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

  1. #1
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    Interest Check/Group Buy: Steering Rack Extender, Zero Decibel

    The early chassis have the mounts for the steering rack in the wrong position placing the rack off center. I don't know how many chassis are affected or what chassis number it was fixed at. One of three things could be done:
    1: turning radius left/right was different as the stroke left/right was different
    2: minimal thread engagement on the tie rod end,
    3, make an extension

    I made a couple of steering rack extenders (C. Plavan, Bob n Cincy, RM1Sepex, myself) and finally got them quoted at a third party shop so I can actually sell them (vs just giving things away, lol).

    Machined from 1018 steel


    Here's a picture of an old prototype on Bob's car. I've changed it slight to allow for easier installation.


    Group buy pricing, min 5 required to order. 50% deposits due before ordering (only so I don't get stuck with several hundred dollars worth of parts I don't need). note: the price drop between 5 and 10 pieces is rather substantial and tapers off from there. At the 5 piece price it looks like a majority of my cost is just amortizing the setup fee. After that it's more machine time and material.

    5-9: $140
    10-14: $95
    15-20: $77
    20+: $64

    1: Nismo_RB25
    2: Metros
    3: Jrach
    4: Ethan818
    5: Rori
    6: Justin
    7: Justin
    8: Azpete
    9: Santiago
    10: Santiago
    Last edited by Mechie3; 01-17-2016 at 10:32 PM.
    Zero Decibel Motorsports
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  2. #2
    Senior Member RM1SepEx's Avatar
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    Craig, this piece is inside the boot, can you quote out of reg, non stainless steel?
    Dan

    818S #17 Picked up 8/1/13 First start 11/1/13 Go Kart 3/28/14

  3. #3
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    Good point. Asked them to requote in plain carbon steel.
    Zero Decibel Motorsports
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  4. #4
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    You can count me in for one. If you don't get enough to make the minimum I will order two just so I don't have to come up with another solution.
    1995 Nissan Skyline GTR VSpec
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  5. #5
    Senior Member metros's Avatar
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    I'm in. Cheaper steel preferred.

  6. #6
    Member JRach's Avatar
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    Correct me if i'm wrong here...

    But if the steering rack is off center by a little bit, this shouldn't effect the turning radius if the tie-rods are adjusted appropriately. Yes you'll have more threads/adjustment available on one side when compared to the other but turning radius is only effected if someone slaps the rack in place and then puts the steering wheel on not centered with the rack (lock to lock) to compensate.

    With that being said, I like having a little more peace of mind that comes with additional meat/threads on my tie rod ends. Count me in for one
    1998 Subaru Forester
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  7. #7
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    The issue wasn't so much how much adjustability you have but that the side with fewer threads didn't have very many threads total engaged.
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  8. #8
    Senior Member RM1SepEx's Avatar
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    Check out my build thread starting on or about post 398 and read a couple pages. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...-Thread/page10

    Basically we found that our early chassis had the rack mounted too far to the driver's side by .55 or so... never could get FFR to provide the exact information. this post summarizes the situation best:

    http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...-Thread/page12 first post # 441

    all the early cars gave up wheel rotation to one side, reducing turning radius in one direction (doesn't give a tighter radius in the other direction, the tire rubs vs the aluminum.)

    I have no idea if or when this was resolved by FFR
    Dan

    818S #17 Picked up 8/1/13 First start 11/1/13 Go Kart 3/28/14

  9. #9
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    I have an early frame and have found this issue as well. Count me in for one as well. Cheaper steel also preferred.

  10. #10
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    I'm Chassis 73 or 74 and don't recall having this issue. I can't say definitively at this point, but maybe others can chime in so we know when it was fixed.

  11. #11
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    Updated pricing for 1018 steel. It wasn't much cheaper, just a little.
    Zero Decibel Motorsports
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  12. #12
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    Looking forward to the new quote.
    "Weight transfer is the enemy."

    Executive Director
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  13. #13
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    I updated pricing up above. The entry level price dropped ~ $20. Next one dropped...$25?
    Zero Decibel Motorsports
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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mechie3 View Post
    I updated pricing up above. The entry level price dropped ~ $20. Next one dropped...$25?
    That's good news for the guy who might be buying a paperweight.
    1995 Nissan Skyline GTR VSpec
    818S in progress.

  15. #15
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    At this point I would buy one or two for myself for inventory. I just left your name there so it shows we hit the 5 limit.
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  16. #16
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    Woot! That just means I get to buy a bunch of other things from you. Don't anyone tell the wife.
    1995 Nissan Skyline GTR VSpec
    818S in progress.

  17. #17
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    I'm probably going to need one of these. Put me down for one. I hope we can get to that 10 person discount.

  18. #18
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    I typically post these once or twice on facebook just to make sure it gets the most traffic. Letting others know what products I have is certainly my biggest challenge.
    Zero Decibel Motorsports
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  19. #19
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    I might need it, not quite sure yet. I'm pretty sure my drivers-side wheel is inward by about 1/4" - 1/2" though, if that is the symptom.

  20. #20
    Senior Member Bob_n_Cincy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bompus View Post
    I might need it, not quite sure yet. I'm pretty sure my drivers-side wheel is inward by about 1/4" - 1/2" though, if that is the symptom.
    The Symptom you will see:
    Turn the steering wheel lock to lock.
    Clamp your steering at the center of travel.
    With both your UCA adjusted to the same length.
    Adjust your front wheels until pointing straight ahead.

