Mustang/T Bird power steering bellows

[WZ JUNK]

Both of my power rack and pinion Mustang/ Thunderbird bellows are tore and must be replaced.  They are less than 2 years old.  I went to the local parts store where I purchased the unit 2 years ago.  The new boots they sold me do not fit my rack.  I bought a unit to fit a 1978 Mustang ll but I think I have a Thunderbird rack and pinion.  There is no connecting vent line on the boots and I think this is part of the reason mine broke.  When I started looking for information online, I noticed that all the ones I have seen have a connecting vent line.  My bellows do not have a provision for a vent.   Online I found that the Thunderbird boot specifications appear to be the ones I need.( Orielly Master Parts Number K8439) These boots have a round end with a vent nipple. The vent must be there to equalize the pressure when the bellows expand and contract.   The tie rod small end is about 33/64". The big end on the rack is about 2, 15/64" and the distance between the two is around 6" (it is hard to measure).

I plan to fabricate a connecting vent line between the two new boots when I install them.

I would appreciate any thoughts or help.

John

[enjenjo]

Here is some more info on Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/Moog-K8439-Rack-Pinion-Bellows/dp/B000C57ZE2

[kb426]

John, I'd like to go outside and measure everything I have but the high today was 28 degrees and there's ice everywhere. I do know that some of the units I installed in the last 4 years have vent tubes. That would be 96 mustang, 07 crown vic and the tbird rack on the 51. Sounds to me like that is the right direction for a remedy. It will be a couple of days before it warms up. I'll go look if you need more info. The unisteer on the 32 has no vent and the bellows has a hole. If we put a vent hole in them, would we solve the problem???

[WZ JUNK]

I have spent most of the morning looking at specifications for the bellows.  Yesterday I found one that fit the passenger side and it is in place.  The drivers side is a different diameter and so far I have not found one that will work.  The larger end measures 1 7/8" on the drivers side.  I tried a lot of different applications but I have not found the one I need.  It is a miserable winter day here.  I will just keep feeding the furnace and searching the internet for the bellows.

John