SWB Steering Rack Help?

[Fishcop]

Hi All

Currently restoring a 68 (SWB) - the steering rack is a bit ordinary, but I have a LWB rack available. I know there are differences (width?); what are they? If I use a LWB rack can I use an ordinary turbo tie rod kit, or do I still need to use a modified turbo tie rod kit such as Elephant sells?

Much obliged for any info

Cheers
John

[gsjohnson]

So I assume that you don't have the original SWB rack? Not sure if they are interchangeable, but no mods are needed for the LWB rack when changing to the turbo tie rod ends. They do need to be modified when installing them on a SWB rack.

[304065]

John,

Here's the key fact- when you use lwb tie rods with a swb rack the thread engagement is too short. So that means that the swb rack is narrower than the lwb rack. If you use a lwb rack with lwb tie rods be sure you have plenty of thread engagement.

[Fishcop]

I have the SWB rack out and it is clearly in need of a rebuild (not a problem). A mate has a couple of LWB racks in good nick (not with me at the moment so I can't measure/see the difference).

One of the mods I was going to do was to add Elephant Racing's SWB turbo tie rod kit which has the longer tie rods. However I'm wondering if I use a LWB rack, can I use a standard turbo tie rod kit (saves me a few bucks). I wasn't sure if the difference was the rack or the strut steering arms...? You guys are indicating it's the rack yes? I guess the smart thing is to wait until I have a LWB rack in front of me to check before I order

[gsjohnson]

Yes the standard turbo tie rod kit mates up to the LWB rack.

[Fishcop]

Okay, I now have both racks and there is a very small difference in width between the two. That's one question sorted...

Are there any "advantages" using one over the other? Is there a difference in ratios for example?

Cheers

[VintageExcellen]

Is there a difference in ratios for example?

I have heard that there is a different ratio, could the differences be due to the steering wheel sizes I wonder

[Fishcop]

Thanks Mark, interesting.

I guess the smart thing to do will be to pull them both down for a rebuild and count splines and pinion teeth?

[Flieger]

Unfortunately you need to know the pitch diameter of the pinion rather than just count teeth.

[Fishcop]

Unfortunately you need to know the pitch diameter of the pinion rather than just count teeth.

Thanks Max. So how do I measure that? Just verniers?