Longer steering sleeves for SAI

[bwwooster]

...needed today...

So... apparently the increase in Ackerman geometry from using SN95 stuff on the SAI mod to my MkII means that the outer tie rods must be longer. I'm using a bumpsteer kit and now the 4.25" threaded aluminum tubes need to be 5.25" long, otherwise there's only about .75" of engaged thread at each end.

It would have been nice to know this before I started.

Having just received 5" 5/8 - 18 tubes, I find that the ends of the steering rack are 9/16"

It would also have been nice to know this before I started.

Where do I get longer tubes? I kinda need them today.

[Jacob McCrea]

Speedway Motors.

[skullandbones]

Hi bwwooster,

I am doing a similar mod. The part number is 910-34158- (5, 6, 7.....) Add the number at the end to correspond to the length you need in inches. They are $8.99 ea. This is a serious issue. J Kleiner and others have been trying to raise awareness since more and more people are doing the steering mods to improve the geometry. It's good you are taking the necessary measures to make it a safe upgrade. Good luck, WEK.

[bwwooster]

Thanks, guys- I was able to find 5/8 -18 LH/RH tubes, but you can imagine how 'pleased' I was to find that the tie rod ends are 9/16"!

Speedway, Summit, etc. have 1/2 -5/8 on opposite ends, but no one has anything to fit the 9/16" threaded ends of the Unisteer/Mustang rack!

I'm off to a local hot rod shop to see what their machinist can do...

Yeah, it looks scary just sitting on the floor stands. I'll post a picture when I've finally accepted that I won't be making this weekend's event.

Ok, now it's an hour later and since I'm now SOL for this weekend, here's the problem:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t47/johntennyson/IMG_0264.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/johntennyson/media/IMG_0264.jpg.html)

That's less than 3/4" of thread engagement on each end. Not safe.

It's worth noting that when I got and installed the bump steer kit (sometime during the Bush Administration), the instructions had me cut an inch off each tie rod end to make it work with my Fox spindles. That's two inches I really wish I had back.

So...

It looks like I have to find someone, maybe even me (if I can find T6061 tubing with a 1/2" hole and the correct taps, 9/16-18 RH and 5/8-18 LH), to make longer sleeves, or...

buy a new #$%&@ steering rack.

[Jacob McCrea]

Maybe I'm missing something here, but can't you just buy new inner tie rod ends from a local auto parts store?

[bwwooster]

I'm not sure; I'm using a Unisteer aftermarket manual rack.

This looks like it has possibilities:

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=514_3_13&products_id=452

I'll call them tomorrow and find out how long those sleeves are.

Also!
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=tech_tips

[CraigS]

I wish I had the numbers but there have been many threads about different inner and outer tierod lengths. Can you research and find the OE application for your rack? I am thinking 91 mustang 4 cylinder might be correct. And then order inner tierods for it. Here is another thought but would involve more other changes. Can you move the LCA to the inner holes if there are inner holes?

[CraigS]

I just went to the shed to look at my old FFR manual rack. I don't know if it was cut or not as I am not the original owner. Here is a pic of the driver side tierod and a ruler.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/IMG_20130718_075526_220_zps69769789.jpg
If this is longer than yours I'll will take them off and put them in the mail. email cstuard at Comcast dot net or call 4103530876
Edit; the other end of the ruler is at the end of the threads.

[bwwooster]

Thanks!

I'll let you know if I need'em. I talked to one of the guys at Maximum Motorsports today and it looks like one of their bump steer kits has 5.5" long sleeves, so I ordered it.

I'll post results when I get'em. Like you say, that little thread engagement is just not acceptable.

[bwwooster]

Such fun I'm having.

I just got the bump steer kit from Maximum Motorsports and it's really nicely made...

...but both ends have right hand threads! Apparently to adjust toe, they want you to guess really well when you assemble it and turn the tie rod ends to make the final adjustment, which isn't fun on my manual Unisteer rack, which is stiff to the point of wondering whether I'm harming it and has no turning flats on it in the first place. Since I've already spent 95$ on Aurora LH rod ends, it's either make longer sleeves myself or replace the rack.