According to the Mustang 5.0 Technical Reference & Performance Handbook.
Manual steering was offered from 79-84 and then discontinued and was a 4.08 lock to lock.
Power steering was offered from 79-93 and became standard in 1984 as manual was no longer offered.
Early PS racks were made by TRW, then in 1982 Ford began a running change over to the Ford racks. All 83-93 Mustangs were equipped with Ford racks.
The 79 Mustang/Capri racks are essentially carry overs from the 1978 Fairmont/Zephyr. These racks are unique due to the fact that they have variable ratio steering gear. This was an industry first in that the steering ratio changes as the wheels are turned off center and the ratio increases as you steer more towards the end of their travel.
Ford also offered a "firm feel" rack that was a 20:1 ratio used with the performance suspension and or performance items such as the V8 engine, turbo 4, Cobra, and TRX package etc.
The late 83.5 -85 racks for the 5.0 are all the 15:1 ratio racks (also called 14.7:1 ratio) and these are constat ratio racks and are 2.46 turns lock to lock.
The 86 5.0 rack is essentially the same as above but the 86 GT had a larger turning circle than the previous models.
The 87-93 5.0 rack is essentially the same as above with the exception that it is 2.25 turns lock to lock.
The difference in lock to lock turns appears to be the factory racks fitted with travel restictors. The 87-93 appear to have 2 sets of the limiters installed to help prevent rubbing with the original 60 series tires that were fitted.
You should be able to install any of the racks listed above onto your Mustang. There are differences in the mounting hardware and the bushings, (79-84 & 84-93) but many of the replacment racks include both sets of bushings. You can also install performance poly rack bushings.
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/st...roducts_id=463 I do not recommend installing the offset bushings in most stock street style cars. I also recommend the steering shaft from Maximum Motorsports as a great upgrade. It really helps to remove the slop from the stock rag joint. It will also help with header clearance, especially if you run long tubes.
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/st...roducts_id=980
Since you have an 87 pump already, I would recommend getting a rack for an 87 V8 Mustang and you should be just fine. Unfortunately the feeling of the Mustang steering can vary greatly depending on pump, rack, tie rods, alignment, tires, etc. Many complain of too much boost and a numb feeling. Your experience may vary.
Hope that helps a bit.
Good Luck!
Trey
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