Well the power steering rack is in and with a 16:1 ratio I was looking forward to a lot less wheel-wrestling than I had with a blown out power steering rack.
Indeed at low speeds and in parking lots it has been a godsend, but on the freeway it's downright scary!! The steering wheel now operates all auto moves within no more than about 1" of its center position; any more than that and the response is excessive. Moreover, the front end feels "floaty", like if I ask it to go left a bit it starts left and just wants to continue on going left unless I correct it back. Have to do that super carefully or it'll start drifting right! It feels like it has no desire to return to center (straight ahead).
I asked the alignment shop if it were related (I don't have the numbers but I'll get them). Their response was it's not the alignment, that's the way it is with power steering especially if you're running those large (265 / 50 / 15) front tires.
I'm wondering where to start here? The pump puts out 1500psi but is limited by a restrictor to just under 1000psi (tested). The rack is 1000psi rated. Would it help to put in a smaller restrictor? Would it help to use smaller front tires? Should I be looking for an adjustable in-line high pressure output regulator from the pump?
Should I have asked around more and wound up with the manual rack and pinion instead
Thanks for any input,
I know, I go to school at ClubCobra University.
Dirk