I wanted to swap out the power steering rack on my 1993 Civic DX for a manual steering rack. After searching and reading some posts here, it looks as if some people who have made this swap also swap out the front subframe where the rack bolts to.

My first question is, "Is it necessary to swap out the subframe for one from a car with a manual rack?"

I checked the part numbers on the 4 fasteners that secure the rack to the subframe, and they are the same part numbers between the two. I know that the manual rack is smaller in diameter, and the mounting brackets and bushings will need to be swapped out. But I can't find any game ending differences here.

So my second question is, "If so, what are the differences in the two subframes?"

Also anyone with pictures comparing the two would be perfect.

 

I found a picture of a manual rack installed, can someone post a similar picture of a power rack installed?

 

I would appreciate it if anyone who has done this swap would chime in, or if anyone with a power rack and their engine out of the bay could snap a picture.

 

I didn't swap from a power to a manual, but i swap from a manual to a power, what does not fit correctly was the U shape bracket on the left side of ur picture above, the power one is much bigger and manual one is smaller so the holes on my manual sub frame did not match to the power U shape bracket. So if ur swaping from a power to a manual u might have to custom a U bracket that holds the manual rack to the power subframe or change the sub frame to a manual.

 

Thank you for the info 092. Since the manual rack is smaller, I should be able to fab up a new bracket that would properly retain the rack, and still line up with the holes in the power subframe. I'll post again next month after I get the rack in.

If you don't mind me asking. What solution did you come up with to properly retain the power rack in your manual subframe?

 

there was no solution for me, the only thing i had holding the rack was just the 2 bolts on the right side of ur picture above, it worked but steered funny, so i took it out.

 

At work we take the inner seals and guts out of the power rack and it becomes a manual rack, and its FREE.

 

I had to swap out the subframe on my 93 and ended up getting one from a manual rack car not knowing there was a difference in the 2 subframes. everone is correct that the power rack is larger in dia then the manual. so you will need to fab a bracket to hold the new rack or hit your local pick and pull yard and grab a lower subframe it only ran me $25 and I just cut the bracket off my frame and welded onto the manual rack it was a simple fix.