More TCP R&P Problems

[Chris Kennedy]

Hi:

Well, I had some additional problems with the TCP manual rack on my '65 289 and am having a replacement sent and installed (that's a separate story--I'm happy with the resolution). The basic problem was that, as you moved the steering wheel left and right from center at rest, I began noticing what felt like a "skip" ---imagine if a tooth were broken on either the pinion gear or the rack, accompanied by a noise. It would happen only at rest and once. No "teeth" were actually broken, but after lots of observation/pushing/pulling etc. it appears to be an issue with the passenger side bolt that links the center bar (to which the tie rods are connected) and the internal rack, itself (you could see the bar move a bit for/aft when you'd get the skip/noise). Apparently, it isn't dangerous, but it also doesn't inspire confidence, hence this rack goes and I get a new one. Anyhow, does anyone know how the the bolt attaches to the rack, itself? I have also asked TCP for a schematic.

Regards,
/s/ Chris

 

[RyanG85]

Chris, how long have you had this rack? I just installed a TCP manual rack in my 65 and have yet to use it. I think I read somewhere that there was a redesign and wondering if you have the older version. I hope all goes well with mine.....

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I would say about a year and a half. This is a real world Mustang, not a cruise queen, and in that time I have put about 15,000 miles on it in routine driving here in Texas. The new rack will be here next week, and the old one on its way back to TCP for re-check/re-build. TCP says they really need to look at it, but it may be a problem with a polyuerethane bushing that is used in adjusting preload. It's sort of funny, but this 46 year-old car has been totally reliable, with the only problem being this new and "modern" TCP unit. Hopefully, the new one will be fine, and I just got a bad one. What it has done, however, is convince me not to purchase any other TCP products, such as any of their control arms with the drop feature that effectively gives you the Shelby drop without actually drilling new holes (which I was thinking about doing).

Regards,
/s/ Chris

 

[steveh326]

What it has done, however, is convince me not to purchase any other TCP products, such as any of their control arms with the drop feature that effectively gives you the Shelby drop without actually drilling new holes (which I was thinking about doing).

Regards,
/s/ Chris

well shit, I gots a pair of those fancy UCA/LCAs on the shelf waiting to go into my car when it goes back together... the SEEMED like quality units when I took them out for inspection... It appears to me that just about all of the aftermarket steering upgrades have had an issue or 2. I have the borgenson box on the same parts shelf waiting to go into the car, and I've heard of issues with it as well. The only reason I didn't go with TCP R&P was my (lack of) budget.

Anyway, good luck, I really hope you get your issue worked out.

 

[66gt350]

well shart, I gots a pair of those fancy UCA/LCAs on the shelf waiting to go into my car when it goes back together... the SEEMED like quality units when I took them out for inspection... It appears to me that just about all of the aftermarket steering upgrades have had an issue or 2. I have the borgenson box on the same parts shelf waiting to go into the car, and I've heard of issues with it as well. The only reason I didn't go with TCP R&P was my (lack of) budget.

Anyway, good luck, I really hope you get your issue worked out.

I've got several of TCP products on my fastback, and I've seen no problems with their quality. If you want me to test out the control arms for ya. Just mail 'em out west and I'll install 'em on the wife's coupe, and I'll tell you how they do. =^)

When I get around to it (ok...when i get the funds), I'll be putting on their power rack on my fastback.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I am sure everything will work out--it already has, in fact, and I'm looking forward to the replacement rack (get the problem one outa' there). I really like the TCP rack otherwise, but like a lot of the restomod parts there are often issues which need sorting that you never read about in the glowing "Mustang Monthly" articles. The Mustang original steering needed work badly, which is why I stuck this out. As to the upper control arms, though, that's another story, and if get into the mood to fuss with things, the Shelby drop with standard arms should work fine.

Cheers!

/s/ Chris

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Hi:

Quick update: The replacement TCP rack arrived, is installed, and I have been driving around for about a week and a half or so. This one is much better and smoother, but the most I was able to get out of TCP was there was maybe a preload problem on the old rack. They also did not send me a schematic of the internals, as I asked (they just ignored me on that request, didn't even say yes or no), so I looked on their website and found that the main patent number was 6,457,375 on the 65 Mustang manual rack. Then, I went to the main Patent and Tradmark Office website, and they have a search feature whereby you can call up the patent application if you have the number, and there is a drawing/schematic (called a "specification", I believe) that is a standard part of the application. Voila! TCP definately needs to work on certain features of their racks (road vibration and offer vibration-dampening u-joints), and also needs to kick up their support. WAY too much of the diagnostics and dialing-in on this rack has had to have been done by me, "the customer". In complete contrast, I emailed Dynomax the other night for some technical information on several of their mufflers, and got an answer first thing the next morning. Subsequent emails got very helpful replies within the hour.

/s/ Chris Kennedy