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Thread: Current options for new rack and pinion?

  1. #1
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    Question Current options for new rack and pinion?

    My rack and pinion has a slow leak - have most of car torn apart so wanting to fix everything I possibly can now. I've read some old threads and fairly certain correct pn is 3W1Z-3504-GARM

    Problem is it appears to be discontinued - per ford parts giant and per local dealership I talked to today - can keep looking but has anyone had to do this recently and know of any options?

    I bought the seal kit with other parts I was ordering, but realized I have no idea how to take the thing apart and can't find a ton of info on how to do so. Also a new part would be one less thing to worry about... any ideas? Or somewhere I could get my current one reworked? Thanks

  2. #2
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    I got mine from Advance Auto. Rebuilt with warranty. Hard (expensive) to get a NEW one...they are all usually rebuilt. Painted black.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by 03Merc View Post
    I got mine from Advance Auto. Rebuilt with warranty. Hard (expensive) to get a NEW one...they are all usually rebuilt. Painted black.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Gotcha - you got yours rebuilt there? Or they had a rebuilt one available? My old ones fine other than a slow leak inside one of the boots

  4. #4
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    I'm going to continue this thread unfortunately. I originally diagnosed as a bad left inner tie rod but upon further inspection after removing the boot I found that the rack shaft (correct term?) is quite loose inside the housing! Like a lot loose, probably 1/16" radial play. Im not sure its even able to be rebuilt at this point. Remanufactured ones seem to be quite expensive and Im very mechanically inclined so I wouldnt mind tackling a rebuild myself, IF i can get the parts.

    Anyone have any info for me to work with? Are there rebuild kits available? Are the reman ones actually the correct fitment?
    2004 Silver Birch w/moonroof. "Isabelle"


    Eaton swapped summer/fall 2015 with all the gooddies, tune by the one-and-only Marty-O +2psi pulley, Steigemeyer stage 6 port, SWLT, custom ss exhaust, Borla ProXS, Addco sway bars, TCE s/s brake hoses, Hawk HPS pads, Zack big brak kit, J-mod, battery in trunk, full custom audio (never used, blower whine sounds better)

    To do list:
    HID headlights, LED interior/exterior, courtesy "3-flash" turn signals, widen wheels, rear deck wing, marauder stencil on cmhsl? bumper cover inserts? deck lid, steering whee, hood liner godshead, more power!

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by dmjarosz View Post
    I'm going to continue this thread unfortunately. I originally diagnosed as a bad left inner tie rod but upon further inspection after removing the boot I found that the rack shaft (correct term?) is quite loose inside the housing! Like a lot loose, probably 1/16" radial play. Im not sure its even able to be rebuilt at this point. Remanufactured ones seem to be quite expensive and Im very mechanically inclined so I wouldnt mind tackling a rebuild myself, IF i can get the parts.

    Anyone have any info for me to work with? Are there rebuild kits available? Are the reman ones actually the correct fitment?
    Pretty basic job, exercise patience.

    Here is a Toyota R&P rebuild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRdLsdymNP0

    Parts access may be your limiting factor.

    WLB
    BB#1) 1996 ImpalaSS - 16,500 miles - 100% stock
    ______________________________ ___________

    BB#2) 2003 Marauder (300a) - 34k miles - Daily Driver
    #2912 of 7093
    Conceived 8/6/2002
    Delivered 9/19/2002
    Adopted 8/10/2011
    Trilogy 242 - Self Installed 9/9/12 (0-60 5.5 sec)
    Pioneer 6x8 Front
    Legacy 600w 6x9 Rears
    JL 6.5 SubWoofer
    K&N CAI
    Window tint 50% rear/35% front
    FBM CHMSL with Strobe mod 7/1/12
    DR Deep Aluminum Trans Pan
    Sparta FOMOCO Racing 8.8 Girdle
    Mo's Dyno Tune
    Gorilla Nuts - The System
    Ford Racing 4.10s, 31 spline Cobra carrier & axles 7/1/12
    Powder Coat Axle Housing 7/1/12
    CME HP Rear Control Arms & Watts Link 7/1/12
    ______________________________ ________________

    Rex "SC Cheesehead" Weinbender 11-14-13
    Ed "Baaad GN" Linthicum 8-6-2014

  6. #6
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    Doesnt seem like the most complicated effort in the world, except for the 4,000 specialty tools needed haha.

