I recently purchased a 1990 Lx 5.0 convertible.
It's clean and runs well, but the steering and front suspension needs attention.
I know part of the problem is that it needs new tires, but the steering seems loose.
The car has 95,000 miles and nothing leaks.
The inner tie rod ends were replaced less than 5,000 miles ago.
I plan on installing springs and shocks/struts to lower it a bit along with caster camber plates and subframe connectors.
My goal is to bring the car back to better than new over the next few years.

What should I start with in replacing parts?

How can I tell if the steering rack needs to be replaced?
Should I stick with OEM Ford parts, or are there better aftermarket solutions? I noticed the flaming river rack is a lot more than the stock Ford steering rack. Is it worth it?
I have a limited budget, but want to make sure I replace parts that will result in better performance overall.
Thanks in advance for any help provided.

 

Beautiful car, I have one just like it in light titanium. I've been thinking about getting some pony wheels, mine has the factory ten holes. I like the ponies a lot on your car.
I just finished putting on Ford Racing B springs, along with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks and struts. Made a big difference in the ride quality.

 

Chris your car looks great. The previous owner replaced the 10 hole rims with pony rims a while ago on my car. I have always liked these wheels and will probably keep them for a while. They would look great on your car.
I have installed an Eibach pro kit, bushings and replaced the lower control arms in front. UPR control arm kit in rear. Haven't driven it yet because it needs the steering rack replaced. I'm going to install an AGR steering rack and get new tires and an alignment later this week. Hopefully all of these things will help the car drive like new again.

 

Hey the biggest thing you can do with these cars is stiffen up the chassis. The fox's were never known to have a good chassis. I would replace the parts that wear out first. But for great chassis stiffing I would go with http://www.maximummotorsports.com/


Add sub frame connectors, Strut tower brace and the Lower brace makes a world of differences. http://www.maximummotorsports.com/Ch...-EFI-P300.aspx


Even adding a tubular K-member made a big difference on my car. The problem is that their are so many parts that you can add to these cars and seems never ending. I have had 3 fox bodies and have run about every suspension part possible. The only thing I have never tried from MM is the Torque arm and Panhard bars. I only had one car that was never setup for drag racing which was my first mustang which was a notchback.

 

Those subframe connectors and strut tower brace are on my list of things to get within the next year. Thanks for the input Jay!

 

Floppy steering? Possibly the rag joint in the steering shaft is to blame?