Power steering rack -- same PN for 1998-2002?
 

I have a 2002 Z28 w/ the power steering cooler.

My PS rack is leaking fluid and I want to replace it. A board member is selling the rack from a '98 Z28, which AFAIK did not have the cooler. Will it work on my car? Giving up the PS cooler is not acceptable.

Thanks!

Partial answer to my question:

According to RockAuto.com:
1998-1999:
ACDELCO Part # 369026 More Info {#26044843}
GEAR KIT,STRG(REMAN) INNER TIE ROD; w/FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41); DUPLICATE USAGE IN SELL DOWN; w/o 3800 GT(Y87)

2000-2002
ACDELCO Part # 360012 {#26062311}
GEAR KIT,STRG(REMAN) w/FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41) or 3800 GT(Y87)
GEAR KIT,STRG(REMAN) w/RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(FE2) or SPECIAL SUSP(FE4)


So, they have different part numbers. What's the actual difference? Will the older one mate up with the PS cooler?

Also, does anyone know what's involved in removing and reinstalling the rack?

My RPO code sticker has the FE2 code referenced above, if that makes any difference. It does not have F41 or FE4 (or Y87, but we knew that already, didn't we ;)).

Spoke with a dealer service rep, and he thinks it'll work fine, but that it's going to run hotter than an '00-02 version would. He said I should just run a synthetic PS fluid.

I don't really like the sound of that, and I'm leaning towards holding out for the updated rack.

Thoughts?

The difference in 93-97 and 98-02 is the orientation of how the intermediate
steering shaft mounts. You can use the later style but will have to remove the intermediate shaft and turn it 180 degrees to mount to the later rack.

Thanks, but what I was asking was whether there was a difference between the 1998 rack and the 2002 rack. As it turns out, there is -- 2000+ cars use a revised rack that is more efficient and creates less heat in the fluid.

I can't imagine that the rack design itself would have much to do with how
hot the p/s fluid gets. Besides when is the last time that you have
heard of an issue caused by the temp of p/s fluid... certainly not common in f-body circles, at least not in drag racing or street cars.

I would think that if anything the revision would affect the gear ratio - but that is just a guess.