That spacer is kinda funny. On my one 83 it lined up perfectly with the spacer there. On my other 83 it was way off, I ended up just using a couple washers to slightly space it out and it lined up perfectly. I compared all the relevent parts when I did the second installation and it all seemed the same as those of the first. I would find it hard to believe the frame would be that different (especially since they are both 83's) but I don't have a better explination... it is very strange.
Honestly if I were you I'd just run it however it lines up best, which in your case seems to be no spacer at all...

 

The spacer is used to offset the shaft enough to eliminate binding of the u-joint. The first one, just off the end of the shaft.

Without the spacer the first u-joint can be asked to angle more than the max angle that the u-joints had designed into them. You can tell when the u-joint is angled to much when you hear clunking from it durring steering the system.

You can use spacers or washers. The object will be to space it enough so as not to bind.

-billy

 

Thanks guys...I'll tinker with it and make sure there is no binding. Now I have another question. The instructions say to mushroom the ends of the aluminum pins that tie the steering shafts together. I actually flattened them on mine...will this be ok? I think there is enough of the aluminum pin material to do it over if I need to.

Thanks,
Rich

 

It's funny that you mention that... mine has done that clunking/clicking sound since the day it was installed, but I figured that since the guys at RPM were the ones who installed it, it must be like that by default. Are you saying that if installed correctly it should *not* make noise? Mine always makes clunking at low-speed turning like in parking lots and stuff...

Jon

 

No clicking on mine at all...

 

uh-oh... When the car comes out in spring I'll have to take some pictures and see if you guys can help me figure it out

Jon

 

Does it click and pop when the car is not in motion or when you are making tight turns moving around the parking lot? If its only while you're moving its probably the same issue both of mine have where the ackerman angle is too much at the steering limit which makes the tires kinda fight themselves manuvering into parking spots.... It's pretty annoying, but the only real complaint I have with the kit.... I'm wondering if there is any easy solution for it (probably not)
Mine makes no noise when steering it normally however, if yours makes noise then I'd say something is wrong...

 

Rich that will work fine, the heat shrink will keep them from falling out in any case so no worries.

 

Thanks 82transam!

Rich

 

Sorry, been asleep at the wheel

Rich, Yes that looks good.

Jon, No it should not make popping noise.

82transam, It is simply a trade off for the rest of the kit. The new arms fixed the majority of it. We just simply do not have the clearance to head outboard with the arms. They hit the brake rotor/backing plate.

-billy

 

Sorry I've been gone for so long. I moved to TX and been super busy. Im saving money to move my FB from CA to TX right now. It sucks I cant work on it. I've been working on my FC a bit here and there but its just not the same. The FC did drive me all the way here with no problems though so its got that going for it LOL!. Nah the FC is a good car I drive it everyday 20 miles one way to work and back again. Hopefully soon the FB will come here so I can ressume work on it.

I have a better internet connection now so I'll try to actually get on the board more often. I posted a video of my FC in the Second gen forum under "my mediocre video" or something like that LOL.

I'll holla at ya'll later!

 

Hi Skidtron. Any updates on your FB project? I've been patiently waiting for something new.

Kenneth

 

Sorry man the FB has been in storage here for awhile now and nothing new. Been working on getting a T2 swap for it but my FC has been stealing all my FBs money when its not looking lol! Building a Drift only car at this time and the fb is in a holding pattern but its in door in good shape just waiting. I might just buy a NA motor from someone slap it in there so I can drive it and rekindle the flame if you will. I love that car but it will have to wait a bit longer

 

I am bumping this thread because I been trying to figure a way to mount my Ls2 up to the RE-speed rack. now I have an example to go with. Thank you for the hard work it looks amazing.

 

Care to show how the LS2 engine mounts?

Did you already by a rack kit?

-Sam

 

I can show you an LS1 mounted in an FB if you'd like :p

 

We should probably open a new thread in the non rotary section to get better feedback on things.

 

Would anyone know if this kit is still available to purchase?

 

No, Re-speed is effectively dead unfortunately.

 

What are other options? I have heard mustang racks, and 2nd gen subframes work, but I could really use a writeup on this, or some info.

 

i am looking into using a nissan/datsun 910 bluebird rack.. it mounts behind the subframe and is the correct length etc.

you can also look into using the S13 power rack as it also sits behind the subframe like the fb/sa

you'll need to fab up mounting brackets etc..

this is my summer project i beleive

 

Here is a thread with the FB/SA steering rack conversion using datsun/fiat/rear mounted racks
AusRotary.com ? View topic - EOI: Rack & pinion steering kit for RX7

 

wtf

I WANT.

oil pan clearance though....

 

Rack passes exactly where the stock steering is now. The guy has it working.

 

Will it still work with LHD v.s. RHD down under? Not sure about availability of Nissan bluebird/gazelle steering rack from a 1980's car.