    So Ive spent the last few days shopping around for a re-manufactured rack. Nobody has one in stock with the 2.81 lock-to-lock turns of the Marauder. So my next plan(s) is to either just bite the bullet and replace with a MGM rack at 2.88 turns lock-to-lock and swap over the EVO valves to keep the same steering assist as the marauder OR buy the MGM rack and swap out only the rack and pinion gears from my Marauder. My local Ford dealer has a Motorcraft MGM rack in stock. Its way more expensive than any of the aftermarket brands but theres just something about buying certain OEM parts that gives me comfort.
    My questions:
    0) More of a verification. Will the MGM rack will physically interchange with the MM rack? No sensor or clock spring issues? Clock spring issues scare me....
    1) Am I crazy for even thinking about swapping parts around just to keep the MM steering ratio? Will I even notice?
    2) Does the EVO valves matter between cars? I going under the assumption its just an open/close valve that is controlled from the Marauder PCM. Maybe the orifice sizes are different, giving different levels of assist between the cars?
    3) Does OEM vs aftermarket matter for a rack and pinion?
    4) Anyone have a better idea?

    I love Isabelle but MM-specific parts availability is starting to become worrisome.
    2004 Silver Birch w/moonroof. "Isabelle"


    Eaton swapped summer/fall 2015 with all the gooddies, tune by the one-and-only Marty-O +2psi pulley, Steigemeyer stage 6 port, SWLT, custom ss exhaust, Borla ProXS, Addco sway bars, TCE s/s brake hoses, Hawk HPS pads, Zack big brak kit, J-mod, battery in trunk, full custom audio (never used, blower whine sounds better)

    To do list:
    HID headlights, LED interior/exterior, courtesy "3-flash" turn signals, widen wheels, rear deck wing, marauder stencil on cmhsl? bumper cover inserts? deck lid, steering whee, hood liner godshead, more power!

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by dmjarosz View Post
    Doesnt seem like the most complicated effort in the world, except for the 4,000 specialty tools needed haha.

    So Ive spent the last few days shopping around for a re-manufactured rack. Nobody has one in stock with the 2.81 lock-to-lock turns of the Marauder. So my next plan(s) is to either just bite the bullet and replace with a MGM rack at 2.88 turns lock-to-lock and swap over the EVO valves to keep the same steering assist as the marauder OR buy the MGM rack and swap out only the rack and pinion gears from my Marauder. My local Ford dealer has a Motorcraft MGM rack in stock. Its way more expensive than any of the aftermarket brands but theres just something about buying certain OEM parts that gives me comfort.
    My questions:
    0) More of a verification. Will the MGM rack will physically interchange with the MM rack? No sensor or clock spring issues? Clock spring issues scare me....
    1) Am I crazy for even thinking about swapping parts around just to keep the MM steering ratio? Will I even notice?
    2) Does the EVO valves matter between cars? I going under the assumption its just an open/close valve that is controlled from the Marauder PCM. Maybe the orifice sizes are different, giving different levels of assist between the cars?
    3) Does OEM vs aftermarket matter for a rack and pinion?
    4) Anyone have a better idea?

    I love Isabelle but MM-specific parts availability is starting to become worrisome.
    I'm curious, where did you find that the MM and normal panthers had different ratios in the racks? I'd always read they were both 18.4:1 and I thought the only difference between the two was the weight in the variable assist.

    On another note, speaking from BMW land, reach out to this guy about getting your rack rebuilt. He does list the Marauder as its own part, you could just send your rack in to have refreshed. https://www.rackdoctor.net/

    https://shop.rackdoctor.net/2003-200...14995-300M.htm

    Also yes the MM and MGM/CV racks interchange physically.


