Steering column full lock turn bumps/stoppers

[Frank818]

I looked through the threads in this section and did not find a discussion I remember happening. Maybe it was in some people's threads.

We know that most probably when we turn full lock the steering the tires will rub on the inner frame or wheel wells. Some people added a stopper/bumper, probably made of nylon, I guess hard rubber would be good too, to stop the steering from turning just at the right point.

I think 1" thick round stoppers do the trick.

Those stoppers are slid through the tie-rod end or steering rack shaft.

Well that's my question. What and where have you installed these? Pictures would be good too.
I want to check what I need to remove to fit them in and which rod/shaft they fit in so that I buy the right ID.
I would like to wait until all the body is installed (mocked-up at least), cuz I want to maximize full lock with the least radius loss possible, but if I need to remove the front rad support to gain better access to the rack, then I may do it now (my rad support is off) and use the thickness that worked fine for someone else with similar tire/wheel/spacer combo.

[Hindsight]

Frank, I've seen a couple posts about this but the one I like the best (if I remember correctly) is the guy that used PVC PVC with a slit cut so it could expand enough to clamp on. I believe it goes right where the inner tie rod bolts to the rack. Normally the tie rod end there would bump up against the side of the steering rack when at full lock in one direction. The PVC spacer will hit the end of the rack on one side of the spacer, and the tie rod end on the other side, preventing them from contacting.

I think 1" might be too wide from what I recall others using, but you can obviously play around with the width as needed.

[Frank818]

PVC yes I remember now. I wonder if Bob did something, I will check on his thread and post back if I find it. Or maybe Goldwing.

So we have to slide the tie-rod boot away to fit that thing in and remove the tie-rod on the rack's end. I almost permanently fitted the boot on (with a stupid technique I am not proud of), so I'll swear for hours trying to get it out. What a fool, but it's now the perfect time to do it as everything is removed.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Frank
Take a look at this thread

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/206391-steering-rack-limiter-installation.html


here is a picture of limiter and a rack extension installed

36470

[Frank818]

Yes that is what I am looking for. Too bad I can't find who fitted one on the 818, I think there were more than 1 person, but I remember more than one person had rubbing issues at OEM full lock distance and probably even on stock rims/tires.

I'll have to measure the width I need, but I see we have a lot of options from the Ford parts. If the ID of the limiters are compatible with our Subbie racks...

[Quiny]

This is what I used, fit and worked very well. Takes only a few minutes to install or remove as long as you have a spare clamps for the steering boot.

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-3504HDW/79-04-Mustang-Steering-Rack-Limiter-6-Pack

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-3504HDW/79-04-Mustang-Steering-Rack-Limiter-6-Pack

[Goldwing]

frank found me, I was one of the guys too. I made some spacers from an old nylon cutting board. Made just like the ford clips above and popped them on the rack under the boots. With my 45 series tires, the original ffr recommendation, I needed 5mm spacers on the rack and a 3/8" aluminum plate between the aluminum lca piece and the bolt on spindle at the rear mount. I used 3/8" longer graded bolts back there to be sure I had the reach. With corresponding adjustments on the upper arm, I got my tires to clear the frame and firewall aluminum. Time will tell if everything else clears as the body and splash panels go on. Good for now.

[Frank818]

So it really seems the nylon spacers, whether the Ford choices (5-6 choices of widths) or a home made spacer made from a nylon pipe, will do the trick. I'll either find myself a nylon pipe or measure the exact width I need and I'll see from there.

The installation it like in the picture Bob posted.

Tnx a lot guys, that really helps and I am sure we're not the only ones.

Oh BTW, it seems PVC does not react good with rack fluid and may degrade with time, so for you guys using power steering, might want to stick with nylon.