rack & pinion

[RLamas]

What is the difference on a rack and pinion on a ws-6 Trans-Am and a regular Trans-Am and how do I know I have recieved the right for my WS-6 Trans-Am?

[Orcus79]

The only differance will be the number of turns lock to lock, the WS-6s i think came with a quick ratio set up, work out to 1.5 turns or some thing to that effect.

[JohnnyBs98WS6Rag]

The only differance will be the number of turns lock to lock, the WS-6s i think came with a quick ratio set up, work out to 1.5 turns or some thing to that effect.

WOW, just when I thought I've seen and read everything about WS6s, I "learn" something new. Or have I?

The only difference I've ever known between WS6 and non-WS6 steering is the power steering fluid cooler that came standard w/ the WS6 package and was not available until the later ('01-'02??) years. Do you have documentation backing up the claim the steering ratios were different?

[Orcus79]

Like I said in my post "I think" I'm not 100% positive on it as I don't have my books with me . And such can't confirm it either.

[Wesman]

According to Advance Auto (PartsAmerica.com) and Autozone the difference is whether or not the car has RPO code F41 in the '98 and '99 years, which is "Firm Riding and Handling Suspension". I've never heard of that code on a 4th gen though, the code for the WS6 package is "WS6", and the code for a V8 Formula is "WS9". The 00-02 cars list the same rack and pinion for all models.

[JohnnyBs98WS6Rag]

According to Advance Auto (PartsAmerica.com) and Autozone the difference is whether or not the car has RPO code F41 in the '98 and '99 years, which is "Firm Riding and Handling Suspension". I've never heard of that code on a 4th gen though, the code for the WS6 package is "WS6", and the code for a V8 Formula is "WS9". The 00-02 cars list the same rack and pinion for all models.

Could that be a 1LE code/part?

[Ronemac]

same rack and pinion for all models

[third_shift|studios]

i honestly hate how long it takes to turn the wheels

[JohnnyBs98WS6Rag]

Found this in an RPO listing:

F40 SUSPENSION SYSTEM, FRT, RR, HD, VAR I

F41 SUSPENSION SYSTEM, FRT, RR, FIRM RIDE, HANDLING

F42 SUSPENSION SYSTEM, FRT, HD

Interestingly, my WS6 doesn't have any of those RPOs. I must not have a suspension system!?!?

But Wesman is right, two different units are listed for '98-'99s, but only one (the non-F41 unit) for the '00+. And that is the more expensive of the two, the cheaper F41 unit doesn't appear to be stocked in the stores either. I'm beginning to wonder if there IS a 1LE-unique rack-and-pinion part. It would make sense that stores would not stock the part for the 1LE since it's a relatively microscopic market for that part.

[tbaum]

Mine has been non opperational for a few years now. I have a leak somewhere. SOmeone told me it was actually in the R&P itself. I have a '98 non WS6 'Vert. Is it possible to upgrade? I hate mine. My Yukon has a better turn radius.

[JohnnyBs98WS6Rag]

My Yukon has a better turn radius.

I wouldn't hold my breath for a steering ratio change to change the turning radius.