5" wheels for the R) from rubbing the inner fender liner.

Now, a lot of this many already knew. But, tracking down a supplier that could actually provide the steering rack you knew about and wanted, e.g. the Terminator rack (SPR ZM), was often based on chance. Since ordering a Terminator-specific steering rack is ideal, the hunt began...

Searching for remanufactured Terminator steering racks on the vendor site of your choosing, you may see a company named Cardone. Digging into Cardone specifically, you find that they remanufacture and list their racks based on the SPR XX code. For reference, Cardone's internal code for the Terminator rack (SPR ZM) is 22-2000, The '00 R rack (SPR VT) is 22-280.

**HUGE NOTE: I ordered and installed a Cardone remanufactured SPR ZM rack from Rock-Auto. I had to specify the part number 222000 (no dash) when ordering. The rack was drop shipped in somewhat poor condition (Read Post #16) and painted black, covering the dimpled code. However, this rack was installed on a 1997 Cobra and I can say with confidence the steering ratio and weight is dead on with my '04. If you've ever driven a '96-'98 Cobra back-to-back with a Terminator, you immediately feel the difference. I would be hard pressed to distinguish between the two after installing the Cardone unit.

Also, it is highly possible that these racks are completely stripped and rebuilt in bulk. This means that even if Cardone correctly installs the internals of the specific model you order, the housing (and associated dimpled code) may be from a different rack altogether. Until I know more, my best advice is to order the 222000 rack, install, and HOPE it's the right one.

Another outlet for steering racks is AGR. They have the Cobra R steering rack listed for '94-'04 as part# 715573. http://www.agrperformance.com/Ford-Cars-AGR-Performance-MB-Motorsports.htm

If any information here is incorrect, post up or PM me. I'll try and correct it promptly.

Boo-ya.

 

[mu22stang]

ttt for review from tech savvy Terminator owners...

 

[04sleeper]

Good info! :thumbsup:

 

[mblgjr]

So, did you ask if they can match the '00R rack?

 

[mu22stang]

So, did you ask if they can match the '00R rack?

I didn't. However, the rarity of the Y2K rack and its associated internals leaves me to believe it will still be considerably more expensive, if they carry it at all. It was something like $600 when it was still available...

According to my understanding, they just replace the o-rings, seals and repair anything that needs repairing, so I'm not sure they can match the torsion bar and valving found in the R rack. From what I've read, the Terminator rack is very close, and far cheaper.

Either way, I'll be sure to ask and post the answer to this.

 

[lowflyn]

I picked up a terminator spec steering rack from my local ford dealer...granted it was a reman it held the correct numbers and I was assured it was oem 03/04 cobra spec. Noticed absolutely zero difference between the factory and the reman I have and I still get zero rub with 275 front tires (with the factory limiters) and they rub the hell out of my wife's sway bar on her GT.

 

[mu22stang]

I picked up a terminator spec steering rack from my local ford dealer...granted it was a reman it held the correct numbers and I was assured it was oem 03/04 cobra spec. Noticed absolutely zero difference between the factory and the reman I have and I still get zero rub with 275 front tires (with the factory limiters) and they rub the hell out of my wife's sway bar on her GT.

I've heard the Terminator racks have the built in limiters to allow a wider tire, the R rack too. So, you're saying 275's rub with your wife's GT with the standard GT rack but don't on your Cobra with the reman?

 

[03cobra#694]

Good info if anyone needs a new rack Trent.

 

[mu22stang]

Update!

 

[Klyrow]

This will save some frustration in the future.

 

[lowflyn]

I've heard the Terminator racks have the built in limiters to allow a wider tire, the R rack too. So, you're saying 275's rub with your wife's GT with the standard GT rack but don't on your Cobra with the reman?

Yes, this is the reason I insisted a terminator rack instead of any rack. I ran the same exact wheels and tires on my 02 V6, my wife's 04 GT, and my 03 cobra. It rubbed on the V6 and GT and has never rubbed on the Cobra. I'm also lowered about an inch more on the cobra than the other two cars.

 

[94-427]

Have a 04 cobra rack willing to sell still on wrecked car

 

[mmustangsrus]

on heck of a find your the man :rockon:

thanks for the info :beer:

somebody should sticky this !!!!

 

[006]

SCHWEEEET!!! :rockon:

 

[mu22stang]

Update: A buddy of mine just ordered the Terminator rack, remanufactured by Cardone, from Rock-Auto for his '97. I'll post up pics and the results some time next week...

 

[mu22stang]

I installed this rack about a week and half ago on a 1997 Cobra (mdoan97's car), but l didn't get a chance to drive it until last night. The car feels great! I really would be hard pressed to describe any difference in feel, weight, or sharpness compared to my '04. If you've ever driven the two back-to-back, you know how sloppy the early SN95's can feel. That's no longer the case. Unfortunately, the rack comes painted black so the dimpled code is not visible.

I will caution those following this thread with this note: The rack arrived in a slightly damaged state. It was drop shipped WITHOUT packing material, just a cardboard box within a cardboard box.:fm: You can see in the first shot the indentation left on the inner cardboard box by the steering fluid tube as it rested, and banged, against the ground, delivery truck floor, etc. Both steering fluid tubes were replaced with Ford units before installation to be on the safe side. We weren't about to do it twice.

 

[RoadZOmbie]

I ordered a 22-2000 through one of my local vendors. There was a different stamping on the rack. It looks like SPR NJ 97MR2B is stamped on there. Do you guys think they just used the older 97 housing and used terminator spec valving and what not? :/

 

[Jimmysidecarr]

one heck of a find your the man :rockon:

thanks for the info :beer:

somebody should sticky this !!!!

DONE!!:rockon:

 

[mu22stang]

I ordered a 22-2000 through one of my local vendors. There was a different stamping on the rack. It looks like SPR NJ 97MR2B is stamped on there. Do you guys think they just used the older 97 housing and used terminator spec valving and what not? :/

I'm not sure on this. Has the rack been installed? Have you called Cardone to ask why the serial number of the rack you ordered does not match the stamped code listed in their own literature?

That's interesting that the dimpled code shows through the black paint. We couldn't see ours and didn't bother to check. Wish we had...

 

[EvilBlack]

That's interesting that the dimpled code shows through the black paint. We couldn't see ours and didn't bother to check. Wish we had...

Man, I was told mine has been replaced under warranty and I am really wanting to go climb under the car and verify it. Can you see it while installed?