Interest Check/Group Buy: Steering Rack Extender, Zero Decibel

[flynntuna]

I'll be in for the 20th. There shouldn't be a problem getting ten more right? I'd rather pay the 20+ rate of $64.00.

[Mechie3]

It can be challenging. I've found with group buys I usually get 80% or more of the final buy members Signed up within the first two weeks. After that it's a slow trickle. Post group buy I'll get random requests here and there. It's a bit of a balancing act. More people would be in at the 20 person rate but until that happens people are reluctant to sign up. The fewer that sign up the higher the cost and it repeats.

[Mechie3]

Last call.

[wleehendrick]

I'll check tonight (chassis #52) and let you know first thing in the AM if I think I need it.

[wleehendrick]

I'll check tonight (chassis #52) and let you know first thing in the AM if I think I need it.

My rack appears well centered, so I don't need a spacer for centering. However I have a question regarding acceptable thread engagement:

I've done a rough alignment and I checked the thread engagement at the outer tie rods ends. It's symmetric with a bit over 1/2" of thread engaged, with more than an inch exposed on each side. Can anyone confirm if this is a safe amount of thread engagement? My donor was a 06 WRX wagon which has a narrow track than the sedans. I mounted the LCA's in the outer holes, but the track difference obviously had to be made up for at the TRE's. I f need be, I'll get two extenders, but would rather not revisit the steering if it's safe as is. Thanks!

[RM1SepEx]

1/2 inch of thread in that diameter when used for tension and compression loading backed with a nut is plenty of engagement for the steering loads.

[Mechie3]

Parts ordered. I got a couple extra to fulfill future orders as well.

[Mechie3]

Parts are supposed to have shipped to me today according to an email I got yesterday.

[Mechie3]

Parts arrived today. Took some quick cell phone shots.

[metros]

Looks good. That means I need to send another payment. What's the shipping cost? My zip is 22602 if that matters.

[Mechie3]

$7.

[metros]

Payment sent. Thanks!

[Mechie3]

Boxed up and shipping tomorrow. Thanks!

[Mechie3]

I stumbled across something this morning that inner tie rods for the 02-03 have an M14 thread where others are all M16 thread. I guess with all the prototypes I made without asking everyone that did a test fit had an 04+. If you find this doesn't fit let me know and I'll refund everything.

[walt555]

Did you make any rack extender for an 02-03?

[RM1SepEx]

Craig, did any of us ever check bump steer after installing this piece? I know it would absolutely suck, esp on one side, w/o it.

[Hindsight]

I'm still interested in a pair of rack extenders to fix bump steer. I already found longer boots that should work. The extensions would need to be 2.5" long to fix the bump steer, and be even on each side (so two copies of the exact same part). Unfortunately, I wasn't able to pinpoint the exact length closer to 2.5" due to a number of factors that would take a long time to explain and probably no one is interested in hearing it all, but in the tests I did, 2.5" is very, very close. I'd be happy to be a test mule for these... installing them and checking bump steer after. If you sent me one that was 2.25" long and some shims I could use to experiment with adding length to it, it would make it even easier to fine tune to get the EXACT length needed, but I bet 2.5" would be awfully close.

[Mechie3]

I only made two pieces for 02-03 that were sold. Hindsight, I might be able to make something. Unfortunately we're getting rid of our CNC lathe at work (mostly because I'm the only one that knows how to run it and I 95% of the time used it for personal projects, ha!). Not sure the exact time frame.

[Hindsight]

No worries, just let me know when you could do it. I am guessing the thread size and pitch is consistent across the various years? If so, then you should have everything you need (between that and the 2.5" specified length). So if you turn a set out, let me know and I will test it.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Craig, did any of us ever check bump steer after installing this piece? I know it would absolutely suck, esp on one side, w/o it.

Dan,
I also have the offset rack mounts.
I'm running Craig's extension on only passenger side.
I'm running sedan arms in wagon holes.
My bump steer spacers are the same length.
I did not achieve numbers as good as Mitch and Tony. So I will revisit bump steer adjustment this spring.
Bob

[Mechie3]

No worries, just let me know when you could do it. I am guessing the thread size and pitch is consistent across the various years? If so, then you should have everything you need (between that and the 2.5" specified length). So if you turn a set out, let me know and I will test it.

Newer racks had an M16 thread, older ones had an M14 I think.

[longislandwrx]

Unfortunately we're getting rid of our CNC lathe at work

did you make them an offer on it?

[Mechie3]

No. I have no place to put it. It runs on 480V three phase, is about the size of a car, and is an older machine that might need a tune up sometime.

[axelthrasher]

Will you be making another run of these? I am curious to find out if the car I am purchasing is impacted by this issue.

[Mechie3]

I still have a handful on my shelf in a basement. 04+ fitment.

[fastzrex]

Mechie3, please invoice me ('07 fitment) for shipment to 73008. Thanks!

[DanielsDM]

Craig,
How much do these extend the rack?

[Mechie3]

About 1.125". That is how far off center the original frames had the steering rack mounting points.

[RM1SepEx]

Craig, IIRC the offset was 1/2 of that number