    2016 Ford Mustang GT PP - Lund nGauge, BMR vertical links, MGW Shifter, BMR CB005

    2004 Mercury Marauder - Eaton M112, Billetflow 3.4, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, T-56 Magnum, 4.10s, Stainless Works LTs, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, Ridetech Coilovers + Adj rear shocks, FX-R projectors, Wilwood 13" BNSL6 + FNSL4 BBKs, S55 Gauge Cluster
    440rwhp & 406rwtq Tuned by Adam @ Revolution Automotive
    2063/3214

    (Sold) 2003 Mercury Marauder - Stainless Works LT's, Stainless Works 2.5" Catback, JLT Intake, Mo's Xcal4 Tune
    5377/7838

    2000 BMW M5 - Evolve Intake, Evolve Alpha-N tune, Stoptech ST-40 BBK, UUC SSK, Dinan front STB, Dinan RSB

    1996 Ford Bronco - 4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, Punisher Valve Body, MH1 Projectors

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    I'm curious, where did you find that the MM and normal panthers had different ratios in the racks? I'd always read they were both 18.4:1 and I thought the only difference between the two was the weight in the variable assist.

    On another note, speaking from BMW land, reach out to this guy about getting your rack rebuilt. He does list the Marauder as its own part, you could just send your rack in to have refreshed. https://www.rackdoctor.net/

    https://shop.rackdoctor.net/2003-200...14995-300M.htm

    Also yes the MM and MGM/CV racks interchange physically.
    Thanks for the R&P source!

    WLB
    BB#1) 1996 ImpalaSS - 16,500 miles - 100% stock
    ______________________________ ___________

    BB#2) 2003 Marauder (300a) - 34k miles - Daily Driver
    #2912 of 7093
    Conceived 8/6/2002
    Delivered 9/19/2002
    Adopted 8/10/2011
    Trilogy 242 - Self Installed 9/9/12 (0-60 5.5 sec)
    Pioneer 6x8 Front
    Legacy 600w 6x9 Rears
    JL 6.5 SubWoofer
    K&N CAI
    Window tint 50% rear/35% front
    FBM CHMSL with Strobe mod 7/1/12
    DR Deep Aluminum Trans Pan
    Sparta FOMOCO Racing 8.8 Girdle
    Mo's Dyno Tune
    Gorilla Nuts - The System
    Ford Racing 4.10s, 31 spline Cobra carrier & axles 7/1/12
    Powder Coat Axle Housing 7/1/12
    CME HP Rear Control Arms & Watts Link 7/1/12
    ______________________________ ________________

    Rex "SC Cheesehead" Weinbender 11-14-13
    Ed "Baaad GN" Linthicum 8-6-2014

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by MyBlackBeasts View Post
    Thanks for the R&P source!

    If you or anyone else tries them out please share the experience. I haven't (had a need to) had a rack rebuilt by this place yet but I read good reviews so I saved it as a mental note.


    2016 Ford Mustang GT PP - Lund nGauge, BMR vertical links, MGW Shifter, BMR CB005

    2004 Mercury Marauder - Eaton M112, Billetflow 3.4, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, T-56 Magnum, 4.10s, Stainless Works LTs, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, Ridetech Coilovers + Adj rear shocks, FX-R projectors, Wilwood 13" BNSL6 + FNSL4 BBKs, S55 Gauge Cluster
    440rwhp & 406rwtq Tuned by Adam @ Revolution Automotive
    2063/3214

    (Sold) 2003 Mercury Marauder - Stainless Works LT's, Stainless Works 2.5" Catback, JLT Intake, Mo's Xcal4 Tune
    5377/7838

    2000 BMW M5 - Evolve Intake, Evolve Alpha-N tune, Stoptech ST-40 BBK, UUC SSK, Dinan front STB, Dinan RSB

    1996 Ford Bronco - 4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, Punisher Valve Body, MH1 Projectors

  10. #10
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    Thanks! I definitely checked out that site. I emailed them with a few questions including asking about the marauder-specific EVO valve and the 2.81 lock to lock ratio. I Will share answer when they arrive.

