Steering rack removal

[Davidb]

Edit again--upon stripping it down the rack a friend supplied has turned out to be a Plus Two rack--in beautiful condition! I am waiting for a six tooth pinion now.

[MACCA.GLM]

Should be ok with a plus 2 rack
But it’s longer due to tie rod extensions from what I remember of my plus 2
If you take those off it should be the rt length
and will work

A bit of chassis restoration by looking at that pic as well

Good luck

[Davidb]

The rack and tube are the same length but the tie rods are about 1/2" longer-that can be accommodated in the tie rod ends, or trimmed down.
The rack has sat in a friends parts storage for a least 20 years and before that it was a spare for a friends Spitfire (!)
It seems to have very low mileage on it. I have stripped and cleaned it thoroughly. I am waiting for a six tooth pinion now and as long as that is in good condition my steering should be great.

[MACCA.GLM]

You need to be careful if you trim the tie rods as the thread has been rolled not died down hence the reduced diameter after the threads.If you shorten the threaded part to get the length right there could be a reduction of thread length in the track rod end and if you try to extend the thread by diaing it down there will be hardly any thread there because of the reduction in tie rod diameter.Just thought I would point that out .

Regards

G

[Davidb]

MACCA-The rolled threaded section is very long-plenty of room to cut it down although that may not be required.

[Davidb]

I thought I should update this. I finished the rack and installed a good 7 tooth pinion from a Spitfire rack. I fitted the rack and I just did a front wheel alignment using my Dunlop Optical Gauges--there is thread left on both tie rods and the rack feels really good!

[MACCA.GLM]

That’s good news As you are doing this job
Have you checked the rack height to illuminate any bump steer as it’s not cast in stone that the shims are correct
There are lots of posts on this topic and it’s amazing how good the car will handle if it’s set properly
Regards
G

[Davidb]

Macca-yes I did that when I had it down to a bare chassis--it was very easy to install shims then--PITA to install them with the body on!

[MACCA.GLM]

Well done
should handle well now then
regards
G