99Racer

NB Lowered to race height does not rub the upper arm... (3 1/2" at front rocker panel pinch weld). But, it does rub the lower. (can't win)

If you want to add a spacer to limit rack travel something like a shaft collar may work. It will however reduce the total lock / increase minimum turning radius... Also, these may be a little too wide depending on how much rack travel reduction you want / need.


McMaster-Carr

99Racer

NB - Lowered to race height it does not rub the top arm (~3 1/2" - 3 3/4" at the front rocker pinch weld). It does however rub the lower arm (can't win). I just back off on the steering slightly when it rubs...

IF the spacer width and shaft diameter work, something like a split shaft collar on the rack shaft (immediately behind the inner tie rod end should work. I suspect the collar will be too wide though.

McMaster-Carr

99Racer

It didn't like the first post... now I have 2! go figure.

sirfixalot

OK, I've kluged a quick fix. I bought a 1" diameter pvc connector from Home Depot, and cut two rings from it that were .36" wide (I used a hose clamp as a guide, and my Harbor Freight micrometer for the measurement of the hose clamp.) Those plastic rings are held in place against the inner side of the inner tie rod with heavy duty zip ties and feel pretty snug. If I were to re-do it, I might use metal pinch clamps, like those used on CV boots.

My car is at what I would call "race height." The inner edge of the wheel is now about 1 1/2" from either control arm at lock on either side with the spacers. While the turning radius is noticeably less, it is far from intolerable.

I suspect that you might be able to get away with .30" spacers. Perhaps even .25" but my guess is that that would really be pushing it, particularly if you have wheel weights on the inner edge of the wheel.

If you know how to safely lift the front of your car in the air, this is well worth the minimal time and expense compared to the inevitable damage to an inner edge of a wheel or two.

NiklasFalk

iTrader: (1)

Nice to see a hands on fix (which is really simple once you get your face under there), compared to two-click shopping of shiny parts or replace parts due to FUD.

You want to restrict the rack movement a little, then why not just do that?

I still have no picture of my spacers (made 15 years ago by original builder), but they can be described as about .4" long "C" in Delrin or similar white plastic. The "C" is tight enough to snap over the rack so there is nothing else keeping them in place than the boot.

The next time I bend a tie rod I need to take some measurements and pictures.