    What I mean by steering ratio is the lock-to-lock turns of the steering wheel. Marauder is supposedly 2.81. I've seen applications that state 2.88 and 3.00. Since the chassis and major components are the same, I'm assuming the angle the wheels are at when steering wheel is at full lock is also the same, leaving only the gear ratio in the rack to determine how far you can turn the wheel. Is this an incorrect assumption? Is the turning radius of all 2004 panthers the same? That would answer the question I think.

    Ive only ever found (3) ford part numbers for 04 panthers:

    3W1Z-3504 FARM is listed as MGM and CV. Lock-to-lock is stated as 2.88 by Cardone and 3.0 by ACDelco
    3W1C-3504 FARM is listed as MGM and CV. (not sure why its one letter off and Ive only see this part number on rockauto by Motorcraft brand)
    3W1Z-3504 GARM is listed as Marauder. Lock-to-lock is stated as 2.81 by Cardone and 3.0 by ACDelco

    Who knows if any of this info is even correct... *shrug*

    My next visit or phone call is with a parts manager at the local dealer. Im skeptical.
    2004 Silver Birch w/moonroof. "Isabelle"


    Eaton swapped summer/fall 2015 with all the gooddies, tune by the one-and-only Marty-O +2psi pulley, Steigemeyer stage 6 port, SWLT, custom ss exhaust, Borla ProXS, Addco sway bars, TCE s/s brake hoses, Hawk HPS pads, Zack big brak kit, J-mod, battery in trunk, full custom audio (never used, blower whine sounds better)

    To do list:
    HID headlights, LED interior/exterior, courtesy "3-flash" turn signals, widen wheels, rear deck wing, marauder stencil on cmhsl? bumper cover inserts? deck lid, steering whee, hood liner godshead, more power!

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by dmjarosz View Post
    Thanks! I definitely checked out that site. I emailed them with a few questions including asking about the marauder-specific EVO valve and the 2.81 lock to lock ratio. I Will share answer when they arrive.

    What I mean by steering ratio is the lock-to-lock turns of the steering wheel. Marauder is supposedly 2.81. I've seen applications that state 2.88 and 3.00. Since the chassis and major components are the same, I'm assuming the angle the wheels are at when steering wheel is at full lock is also the same, leaving only the gear ratio in the rack to determine how far you can turn the wheel. Is this an incorrect assumption? Is the turning radius of all 2004 panthers the same? That would answer the question I think.

    Ive only ever found (3) ford part numbers for 04 panthers:

    3W1Z-3504 FARM is listed as MGM and CV. Lock-to-lock is stated as 2.88 by Cardone and 3.0 by ACDelco
    3W1C-3504 FARM is listed as MGM and CV. (not sure why its one letter off and Ive only see this part number on rockauto by Motorcraft brand)
    3W1Z-3504 GARM is listed as Marauder. Lock-to-lock is stated as 2.81 by Cardone and 3.0 by ACDelco

    Who knows if any of this info is even correct... *shrug*

    My next visit or phone call is with a parts manager at the local dealer. Im skeptical.
    Those Part #'s are all the "reman" racks, the original rack in the car has a different number and I had to look them up one time to prove a point to a few marauder friends that our cars have different racks, but I don't have those #'s off hand. Anything "RM" at the end is Fords way of saying Reman.

    I always thought the rack ratios were the same.

    If we really have to go down the rabbit hole, I have a ford parts reference book from 2003 I could use to find the original P/N (I think thats where I found it last time), I'd just have to start off by finding my book.


