94 SE Steering rack ID

[renchjeep]

I did a search, but did not find anything, so...
94 SE, ID/options sticker illegible on spare tire cover, how do I tell if I have FE1, FE2, or F41 suspension in order to get the correct power steering rack? Also, are the racks interchangeable? I would like to have the quickest-ratio available. My rack has 2 large ports, 2 smaller ports. Larger ones are 1-pressure, 1-return (which also goes through a factory cooler), and the 2 smaller "transfer" lines go back to the rack itself.

Any help will be appreciated!
Thanks--Chris

[MattStrike]

Racks are interchangeable, I believe FE2 and F41 racks are both the more 'performance' feeling of the two.
I think it can be narrowed down to which you have; Need OD of both sway bars, and if you have rear air struts.

[renchjeep]

I do not have rear air struts. I measure the swaybars as follows: Front is 30mm, which is 1 3/16 inch. Rear is 17mm, which is very close to 11/16 inch. I used a digital brake rotor caliper, so I hope this is close enough. Let me know if this makes any sense, and leads us to FE1, FE2, or F41. The rear sway bar is a junkyard item, as my old one broke, but I think it is the same size as my original...

Thanks again--Chris

[MattStrike]

Sounds like FE1 to me.

Any FE2/F41 rack will be the quick ratio option, I've been able to find them in low mileage cars at the u-pull in the past.

[renchjeep]

Cool, and thanks! I will be ordering the F41 rack, as it would seem to be the "sportier" rack. Any preference as far as brand? I can get ATSCO, A1 Cardone, or AC Delco for just about 125.00, 150.00 and 175.00 respectively. I am guessing Delco is worth the extra bucks. Opinions? Experiences?

Thanks again--Chris

[Jrs3800]

I have had both of the remans... Have never had any issues with them..

The one in my 95 has over 100,000 on it.. still working good.. The stocker had a lot of play before it ever got there..

I do feel F41 rack is the way to go tho... Much sportier, 2.7 turns lock to lock as opposed to 3.1

[renchjeep]

F41 it is, then. I will probably go with the Delco unit. It is remanufactured in Mexico, I heard. Any experience with Delco remans from Mexico?

[Need For Steve]

Where are those prices from? Advance Auto's website lists both racks at $71.99 from Cardone.

[renchjeep]

The prices I quoted are from RockAuto. I think I prefer the AC Delco rack, even for a bit more money.

[e8r23i80c]

so in the interest of doing a search so as not start a whole new thread I am curious...I was told there was a code in my glovebox to identify which steering rack my '99 SE had but I found no such number. Dealership said they would call GM dealer with the VIN in order to identify correct rack. Replacing due to leaking at 179k miles. Now that it's replaced though the car seems to "wander". Like it will pull to the left and the right depending on my last correction of the car. Could this be due to getting the wrong rack and are there any other suggestions why I'm having this problem? Thanks