Author Topic: steering rack (Read 18721 times)

Frankie · « **Reply #30 on:** March 30, 2008, 04:42:50 AM »

One stupid question: If I'm using E36 rack and inner and outer tie rods, why would I need to obtain E36's lock plates since (to my understanding) are already installed to the package? I getting a complete E36 rack with tie rods.

DaveM-sport · « **Reply #31 on:** April 07, 2008, 08:13:49 AM »

Because it's a better idea to use new ones if you are installing new inner rods on the rack:)

If your rack is all assembeld, there will be no need obviously.

tjts1 · « **Reply #32 on:** April 14, 2008, 01:38:15 AM »

I started the conversion yesterday only to run out of parts and stamina for the 90 degree heat. So far I have the old rack out and the E36 rack is being positioned into place but not bolted in yet. I realized that I need new outer tie rods before I can finish. The coupling between the rack and the steering shaft its completely compatible. I haven't done any cutting on the firewall yet. I think I've found a way around it. More info on that later. The easy way to remove and install the rack without bending the 2 lower tabs is to unbolt the engine mounts from the cross member, unlatch the airbox and jack up the engine about 2 inches.

I'm using manual steering to i capped off the lines (no loop) by reinstalling the banjo bolts with a 1/2" piece of hose on the shaft.

tjts1 · « **Reply #33 on:** April 16, 2008, 09:14:50 PM »

Finally had a chance to finish the rack swap tonight. Pics and stuff here.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=1039419&postcount=235

Damoj · « **Reply #34 on:** April 17, 2008, 07:45:47 PM »

So did you put the black plate back in place with the rubber boot or did you just forgo the whole thing?

tjts1 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 17, 2008, 08:13:39 PM »

I never removed the boot. Just took the plate out. The boot is still there.

Frankie · « **Reply #36 on:** April 21, 2008, 11:37:12 PM »

I just bought the E36 steering rack. However, I read that the swap is not that straight forward with EURO spec cars, meaning that conversion needs more severe modifications to get it work.

Have any one done same modification to EURO spec car as it has been explained here?

keflaman · « **Reply #37 on:** April 22, 2008, 11:44:03 PM »

Quote from: Frankie;47698

...I read that the swap is not that straight forward with EURO spec cars, meaning that conversion needs more severe modifications to get it work.

Have any one done same modification to EURO spec car as it has been explained here?

Frankie,

I started the mod only to find out the steering joint on mine is totally different than anything I've seen in the ETK or elsewhere. I posted pictures earlier, so look at them again and see if you have the same thing.

I test-fitted the rack and everything fit perfectly. I don't know what "severe modifications" you read about because I didn't need to lift the motor or bend the tabs to remove and replace the rack.

I bought a steering joint off eBay and am waiting for that to arrive, otherwise I would be done with the mod.

HTH

Frankie · « **Reply #38 on:** April 22, 2008, 11:54:47 PM »

Quote from: keflaman;47735

Frankie,

I started the mod only to find out the steering joint on mine is totally different than anything I've seen in the ETK or elsewhere. I posted pictures earlier, so look at them again and see if you have the same thing.

I test-fitted the rack and everything fit perfectly. I don't know what "severe modifications" you read about because I didn't need to lift the motor or bend the tabs to remove and replace the rack.

I bought a steering joint off eBay and am waiting for that to arrive, otherwise I would be done with the mod.

HTH

It seems that you have a non power steering version? You also said that E36 rack fits perfectly to your E30?

So, you need a US version of the steering joint in order to do the conversion?

Lots of questions...

Frank Gallegos · « **Reply #39 on:** April 23, 2008, 08:46:05 AM »

Any down sides to that conversion?

Frank

keflaman · « **Reply #40 on:** April 23, 2008, 03:16:07 PM »

Quote from: Frankie;47736

It seems that you have a non power steering version? You also said that E36 rack fits perfectly to your E30?

So, you need a US version of the steering joint in order to do the conversion?

Lots of questions...

Lots of answers...we hope:D

-Yes, I have non-power steering.

-Yes, I said the E36 rack fits perfectly.

-I don't know that you need a US version steering joint at this point. The steering joint tjts1 posted in his thread is different than the other modified ones I've seen. After comparing pictures I think I figured out how to modify what I have, but it's going to be Friday or Saturday before I can get to it.

keflaman · « **Reply #41 on:** April 23, 2008, 03:31:22 PM »

Quote from: The Brown Bomber;47738

Any down sides to that conversion?

Frank

Um, my arms might atrophy from not having to do so much turning:p

tjts1 · « **Reply #42 on:** April 23, 2008, 09:06:32 PM »

Quote from: keflaman;47740

Lots of answers...we hope:D

-Yes, I have non-power steering.

-Yes, I said the E36 rack fits perfectly.

-I don't know that you need a US version steering joint at this point. The steering joint tjts1 posted in his thread is different than the other modified ones I've seen. After comparing pictures I think I figured out how to modify what I have, but it's going to be Friday or Saturday before I can get to it.

In my airbag equipped car I reused the existing stock E30 joint. I didn't have to do anything to it other than adjust it up and down a little bit to get the perfect fit. It uses the same spline as the E36 rack. I thought about reinstalling it backwards (U joint at the top) in order to move the steering column upward but as it turns out it only fits one way.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2420168902_849c6038a1_o.jpg

Frankie · « **Reply #43 on:** April 25, 2008, 11:37:24 PM »

Quote from: keflaman;47740

Lots of answers...we hope:D

-Yes, I have non-power steering.

-Yes, I said the E36 rack fits perfectly.

-I don't know that you need a US version steering joint at this point. The steering joint tjts1 posted in his thread is different than the other modified ones I've seen. After comparing pictures I think I figured out how to modify what I have, but it's going to be Friday or Saturday before I can get to it.

Please do post some pictures of how you did modify your steering joint etc. I know that I�m not only one waiting this information

keflaman · « **Reply #44 on:** April 26, 2008, 08:35:44 AM »

Quote from: Frankie;47915

Please do post some pictures of how you did modify your steering joint etc. I know that I�m not only one waiting this information

Well, it didn't turn out to be plug-n-play like I hoped. After seeing and reading Justin's explanation of his lower joint, I thought I could separate the two joints I had and build what I needed.

Here's a shot comparing the two racks. The top rack is from an E36. Notice the length difference of the steering joints.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd172/keflaman/CIMG0261.jpg

The spindle on the lower steering column does not line up with the steering rack spindle, so from what I can surmise I will need the double U-jointed steering joint in order to make it work.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd172/keflaman/CIMG0266.jpg

I re-assembled everything and will wait for the joint I ordered to come in.

Bummer:(

Author Topic: steering rack (Read 18721 times)

Frankie

steering rack

DaveM-sport

steering rack

tjts1

Bump

tjts1

steering rack

Damoj

steering rack

tjts1

steering rack

Frankie

steering rack

keflaman

steering rack

Frankie

steering rack

Frank Gallegos

steering rack

keflaman

Best I can tell...

keflaman

Nope

tjts1

steering rack

Frankie

steering rack

keflaman

No Go At This Point