Hey guys I have a 99 civic ex with power steering and I would like to switch to a manual rack. I do not wish to loop my power rack and I do not wish to switch my subframe to use a eg one. So I guess my questions are 1. Are all 96-00 subframes the same? I recall there being a civic trim that did not come with power steering. 2. Anybody know which? 3. Would I be able to straight swap the manual rack into my year car without modifying my existing subframe. Thanks in advance.

 

the rear subframe is the same for all '96-'00 civics (i didn't check the Si, but i believe it's the same as well, just different LCA)

the DX and maybe CX hatch... came with manual stearing.

just curious, why is it you don't want to loop the rack you have?

 

Yes you are correct about the Rear subframes, all are the same. One of the lower trim levels came with a manual rack I was trying to see if anybody has done the swap and could enlighten me, I have searched and found only Eg subframe swaps. I dont want to loop the rack because I strongly disagree with "rigging" things. And the manual rack is geared different. I would like to do it right more or less.

 

to me the difference between "rigging" and improving/modifying properly is the skill level and professionalism applied. But it's your car, your choice.

I have both currently, a '96 DX with manual rack and a '00 LX with P/S rack. I could try to get some pics and measurements of each for you if you think that would be useful.

 

the subframes are the same part #, so why do you think you need to swap subframes?

 

subframes are the same. If you want to de-power the rack permanently you can by cutting the seal that separates the inlet/outlet side of the rack. Its the circular pieces of metal laying by the ruler. It lives in the grooves you see in the racks you see in the pic above it.

 

To me "rigging" is modifying something to be used for a purpose other than its intended use. example. cutting the lines of a POWER steering rack to make it a MANUAL rack. Doesnt have anything to do with "skill"


I did not know the subframes were the same part number thank you for that information.

I do not wish to "depower" my existing rack, I want to use a manual rack for the fact that the gearing is slightly different. Also thank you for your input

 

Gearing is very different, go with a true manual rack. Looping is silly, the steering feels terribly unnatural.