    2016 Ford Mustang GT PP - Lund nGauge, BMR vertical links, MGW Shifter, BMR CB005

    2004 Mercury Marauder - Eaton M112, Billetflow 3.4, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, T-56 Magnum, 4.10s, Stainless Works LTs, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, Ridetech Coilovers + Adj rear shocks, FX-R projectors, Wilwood 13" BNSL6 + FNSL4 BBKs, S55 Gauge Cluster
    440rwhp & 406rwtq Tuned by Adam @ Revolution Automotive
    2063/3214

    (Sold) 2003 Mercury Marauder - Stainless Works LT's, Stainless Works 2.5" Catback, JLT Intake, Mo's Xcal4 Tune
    5377/7838

    2000 BMW M5 - Evolve Intake, Evolve Alpha-N tune, Stoptech ST-40 BBK, UUC SSK, Dinan front STB, Dinan RSB

    1996 Ford Bronco - 4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, Punisher Valve Body, MH1 Projectors

  12. #12
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    Oh Im already long down the rabbit hole. I don't think I've surfaced since the Eaton swap.

    I just confirmed that my 04 is < 3.0 lock-to-lock though I cant tell if its 2.81 or 2.88.

    I have a friend with a 2010 or 2011 crown vic and Ill ask him to measure lock-to-lock. We could also do a turning radius comparison to verify the rack travel is the same.
    2004 Silver Birch w/moonroof. "Isabelle"


    Eaton swapped summer/fall 2015 with all the gooddies, tune by the one-and-only Marty-O +2psi pulley, Steigemeyer stage 6 port, SWLT, custom ss exhaust, Borla ProXS, Addco sway bars, TCE s/s brake hoses, Hawk HPS pads, Zack big brak kit, J-mod, battery in trunk, full custom audio (never used, blower whine sounds better)

    To do list:
    HID headlights, LED interior/exterior, courtesy "3-flash" turn signals, widen wheels, rear deck wing, marauder stencil on cmhsl? bumper cover inserts? deck lid, steering whee, hood liner godshead, more power!

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by dmjarosz View Post
    Thanks! I definitely checked out that site. I emailed them with a few questions including asking about the marauder-specific EVO valve and the 2.81 lock to lock ratio. I Will share answer when they arrive.

    What I mean by steering ratio is the lock-to-lock turns of the steering wheel. Marauder is supposedly 2.81. I've seen applications that state 2.88 and 3.00. Since the chassis and major components are the same, I'm assuming the angle the wheels are at when steering wheel is at full lock is also the same, leaving only the gear ratio in the rack to determine how far you can turn the wheel. Is this an incorrect assumption? Is the turning radius of all 2004 panthers the same? That would answer the question I think.

    Ive only ever found (3) ford part numbers for 04 panthers:

    3W1Z-3504 FARM is listed as MGM and CV. Lock-to-lock is stated as 2.88 by Cardone and 3.0 by ACDelco
    3W1C-3504 FARM is listed as MGM and CV. (not sure why its one letter off and Ive only see this part number on rockauto by Motorcraft brand)
    3W1Z-3504 GARM is listed as Marauder. Lock-to-lock is stated as 2.81 by Cardone and 3.0 by ACDelco

    Who knows if any of this info is even correct... *shrug*

    My next visit or phone call is with a parts manager at the local dealer. Im skeptical.
    Personally I’d skip the dealer. Most are convinced they came with 2v’s as a LOT of the parts fiche’s clearly say so, so it must true..


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    SOLD 12/31/2021

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  14. #14
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    Why couldn't it just be a leaking rack and I could do a soft rebuild and be on my merry way?
    2004 Silver Birch w/moonroof. "Isabelle"


    Eaton swapped summer/fall 2015 with all the gooddies, tune by the one-and-only Marty-O +2psi pulley, Steigemeyer stage 6 port, SWLT, custom ss exhaust, Borla ProXS, Addco sway bars, TCE s/s brake hoses, Hawk HPS pads, Zack big brak kit, J-mod, battery in trunk, full custom audio (never used, blower whine sounds better)

    To do list:
    HID headlights, LED interior/exterior, courtesy "3-flash" turn signals, widen wheels, rear deck wing, marauder stencil on cmhsl? bumper cover inserts? deck lid, steering whee, hood liner godshead, more power!

  15. #15
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    Post

    Excerpted from the Marauder parts list at Documents MERCURY MARAUDER ««« -click- » Service:


    *Part # 3W1Z-3504-GAPRM
    .

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