Ok I just skimmed threw the thread and if what you want do is to reduce the number of turns you will want to look at your steering gear. And the rack worm assembly in the gear, its more the worm that judges how many turns. You best bet is to just buy a new gear assembly. Then you will just have to decide what ratio you want 10:1 14:1 ect.

 

Hmm,

1. Billy, thanks a lot for your input. Since Datsun went with the shorter steering knuckles, that is probably the better solution for us too. Too bad I'm lacking the time, knowledge, equipment, patience, and about a million other things needed to perform this kind of R&D. Maybe someday somebody will come up with a bolt on solution that works (hint hint).

2. Those of you that suggested the power steering box have probably hit on the best solution for me at this point. Wondering how much improvement that makes though?

3. It was my understanding that Ford was responsible for the use of the steering box and the beehive oil coolers. I could swear that this came out of a book or magazine article. I apologize if I was misinformed and spreading crap around the internet...

4. I want my dad to get another 7 (he had a '79 years back) but he wants a pick up truck. Maybe I should find him a repu.

5. Challer2000- This would seem to be the most direct aproach to the problem (changing the gears inside the box), but where do you find the needed parts to begin with?

6. From what I've read, the rack and pinion options that are available aren't perfect either. Still not a great ratio, and you have to deal with the people that make it.

7. dymosupras- don't be afraid of punctuation. Commas, periods, and question marks are your friends...,,,???

8. Maybe I should just check into a full FC front end swap...

9. The title of this thread was "alright, who's smart enough" (to solve this problem), but I wasn't even smart enough to state my suggestion properly (shorten the pitman arm as opposed to lengthening it). Dumass....

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, keep em coming if you think of anything else. Oh, and thanks for the "history lesson" Cowboyfun.

 

Not a problem. Maybe something to look at in the future.

I am hoping to have a solution soon for this. 15:1 and no slop sounds pretty good to me


-billy

 

That's what I like to hear Billy. Finally somebody who actually listens to their potential customers concerning products they want to see (and this isn't the first time I have seen you do this). Keep up the great work man!

 

Well In a previous thread we found that a better rack to use would deffinatly be a 88-91 Civic or CRX rack. It is rear steer, a quicker ratio and a shorter lock to lock than the VW one. And quaife offers an upgrade if needed. Then you just need to find someone with the skills to fab up a mount for the rack. CP is not the only solution. Slammed GSL made his own R&P from a VW rack. I want to grab a CRX rack and see if I can fab it up. But I need a daily driver first. LOL!

 

what about keeping the PS and going with something like this..

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...nresults=false

 

You can't. Currently, the only vehicles that use steering gears like we have in the FB (called RV gears or Recirculating Ball Nut Gears) are full size trucks. My summer internship is at ACH, which for those who don't know, is a joint venture between Ford and Visteon (not going to go into any more detail, becasue it would just be me speculating), and the only vehicles in the Ford lineup that currently use RV gears are 3/4 Ton + trucks, and the full size vans. Everything else is R&P.

 

Make sure you do ALOT of testing first. Not saying anything bad about you or your company (RE Speed, right?), but there are unforseen elements that could prove to be dangerous, and no offense, but i'd rather do a full FC swap than risk an aftermarket steering setup from a small shop. I might consider risking one that was made by a large aftermarket company that could afford a lawsuit, if one were to arise.

If you don't mind me asking, how are you planning on making the rack? The Pinion? Yoke bushing material? Yoke clerance? Upper and Lowe pinion bearings? Rack Bushings? Rack and pinion hardness (rockwell scale please)? Are you going to deep heat treat the teeth, or just the wear surfaces? You don't have to post these in the thread, you can PM me if you like.

 

No one in there right mind would design and manufacture a rack special for a 1st gen ?!? There are way to many off the shelf racks that can be used.

-billy

 

trust me fellas, what billy has coming is going to be great

billy-call me when you get a chance today. i found out what my problem was, man do i feel dumb.

 

I wish I could swap out my steering box, but I'd be bumped to MOD and that ain't something that I'm too fond about.

Ah well, the stock box isn't too bad. I do want to get the tramlining under control though. With my new wider wheels and A048's on, the car follows every crack and hollow in the road.