Steering rack size

[Bonzo]

Hi Axle.

If you have the book spec rack extensions you'll find that they will need shortening by approximately 15mm each ( Rack extensions ) & give or take a coulple of mm.

On my build both front wheels were still toeing out & that was after the engine, box & all the running gear fitted ( Basicaly Car on its wheels )

My extensions had been drilled quite deep & was no problem to tap a bit more thread in there

My rack is an original Ford unit ( Escort Mk2 )

If memory serves me right : The Rally Design, alloy rack extensions are OK as is.

Perhaps Ash would confirm this

The standard Escort Mk2 rack, does not need to be shortend unless you are chasing perfection ................As Chris has said in the book " It is very close to the ideal length "

[axle]

Hi Ronnie
Thanks for clearing that up.

Many thanks axle

[HandyAndy]

i think the main reason for the confusion is due to the dimensions of the rack extensions in the book are incorrect.

cheers
andy

[alga]

I think the dimensions in the book are incorrect because they assume the shortened Escort rack, with 533 mm between the ball joints. If the unmodified Escort rack is 56 cm, this would give the 3 cm extra. Sounds plausible?

[spud69]

I believe that's correct Alga, i had the same with mine and had to shorten the extensions...

[mark]

Originally Posted by alga

I think the dimensions in the book are incorrect because they assume the shortened Escort rack, with 533 mm between the ball joints. If the unmodified Escort rack is 56 cm, this would give the 3 cm extra. Sounds plausible?

This is the reason, if you are using a standard rack as most will be you need shorter extensions

I did the same thing and made book spec ones and the wheels were well out!

As HandyAndy says the ali rally design extensions are perfect and a fair bit lighter than a book spec one made from steel

[Chris Gibbs]

Just to clear this up.

Hopefully.

The dimension of 533 between the inside track rod pivots in figure 5.34 is an absolute ideal. This will require the rack to be shortened but it's not really necessary, the prototype has a standard rack and excellent handling.

It also has rack extentions to the dimensions in the book. Which is a bit of a puzzler.

I've had many people comment that the extensions are too long, but I know the prototype has a 2.9 turns Escort rack from Rally Design and book length extensions. So I'm at a loss

In short, I would use the standard rack and alter the extensions length to suit.

Cheers

Chris

[twinturbo]

Thanks Chris

TT

[axle]

Hi
As suggested by Andy & Ronnie I have shortend the extension by 13mm and it seems it is sorted. Many thanks guys.


One last Q do I need to put in the locking nut on the steering rack as well as the on the track rod ends?

Originally Posted by Chris Gibbs

Just to clear this up.

Hopefully.

The dimension of 533 between the inside track rod pivots in figure 5.34 is an absolute ideal. This will require the rack to be shortened but it's not really necessary, the prototype has a standard rack and excellent handling.

It also has rack extentions to the dimensions in the book. Which is a bit of a puzzler.

I've had many people comment that the extensions are too long, but I know the prototype has a 2.9 turns Escort rack from Rally Design and book length extensions. So I'm at a loss

In short, I would use the standard rack and alter the extensions length to suit.

Cheers

Chris

[HandyAndy]

glad you got it sorted Axle,

i only have 1 locknut on each end of the rack....between the rack thread going into the extension bar..

one last thing.... as you have shortened the extensions just make sure that the threads of the rack & TRE go fully into the extension bar, ....what i mean is...make sure you get a good "bite" of thread when all connected.

cheers
andy