With care if you go 'non-Ford' parts,not all Contour racks are the same,3 types,also the SVT(genuine)rack has 'internal' stops to prevent wider wheels rubbing on inner fender(hence bigger turning circle)...
V6 MTX 'Don't p**s up my back then tell me it's raining!!!" 'Its only nuts & bolts!' 'If I build it,fix it,upgrade it or modify it...MAYBE they will come....! Haines Motor Sports Inc, Dealer for 'Quaife America' & 'Autotech Sport Tuning' SOLE USA Dealer for the American Axle 'AUSSIE BAR'... Get a Turbo for you Zetec from HMS Inc...by 'The Demon' ...www.DemonDynamics.co.uk ..don't talk about it DO IT !!!
you just answered a mental wonder I had on the SVT's. I always thoughts that it had a wider turning circle than other makes/models in this car's category (such as GM corporate cousins.) I guess I have my answer.
The information regarding the different types of racks is VERY valuable. I wouldn't have known of a difference until I needed to replace one.