Steering Parts Questions
 

I have a 94 chassis, that I am swapping a NB subframe into. I am swapping in a FM depowered NB steering rack. I am rebuilding this steering rack with all new tie rods and ends. I know on NA's it is good to upgrade to the 94R(N021-32-280A) tie rod end. Does this also apply to NB suspensions? The stock NB tie rod end are part number N021-32-280 which is the same as the stock NA tie rod end.

BBundy has a thread or posts some real good info on a thread about the NB to NA subframe swap. By not changing out the spindles you are not getting the full upgrade on the bump steer improvements from the NB, IIRC. So that means you might want to add the r-package outer tie rods from the NA.

I am changing out to NB spindles. I have a complete front NB subframe and all the A-arms and everything. I am sorry if I did not make that clear.

After lots of searching on m.net yesterday I finally found some people saying the 93LE/94R tie rod ends do not work on the NB. So I ordered the normal part.

Why is the r-package tie-rod no longer ideal in your situation?


Is there a mechanic clearance issue with the NB subframe, or does a change in geometry make the reduced bumpsteer of the r-tierod unnecessary?

NB spindles are different at the engagement point at the tie rod. The thread on the tie rod needs to be longer.

I am curious about these things as well. With all the wrecked NB's I've seen getting parted out lately, it would be good to know which parts are/aren't worth swapping in.

The R package tie rods works on the NB. But the thread that was on here I think Bundy measured the bump steer with a bunch of combos and the r package tie rod + NB spindle is worse than the NB tie rod.

The mentioned bbundy thread is here. The good stuff is on page 2.

Summary: If you have the NB subframe, you need the NB knuckles or you get terrible bump steer. The 93LE/94R tie rod ends do work with the NB subframe and knuckles, and provide the least bump steer in a lowered Miata. The NB tie rod ends would work better at stock ride heights. At least that is my interpretation.

Yep I had memory loss with the tie rods. Its the upper ball joints that are different and have longer shank and threads on the NB. But I thought I read what Leafy said in that NB components with R-package tie rods was worse than NB tie rods.

Edit: and yes agreed, all of this is only important for lowered cars.

Yeah I think we all miss remembered that one.

Yeah and there is another Bbundy thread on the subject. This one is just a summary of his work