FFR1468K steering rack replacement with pin drives

[kato]

Hello FFR I own FFR1468K MK1 (quick go find the old guys) I am replacing the steering rack with a manual rack,off set bushings and bump steer kit.
I had to cut inner and outer tie rods to make it fit, car is running pin drive wheels. I was under the impression that I should have basically a straight line form rack through tie rod to steering arm . It looks like the tie rods will have to go forward to reach the steering arms is that right? Also it says to put tie rods on top of steering arms that makes them go up hill even with rack at highest position with off set bushings. I hope this make sense?

Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks Kato

[Chopper]

Kato,

I don't have a MKI, but a couple of things may be helpful:

-In my MKIV the steering arms do reach forward from the rack to connect to the knuckle, I would say this is normal unless you are seeing binding anywhere.

-My understanding is that bump steer occurs when the lower control arm and steering arms are not parallel, as the geometry changes as the wheel moves up and down. The idea of both the offset bushings and bump steer kit are to make the lower control arm and steering arm parallel, and to keep their as close to parallel as possible in normal suspension travel. The suspension should be under load to check this, you can use a floor jack and something like a block of wood to push the end of the lower control arm into loaded position (or whatever method you prefer). Rotating the offset rack pushing and adjusting the steering link ends on the bump steer kit should help you get there.

-Make sure you have enough thread engagement in the outer tie rod ends after adjusting for bump steering and alignment/toe.

-Brandon

[kato]

Thanks Chopper thats the info I was looking for and clearly stated

Thanks Kato

[Chopper]

Glad that helps! I forgot to mention that if you're converting from power steering you'll need to change the caster too. Alignment specs (copied from a post by Jeff Kleiner):

Manual steering:
.5 to .75 degree negative camber
3.5 to 4 degrees positive caster
3/32" total toe in

Power steering:
.5 to .75 degree negative camber
7 to 8 degrees positive caster
3/32" total toe in

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?32634-Wheel-alignment-specs