    The thread engagement of the steering tie rod ends should be equal on both sides. Less than a 1/4".

    Here is a picture of my old car. notice the steering rack bracket overlaps on the drivers side.

    P1040613s.jpg

    The next picture is a newer correct frame.
    notice the steering rack bracket has a gap on the drivers side.

    818 build pics 067s.jpg




    Bob
    Last edited by Bob_n_Cincy; 01-14-2016 at 01:00 AM.
    818S #22 Candy Blue Frame, Front Gas Tank, 2.5L Turbo, Rear radiator, Shortened Transmission, Wookiee Compatible, Console mounted MR2 Shifter, Custom ECU panel, AWIC soon
    My Son Michael's Turbo ICE Build X22 http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...rts-818S-Build
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  21. #21
    Senior Member metros's Avatar
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    Mine seemed equal when installing the rack. I'm really interested just for the peace of mind in having a lot more thread engagement.

    AKA - newer chassis owners - don't dismiss this product because you have a newer chassis.

  22. #22
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    I am in

  23. #23
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    I'll leave this open for a few more days then place the order. 4 more till its $45 cheaper.
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  24. #24
    Senior Member RM1SepEx's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by metros View Post
    Mine seemed equal when installing the rack. I'm really interested just for the peace of mind in having a lot more thread engagement.

    AKA - newer chassis owners - don't dismiss this product because you have a newer chassis.
    If there are significantly more threads on one side than the other your rack isn't centered. What serial # do you have?
    Dan

    818S #17 Picked up 8/1/13 First start 11/1/13 Go Kart 3/28/14

  25. #25
    Senior Member metros's Avatar
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    ^Which is why I said 'mine seemed equal' in reference to the number of threads on each side. It just doesn't seem like enough to me. This is an easy solution.

  26. #26
    Senior Member flynntuna's Avatar
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    Not sure if I need it yet. I have frame # 253 and haven't mounted the rack yet. I'll find out soon though. Soon enough for this batch... Can't say

  27. #27
    Senior Member AZPete's Avatar
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    Craig, put my name on one, please.
    Pete
    818S/C : Chassis #25 with 06 WRX 2.5 turbo, ABS, cruise, PS, A/C, Apple CarPlay, rear camera, power windows & locks, leather & other complexities. Sold 10/19 with 5,800 miles.
    Mk3 Roadster #6228 4.6L, T45, IRS, PS, PB, ABS, Cruise, Koni's, 17" Halibrands, red w/ silver - 9K miles then sold @ Barrett-Jackson Jan 2011 (got back cash spent).

  28. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by flynntuna View Post
    Not sure if I need it yet. I have frame # 253 and haven't mounted the rack yet. I'll find out soon though. Soon enough for this batch... Can't say
    I have close to same number and I worry by how little thread engagement there is on my 2006 rack at both ends.

  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by metros View Post
    ^Which is why I said 'mine seemed equal' in reference to the number of threads on each side. It just doesn't seem like enough to me. This is an easy solution.
    Same here. Not much engagement on both ends to make me feel comfortable.

  30. #30
    Senior Member flynntuna's Avatar
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    So are you saying you need an extention for each side?

  31. #31
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    Justin us in for two. At that rate I'll knock it down to the $95 price.
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  32. #32
    Senior Member RM1SepEx's Avatar
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    If I centered my rack the right side had only 4-5 threads engaged, with the spacer both sides have more than an inch, plenty of engagement.
    Dan

    818S #17 Picked up 8/1/13 First start 11/1/13 Go Kart 3/28/14

  33. #33
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    Isn't this for two? That is what the newer kits need. If it is this cost for only one, I will opt out

  34. #34
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    Its for one. Cost is high because of low quantities. If it was for two I'd be losing money.
    Zero Decibel Motorsports
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  35. #35
    Mechie3's Avatar
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    I dont recall offhand but I think the spacer is a little over an inch long. In a new kit if you added one it could be aligned to split the difference left and right. Not sure what happens to total turning radius though as if the wheel hits sheet metal on both sides before lock it doesn't change effective radius.
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  36. #36
    Senior Member RM1SepEx's Avatar
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    IIRC it is 1.1 inches. If you were to add one on each side you would have some serious bumpsteer as all 3 pivot points should be in a line for zero bumpsteer
    Dan

    818S #17 Picked up 8/1/13 First start 11/1/13 Go Kart 3/28/14

  37. #37
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    I understand, that makes sense.

  38. #38
    Senior Member flynntuna's Avatar
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    When is the closing date for this group buy?

  39. #39
    Senior Member AZPete's Avatar
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    Craig, please see post #27 and add me to your list on post #1. I don't want to miss the boat.
    818S/C : Chassis #25 with 06 WRX 2.5 turbo, ABS, cruise, PS, A/C, Apple CarPlay, rear camera, power windows & locks, leather & other complexities. Sold 10/19 with 5,800 miles.
    Mk3 Roadster #6228 4.6L, T45, IRS, PS, PB, ABS, Cruise, Koni's, 17" Halibrands, red w/ silver - 9K miles then sold @ Barrett-Jackson Jan 2011 (got back cash spent).

  40. #40
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    I'm in for two. So that should bring us to 9 total - c'mon people!! Just one more to jump in on this and we cut $45 off the price of just one (and I save $90!)...

    Best,
    -j
    "Weight transfer is the enemy."

    Executive Director
    The Community Garage

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