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94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:30 pm
by 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

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 7:07 pm
by 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.

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 10:04 pm
by 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

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:45 am
by 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.

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 12:07 am
by 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

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 8:13 pm
by 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

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 12:45 am
by 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?

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 5:59 pm
by Need For Steve
Where are those prices from? Advance Auto's website lists both racks at $71.99 from Cardone.

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:11 am
by renchjeep
The prices I quoted are from RockAuto. I think I prefer the AC Delco rack, even for a bit more money.

Re: 94 SE Steering rack ID

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:56 pm
by 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