What years steering racks fit best

[gwarden]

My 02 wrx donor has a bent arm on its rack, so I'm thinking it may be easier to get a later model year rack.
I've read of fitment problems with different racks and want to know wich ones fit better.
Also if anyone knows wich racks turn better or have the quicker turning ratio.
Maybe you could check your lock to lock turning ratio and post them here.
I've also looked at L&E quick turn columns and wonder if anyone has used one of these?
Thanks

[Boog]

I cant speak to fitment, but regarding the ratio I've seen a couple threads like this. Unfortunately they are often more opinion than data:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1873431

My take away is that STIs have a 15:1 ratio (not 100% sure about the '04 model) which is basically as good as you are going to get in a stock rack in LHD. I also ran across this:

The 05+ Saabs and 06+ WRXs have the same rack as the STi ratio wise.
Another area of difference is that the STI has a solid linkage joint between the column and the rack. Other models have a rubber isolated one which feels numb.

But I have not seen it confirmed.

It's not a replacement for people posting their ratios, but its some anecdotal evidence none the less. My plan is to upgrade to an STI rack with a solid linkage but felt that going with a ratio quickener was overkill on an S.

[Frank818]

I fitted my 03 (same as 02 I think) rack without any issues and everything is lined up properly. The rack turns beautifully but I have no column on yet.

[FlatironsTuning]

There is a lot yet to be found out about fitment, but for what it is worth, the new 2015 STI steering rack is 13:1 rack. The availability is very limited currently, but as time goes on, it should be available.

So far this rack has been found to be a direct replacement for the GR STI, but it looks like getting it into the GD chassis is going to be more involved. As we find out more information, I'll post something if there is interest here.

[Frank818]

What does it do better than the 02-07 rack?

[FlatironsTuning]

It has the least amount of turns lock-to-lock of any Subaru rack. The previous post said that 15:1 was the shortest available, and now there is another option. That is why I mentioned it.

[longislandwrx]

I picked up an 04 sti rack with the solid linkage for $200 shipped. Perfect fit, no mods needed. and will take you from a 16.5:1 to 15:1

The 2015 racks are going to be pricey when available.

[ssssly]

JDM STI spec C racks are 13:1.

Of course they are RHD though. So you would have to disassemble it and install the gearing in a LHD rack.

Or pay to have it converted.

[Sgt.Gator]

Our very own forum member Jeff Sponaugle posted this on IWSti in 2008:

04 STI Steering Rack: 34110FE431 (2.7 turns lock to lock)
05 STI Steering Rack: 34110FE600 (2.6 turns lock to lock)
06 STI Steering Rack: 34110FE600 (2.6 turns lock to lock)
07 STI Steering Rack: 34110FE600 (2.6 turns lock to lock)

The current price for a new OEM 34110FE600 is $666.

I'm trying to find a supplier of manual racks that will match the dimensions but give us a better ratio. Quaife will custom make them with our choice of 2.2 to 3.1 turns lock to lock but I have to order a minimum of 10. And then there's shipping from England....