still looking for "nice" solution to steering rack problme I am facing; and just thought fo this one:

I could go back to use the old rack, cut down the track rods, put M12 thread then fit extensions: M12 female - M14 male;

But question is if M12 is a little bit too small; the outer thread is 12 mm but cross section will be down to about 11 mm? (cf to M14 thread that is 13 mm cross section and we are dealing with areas)

Remind us of what rack/tre/upright combination you're trying to use?

I remember your original question and I know what you are saying.

In my humble opinion M12 should be ok. Bear in mind that the rack/trackrods were designed for a much bigger and heavier vehicle.

just thinking about it though, when I did my grasser I am sure I managed to get 1/2" unf threads directly onto the cut down trackrods, in fact I am certain that I did.

Worth a check as this would be better, and prob save work as I am fairly sure that the Sierra trackrods happened to have exactly the right OD for threading to 1/2" UNF with no turning down!

Then you just need 1/2" UNF to M14 adaptors, which are easy enough to make/get made.

The tie rods should take 1/2" unf without problem -- It might actually be better to start with a MK1 Escort rack which has UNF threads to start with.

Of course the other solution is to use a narrowed Sierra rack -- which will also reduce bump steer.

RD do Wesfield rack extensions; I spoke to them about dimensions and 2 things come to light; they screw directly into the track rod end so no lock nut - that gives 6 mm of thread - and the solid part between threaded ends is only 5 mm seems low but if it works...

This means I could cut down my track rods and there still will be just over 27 mm of rod inside the extension; that according to RD extensions should be fine.

Is anyone using the Westfield extensions and not had problems? (I guess if you did, you'd probably wouldn't be around to tell us!!)

Lemme know what y'alll think - thanks for help so far.


extensions

Hi - I'm using the ones from GTS Tuning...

www.gts-tuning.co.uk

I had to cut them down slightly as they were a little too long for my Luego Velocity.

No experience of the Westfield ones - but I can send you measurements and pics of mine?

HTH

Murray

I have dims. of GTS ones; they are much too long - would need me to cut a trhead on the rack rods; the Weswfield ones are short enough not to need that.