Unisteer 8010400-02 User Manual

1955-57 Chevy Rack & Pinion Kit

# 8010400-01 & 8010400-02

Full refund will NOT be granted to any kits that are

damaged, scratched, or altered in any fashion.

*USE ONLY POWER STEERING FLUID IN SYSTEM. DO NOT USE ATF.
*ALTHOUGH THIS KIT IS FAIRLY SIMPLE TO INSTALL, SOME

MODIFICATIONS ARE NECESSARY.
*BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION, PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE

MODIFICATIONS THAT ARE NEEDED TO INSTALL.
*BE AWARE OF THE SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS THAT THIS KIT WILL FIT AS

OUTLINED IN SECTION #1.
DUE TO VARIABLES OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL THESE KITS MAY NOT FIT

ALL APPLICATIONS. ALSO, PLEASE VERIFY KIT WILL FIT YOUR
APPLICATION BEFORE ALTERING VEHICLE.

pg. 1 655380

Kit Contents:

#

Part Number

Description

Quantity

1

8010290

Power Rack & Pinion

1 2 8021680

Mounting Bracket

1 3 10002

Outer Ends

2 4 120220

Self-Lock Nut M12x1.5

2 5 600500

Tie Wraps

3 6 620510

Fitting Kit 6AN 14/ 6AN 16

1 7 620340

Mounting Hardware

1

Applications/Provisions

This kit is designed specifically for 1955-57 “Tri-Five” Chevy cars with SMALL BLOCK CHEVY
motors and side-mount motor mounts. Certain headers may be used with this kit to build the
steering linkage with just two u-joints and a section of shaft. We found one header that works well
with this kit. We sell a coated “shortie” style header from Sanderson (shown below) that works
great. You can order these from us under part #8021830 for $445.00.

It is not mandatory that this specific brand be used, but we have used them and we know they
work. Headers with a similar shape may work. If you do not wish to change your headers, you
should be able to use a series of U-joints and a support bearing, to attach the column and rack &
pinion.

If you are using a big block motor, past customers have used a combination of single and double
U-Joints to get the linkage to the column. You can also visit www.555657.net or call Tri-5 R&D at
253-278-7475 for information on their header options that must be used in conjunction with the
TCI side motor mounts.

pg. 2 655380

LS Series Engines (Gen III / Gen IV Small Block)

Unisteer part number 8010600 is suggested when installing a LS/LT series Chevrolet small block.
The following Hooker Header part numbers have been found to work on 55-57 Chevrolet cars
equipped with the Unisteer rack and pinion kit and a LS series engine.

2293HKR - - -1955-1957 Chevy w/ Unisteer Rack & Pinion (Painted)
2293-1HKR - 1955-1957 Chevy w/ Unisteer Rack & Pinion (Silver Ceramic)
2293-3HKR - 1955-1957 Chevy w/ Unisteer Rack & Pinion (“Darkside” Black Ceramic)

A power steering pump will be needed. These require a mounting bracket, pulley, reservoir, and
hoses. Unisteer Performance Products offers a pump (see fig.2), call for pricing & ordering
details. The rack and pinion kit includes two #6 male AN fittings. This kit requires a mis-phasing of
the u-joints in the steering shaft. Smooth or splined shafting allows you to do this, but double D
shafts do not.

Removing Original Steering

(Please review the illustration to help understand terminology below)

1) Remove steering linkage

Remove nuts and cotter pins from the outer tie rod ends. Remove the outer tie rods from the
steering arms (a pickle fork may be needed). Unbolt the steering arms from the spindles, and
save the bolts. Unbolt idler arm. Remove the steering box nut below the pitman arm. Using a
puller remove the pitman arm. This will allow the entire stock steering linkage to be removed.

2) Remove steering box, and steering column

(This step is for cars with factory steering boxes, and columns)
Remove steering wheel nut, and steering wheel. The steering column shaft is part of the steering
box and cannot disconnect from the steering box. You may want to remove the existing headers
first to gain space. Unbolt the steering box from the frame and remove (pull down and forward).
When you remove the steering box, the column shaft will be removed as well. Set the entire
steering box assembly aside. Unbolt the column from the dash, and floor. Disconnect the
electrical connections from the column. Remove the steering column.

pg. 3 655380