Coupe Build- Initial tie rod/rack width question

[nnolte]

The coupe manual says to set up your initial tie width on the rack at 53-1/16" from center to center of the tie rod bolts. However, when I do this, it is extremely toed-in.

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Looking at the spindle arms (attached to the outer tie rod), it looks like mine have a greater offset than the one in the manual (below). The gap between the rotor and the tie rod appears bigger in the FF manual than in my install.

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Any thoughts or help? Thanks. I realize I can just unthread the tie rods further, but I am curious whether I have a something wrong or an incorrect part.

[Erik W. Treves]

Hard to see with such a small picture - but the initial setting is just that... initial. You also don't appear to have the suspension loaded and set to ride height. I wouldn't worry too much about this until you are ready for initial alignment. The main thing to worry about is to ensure the rack is centered in respect to the rotation - equal turns to the left and right and the steering wheel hub is centered.

[nnolte]

If you click on the photos, they get bigger. Sorry, I need to figure out how to post photos better here.

Thanks, I did center the rack, and you're correct on the rest. It just seems so far off I was concerned. I'll just go forward with it. I am moving houses and will have to roll it very "toe in" onto a trailer.

[Erik W. Treves]

When you get it on the ground you can eyeball it straight and just turn the tie rods - no need to fight with a toe in condition - makes it too hard to push.

When I said small picture - i meant you are not showing all of the front end - so maybe I should have said too close in.