[USMC302]

IMHO, a power steering rack and pinion requires power steering fluid ran through it, you run the risk of the rack failing or locking up if not used properly. Not to mention, the steering shaft is not meant to handle non-power steering, it has old rubber bushings that will also be put under more pressure and eventually fail. That is why the manual rack and hardened steel steering shaft go hand in hand. It may be fine for a while, but is it really something you wanna chance? If your going to go through the trouble of plugging the rack, remove the hoses and lines, what's a few more bolts so swap in a manual rack? Budget you say? I had a guy tell me that Advanced Auto parts sells a manual rack and pinion for the 87-93 mustang for less than $150. Good luck either way!