Rack and Pinion Steering

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NoMAD
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Rack and Pinion Steering

Post by NoMAD »

Guys,

Am looking at order a Rack and Pinion Steering Setup.

i know all the usual Websites etc..., at moment am leading towards the Pat Gardner Setup

Can anybody give me there opinion on the best setup (either through Word of Mouth or From there own experience) or anything to watch out for, i hear that certain ones are better than others. but dont actually know myself. Blacky i believe you may be able to answer this question. (hopefully)

At the moment plan is just for a Red Motor (186) but would eventually like to stick in either a V6 (Chev 262) or Small V8 in (either Holden 253 or Chev 283/perhaps 305)


Cheers
NoMAD
Last edited by NoMAD on Thu Jun 15, 2006 5:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Blacky
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Post by Blacky »

There is a bloke in QLD who trades as Rods Racks who everyone has been raving about lately - he may be worth a try as well.
The rear mounted racks drive better IMHO and also have a better turning circle.
When you're faced with an unpleasant task that you really don't want to do, sometimes you just have to dig deep down inside and somehow find the patience to wait for someone else to do it for you.


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EK-179
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Post by EK-179 »

yep rear mount racks are better but you can only use themn with a v6 as chopping up the rear of a v8 sump is a no no. Fast Eddie on the fe fc forum has a much nicer front mount rack (better than a certain setup that has been made in victoria for a few years now...) he has been guaranteed a better turning circle, i will see if i can dig up a pic.. 8)
ek61
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Post by ek61 »

pm sent
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Blacky
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Post by Blacky »

I have seen home made rear mounted V8 setups in an early Holden , from memory it was out of a Nissan Pulsar around a 1985 model.
Will try and dig up some more info.
When you're faced with an unpleasant task that you really don't want to do, sometimes you just have to dig deep down inside and somehow find the patience to wait for someone else to do it for you.


Foundation member #61 of FB/EK Holden club of W.A.
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NoMAD
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Post by NoMAD »

More on the topic - has anyone bought one of the Pat Gardnier Kits and has the instruction sheet he uses for converting the Steering Column to suit (and is willing to copy/scam it for me).

i'm going to have a play around with the setup out of a commodore and see if i can set one up - i am able to get the deminsions from a kit and all the required information the only issue being the Steering column and was just chasing the info if someone wants to make my life easier.

Cheers
NoMAD
mrs ratbox

Post by mrs ratbox »

are you up for doing it yorself me and my mates have used lc/lj torana racks front mounted on hr front end you have to get some extensions made for the ends (joins rack to tie rod ends) but prety straight forward and good steering, as for colum we just cut original and put a bearing in the end only prob is you are supposed to have collapsable collum just depends on engineer if you see one that is
Blacky
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Post by Blacky »

You can use an LJ or similar column but if you want to keep the original steering wheel then you are going to have to cut and shut your original column - mine is ek top mated to VC Commodore bottom half.
When you're faced with an unpleasant task that you really don't want to do, sometimes you just have to dig deep down inside and somehow find the patience to wait for someone else to do it for you.


Foundation member #61 of FB/EK Holden club of W.A.
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NoMAD
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Steering Characteristics

Post by NoMAD »

Guys,

i'm filing out a Vehicle Modification Form (Perth) about the modifications to my vehicle (or what is going to be modified i should say)

its says that if the original steering system or grometry has been modified or changed a report on the bump steer characteristics must be submitted. and then asks for who certified it.

My question (finally) is what is involved in a bump steer test, and who does these, has anyone ever had a Rack & Pinion setup tested to meet requirements - and info on the subject would help

Cheers
NoMAD
Blacky
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Post by Blacky »

Nomad - theres an engineer on the list of approved engineers , he has a shop just off Welshpool road , he trades as Castar or something like that - I think his name is Jamie Gaard or something like that from memory.
He is a suspension and front end specialist , I had to have my front end done and I took it to him.
When you're faced with an unpleasant task that you really don't want to do, sometimes you just have to dig deep down inside and somehow find the patience to wait for someone else to do it for you.


Foundation member #61 of FB/EK Holden club of W.A.
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NoMAD
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Rack & Pinion

Post by NoMAD »

Thanks for all that info and pictures Blacky - certainly will come in handy over the next few weekends.

Just found out today about a Rods Rack - Setup for sale (Rack & Tie-Rods etc..) No Steering Column and the rack may need a minor rebuild but its already shortened - so going to check it out its relativily cheap!!! :lol:

Just got to figure out the brackets (thanks again mate) and short it all out and figure out the column (still working on all the ideas i've heard and piece bits together for a good setup) yeah its still going to have the Red 6 in it al least for a while.

Cheers
NoMAD
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Sammy
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Post by Sammy »

i have a pat gardner rack conversion with V6, so if you want any pics or info on it i can help you there, but as the others have said, the sump may cause issues.
Regards,

Sammy.

http://www.oldholdens.com
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NoMAD
Posts: 1992
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 5:07 pm
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Location: Perth, WA

Rack and Pinion Steering

Post by NoMAD »

Thanks for the Offer Mate,

i'm getting details from Rod (Rods Racks & Suspension) about the sump modifications, he has been very helpful on the phone and may even end up doing my column for me in the end - depending whether or not i choose to have it done or make it.

anyway plans to have it finished, recond and in the car in 3 weeks!

and the rear springs & volvo diff and disk brakes rebuilt and in the car car in 5 weeks

:roll: (fingers crossed)

Cheers
NoMAD
yeprat1
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Post by yeprat1 »

i'd love to know what set up u guys end up saying is the best as i have an fb with hr disc brake front and want to put in a rack and pinion so let us know how u go
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NoMAD
Posts: 1992
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Location: Perth, WA

R & P

Post by NoMAD »

i'm using a shortened VC Commodore Rack - jump on to the Rods Racks & Suspension Website (http://www.rodsracks.com.au) he has a bit of info on there about both front and rear mounted rack setups and is really helpful on the phone.

i just prefer the rear mounted setup over the front torana setup as ive heard much better things about the commodore setup. As i'm not planing on having a V8 (if at all or not for a while) and keeping the Red 6 i just figure i'll give that setup ago.

Cheers
NoMAD
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