Recirc.ball&rack&pinion conversion=rubbing, groaning

[Guest jjohart]

Hi, I've got an 83 280ZXT, and I've noticed a bit of rubbing resistance from somewhere within the steering rack (I think) when I turn the wheel counterclockwise. It has an occasional groan from underhood/undercar, a bit like a D major, but vibration only occurs while wheel is turned, and seems to be worse while the car is in motion. I'm kinda biased against recirculating ball steering anyway, as I've seen the sneeze factor in Mercedes. This steering is tight, perhaps too tight, almost like torque steer when I do turns, as if it is being pulled slightly back to center.

Does anyone have a clue what to do or look for? My Nissan mech. didn't find anything-figures-but I am wondering, if it needs a new steering rack, aren't there sellers of conversions to rack and pinion? What's the difference, and advantage/disadvantage of rack and pinion? Who sells the conversion? Thanks