Nope, long gone. I was hoping to connect the current shaft with a 3/4" to 17mm u-joint like this one.

However, this is all moot now because I found that I have a steering box and column that I thought I got rid of.

 

Does it make any difference if the shaft/column is from a power steering RX-7?

 

Requires a different unjoint but yes the oem P/S upper steering shaft is used on originally equipped P/S cars.

 

Does the kit include instructions, for measuring / cutting / mounting everything (including the steering shaft support-brace)?

 

Looks like a really great kit. I emailed Scott (Mtheory) with a few questions and he got back to me with all the info I was looking for.

This looks like a very well engineered kit. Awesome to have this quality available for the FB community.

Would be good to get some more feedback on how the setup performs, especially on a track application.

Like Rwatson, my FB has aftermarket coilovers and T3 front suspension hardware. I think this R&P conversion would make the car 100% complete.

Any idea if there is enough clearance for those running a side mount alternator? I assume if this clears the stock AC setup an alternator would be no problem! Rwatson, do you have a pic of the top of the drivers side engine bay, just so we can see how that look?

 

Tommy, this mounts behind the crossmember, like the OE steering. There's nothing passing over or in front of the crossmember that would interfere with the side-mount alternator.
-Max

 

That last pic shows how there will be no interference , in fact I plan to modify my AC mount to lower it as low as possible in an attempt to make enough to mount a side mount alternator, The rack pieces will not interfere in any way.

I look forward to trying mine out on a track day, I think it will shine as much there as it does on the street. I plan on running additional caster so has to provide more dynamic camber gain during turns than a stock alignment. We will see how it works out.

As soon as I can I will take a pic of my car. The AC compressor is in place and it takes more space than a side mount alt, so maybe that will help.

 

Thanks for the info guys! The last pic is good, shows that nothing comes forward of about the middle iron, plenty of room.

 

@rwatson5651 Can you (or someone else) email me a copy of the instructions? I got my kit yesterday and while it looks AWESOME it didn't come with any instructions. I've already started taking the OEM Steering apart but I'm sure not going to cut anything without good instructions.

 

Maxwedge that's awesome!! I've been emailing Mtheory, reserved my spot he says he's working on mine in in a few weeks.

And would be cool to see more pics and your feedback on everything.

One thing I'm curious about is how the cross member fits between the frame rails with the original studs still in place, seem like it wont slide in without stud removal when I try to picture it....

 

tommy, I don't know yet. I removed the tie rod ends to steering arms (measured between them first, so I can set it back to roughly the same toe-in), dropped the idler arm and removed the steering box hardware. But I don't want to go any further without the instructions. I'm cool with unbolting anything under the hood but I've never messed with a steering column before.

MTheory has been very communicative (Text and email) but hasn't sent any instructions yet. I was hoping to make a good dent in the install this weekend. I'm not sure why printed instructions don't come with the kit, since cutting the steering column in the proper place is critical (replacement columns being rare and expensive).

 

Sent

 

It does not replace the main suspension/engine mount subframe.
This kit bolts in place of the existing steering box/idler arm and uses those bolt holes replacing the OEM steering setup.

 

Yes understood, should maybe have been more specific, term crossmember is misleading.
Just wondering if studs need to be removed from the frame rails to install the new 'fabricated rack suport'.

I've never pulled these studs out.

 

Oh 😆 sorry.
It is nut and bolt that holds the oem steering box and idler arm in place.
I was thinking subframe because that actually has studs.

 

They are long bolts that secure the steering box and idler arm to each side of the frame. (They go all the way through the frame,), so they wont be in the way, However since this kit fits really well it may be a little snug between the frame rails. It can be a little awkward to get it positioned correctly and hold it there while you reach out to push the bolt into place. A friend would make this easier. I did it alone and held the frame in place laying on the floor, using one hand and one knee, LOL.

Edit: I just answered a question that had already been answered! Sorry

 

Ah right, I'm over complicating this. Yes now realize they are thru bolts that go all the way through the frame rail. I've replaced my idler arm and thought it was mounted with studs this whole time...

I'll be pulling the bolts and posting the thread and length here. I like to replace all hardware with nice new stuff from Belmetric. I think they're M10.

I've been collecting parts for a FC front subframe swap just to get R&P steering. Time to sell all that junk. Can't wait for this kit.

 

The kit includes all new hardware for the swap. I like belmetric too, but MTheory includes everything you need.

 

I know what you mean, before I installed mine, I overcomplicated it just a little, but once I got started it all but just fell into place, way more simple than I thought. The only challenge for me was getting the old box out, and if I had thought of cutting it to simplify removal it would all been really easy. I think it is because this kit is so well engineered, uses all factory mounting points, and steering geometry. I think its the first and only kit that can say that. Also makes it very easy to return to stock without any molestation scars.

That said, I believe that you will agree that ease of installation will be another strong point.

I guess you can tell I really like mine. I think that is because I have had other kits and compared to what I had in the past, this one is practically plug and play. LOL

 

Im just nervous because I have never worked on the steering column before, and if I make a mistake I need to source another one off epay ($$$). Scott sent lots of good directions and pics since my install request. Im just scated of something new. Rebuilding a carb or V8 head is easy.... because Ive done it several times.

 

Once you get it out your concerns will be relieved. Its just a tube and a shaft, nothing high tech, fancy or even precision in nature.
all you will need to be careful about is reading your tape measure right LOL. Measure twice and cut once😊
And while you do need to cut to the lengths in the instructions, there is actually a little wiggle room.
AND,....A lot of the surplus steering boxes out there are so worn out they should be cheap, (In case you need one, but you won't)

 

Subscribed!

 

Super syked about this. Been dormant on the forum for a while. Got the 7 rolling this weekend in her new home and then this thread!?!?! Excellent!

 

Yes feeling the same way. I have been looking for a proper R&P setup for a long time. I've had my FB out a few times since winter and will get to drive it a bit more before Scot finishes my kit and I get to install it. Should feel like a new car afterwards. I have redone all the suspension and this is the last piece of the puzzle.

 

Hey Tommy .. looking forward to your driving impressions once you get your new R&P setup installed. A new rack is on my "to do" list once I get my car back from Chip.