F150: Difference between rack and pinion and steering gear?

[ccbruin]

There is play going into the rack and pinion on my truck (drivers side). I was assuming to replace the rack and pinion, then I came across steering gears. Whats the difference? Would a new rack and pinion come with the steering gears in it?

Also, given the play I have, which you yall think I need to replace?

[Atl-atl]

Your rack and pinion steering assembly has "gears" in it but typically when talking about steering setups a car with a steering "gear" or "box" is a completely different setup than a rack and pinion. A rack and pinion is usually a single unit that includes the "gear" as well as the tie rods and is typically not serviceable, you simply buy a whole new steering "rack" when something goes wrong. If you have a "recirculating ball" type steering setup you would have a separate steering "gear" or "box" that is its own individual unit and the draglink/tie rod/pitman arm are separate pieces that attach to it. This is best explained with a picture hahaha. Its not always the case but most commonly a car with independent suspension will have a rack and pinion and a car with a solid front axle will have a recirculating ball setup.

Recirculating ball on the left, rack and pinion on the right.

http://www.autopartsnerd.com/images/steering-systems.jpg

[gm4x4lover]

Steering gear is also a category section for parts stores and auto repair web sites like all data or Mitchell's. If there is play it could be the rack and pinion or tie rod ends.

[ccbruin]

It is not the tie rods. On rock auto. There is a category for both. Both of which have parts for my f150... So I'm just confused.

Which should I go with? What brand?

[The StRanger]

My vote is for Ford stock !!
The factory gear lasted , 100 to 150 K
New one should last till it in the yard !!

[gm4x4lover]

I dont know why it shows both but it should have a rack and pinion. I searched in images one of the motor craft part numbers for a steering box and it pulled up pics of a rack and pinion. So I belive that the have partnumbers for racks under the steering gear box section. InformTion is only as accurate as the people inputting it. H do you know its not the tie rod ends?

[The StRanger]

Could it be F150 and F 250 ??
F1s have a rack and F2s have a box !

[gm4x4lover]

On rock auto it specifies f150 4x4 with different wheel bases. I crossed the motorcraft number and its for a rack. Nobody is perfect.

[ccbruin]

Thanks Nicholas! There is play in the linear gear going into the rack on the driver side, that is why I think it is the rack and pinion. Also, a mechanic also said it was the rack that needs replacing. He quoted 1,200$ for the job!!! It included a A1-Cardone reman rack that he was going to charge me near $600 for! and its like $160 on rock auto! The work doesn't seem to be too hard to replace it, so I',m going to try and tackle it myself. Might have to splurge on the motorcraft rack...

[gm4x4lover]

The f150's are pretty easy to replace the rack on. Remember to mark your tie rod ends before so you can get it close. I highly recomend buying the rack from a local vender. Its much easier to correct the situation or a problem if on arises

[ccbruin]

The f150's are pretty easy to replace the rack on. Remember to mark your tie rod ends before so you can get it close. I highly recomend buying the rack from a local vender. Its much easier to correct the situation or a problem if on arises

Of course. DO you mean from like pepboys, or store alike?

[Popsgarage]

Stick with genuine Motorcraft if you have the extra dough.