steering rack dimensions required

[magpies]

I have a problem with my steering. The offside steering arm is too short 280mm to allow centralised rack and the nearside one too long 310. The offside has 70mm of thread and the nearside 50.

[Alan Whitaker]

Hi Mick
I have a spare one if you need the use of it. New boots and painted.

Alan

[phillpot]

As a reference, if it helps, these are the measurements from my spare (NOS) rack... in English


Both sides from top of swivel nut to end of thread 10.25 " with approx 2" of thread

[magpies]

Measuring from behind the knuckle one is 280mm and the other is 310mm (11" and12" approx)

[greymrj]

Mick, first, make sure you are measuring from the same places as Mike. That should identify which of your two steering arms is the 'rogue' one.

Also, study his good pictures, do both your steering rack arms look the same? These are TVR modified Vauxhall items, with longer arms than standard. Does it look like anybody changed one of the arms, possibly to a standard Vauxhall one. Possibly an inner joint became worn (gaiter splits and one joint wears quickly) and they replaced with a joint that fitted the rack?

[magpies]

I did my measures before going to work. Will look again when I get home after 6

[magpies]

Near-side is as phillpots = 260mm (10.25") and track rod end 80mm

Offside is SHORT = 245mm and track rod end 80mm


this steering arm has much more threads on it 70mm as opposed to the usual 55mm - obviously off something other than an S

I purchased of a person (not company) breaking an S and knowing him/his reputation I believe he did not know.

Now where do I get a correct steering arm? which model Ford are they off?

Edited by magpies on Tuesday 12th May 19:40

Edited by magpies on Tuesday 12th May 19:54

[TVRees]

Could you use a threaded sleeve and collar nuts to extend the rod by the required 15mm ?

[magpies]

[greymrj]

The method Tim suggests isnt unknown, lengthening the tie rods is not unusual in competition and kit cars. Burton Power make such parts (http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-category/steering-suspension/steering-parts-misc/steering-rack-rod-extenders-pair-120-130mm-tre130.html) but they are not suitable for your needs.
I THINK the originals are Cortina fitted to a Chevette rack but someone will know better than me.
Unfortunately the adaptor Tim suggest isnt quite going to work as you do not have quite enough thread for the cut. If you cannot find a replacement then you will need to go to a COMPETENT engineering company who can cut, sleeve and weld the unthreaded portion to extend it. There are a few companies specialising in steering equipment, start with them. You can send off the tie bar to them.

[magpies]

Fortunately I know of a very good engineering company I used when working in the local Nuclear Power Station

I'll box everything up and set the best I can for the Spa trip and sort it later. Probably only need 15 to 20mm to the off=side rod.

Thanks everyone for the advice