Tie Rods

[Kevin W]

Hello to all,

I started my Roadster about a month ago and have run into a few issues. Most I have been able to resolve. Not sure about my current problem. I am in the process of installing the steering. The tie rods that I have are not set up for Castle nuts. The two I have are straight 3/8". These are the only two I received and there are none on back order. I am also confused about the comment in the manual that states "the inner Tie Rod Extensions are for stock Power Steering Racks only, not for manual steering
racks".

I retired 2/1/2011 from Caterpillar, Inc. in Aurora, Illinois. My background doe the last 38 years has been the manufacture and assembly of machines considerably larger then my present project. I was a quality manager when I retired. I can tell you all that this Roadster chassis is as a good a frame weldment as I have ever seen!

Thanks

Kevin W

[GMG2]

Kevin,

The tie rods FFR provides come with nylon lock nuts, nothing unusual there. They should be fine.

The inner tie rod extensions from FFR are only used with a Mustang power steering rack - I've never worked on one, but apparently the stock rack is too narrow for the FFR setup.

If you're using a manual rack from Breeze or FFR, that rack is wide enough and does not need the extensions (in fact I had to shorten the inner tie rod ends on the rack I got from FFR).

HTH,

Mike

[Gumball]

Kevin,

I'll second what Mike said, including the part about having to shorten the inner tie-rod ends on my FFR supplied Unisteer manual rack. I'm building a Mk3.1 and I'm just up the road from you (not too far from Bliss Rd. and 47 in Sugar Grove). My kit is at the roller stage, just finished plumbing the brake lines, and I'm getting ready to assemble the engine and install it in the next few weeks or so. PM me if you'd like to stop by sometime to check it out.

[Kevin W]

Mike and Chris,

You have both been a big help. Chris, I will take you up on your offer. If there is anything I can do to help, give me a shout, providing you are not in need of technical assistance.

Thanks Again.

Kevin