das280zx Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 So I am going to convert my 81 zx to power rack and pinion steering with the parts I bought from 240zAdam. Right now I have the gearbox type power steering in the car. This will require taking the front crossmember out without removing the engine. I think it shouldn't be super hard. The hardest part will be supporting the engine while the cross member is out I imagine. My Dad has a device for doing this on his Rabbit pickup. Any transmission work you do on a fwd leaves the engine hanging in mid-air. So he has this piece of square tubing with a hook in it that your lay accross the ledge where the fenders bolt on. It supports the engine while the transmission is out. I am thinking something similar would work on my zx to support the fron half of the engine. Anybody ever done anything like this? Pointers? Quote Link to comment
Skib Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 The essential idea is a good one, just dont lay that bar across there with the engine weight on it. Z car metal isnt thick. Hook it up to a cherry picker or some solid rafters or something if you have some. Quote Link to comment
stilltwisted Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Mechanics use bay braces all the time ,cut some 2inch steel water pipe ,to fit the hood chanel unbolt moter ,jack up eng ,use large heavy chain to intake & alt mount and rap around bar a few times , drop out crossmember and dont stay under any longer than nessary to get job done Quote Link to comment
das280zx Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Yeah don't worry, whatever I do I would make sure it is safe. I think the brace along with some jack stands and a jack should make it ok. Hmmm. I sure wish I had done this while the engine was out!! Quote Link to comment
datto510 Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 You doing this project at your place or your folks? Man, I wish I was in town to help!:mad: Quote Link to comment
das280zx Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 I'm not sure, I think I better go to my folk's because I have most of my tools there still. Oh and a car to drive if I really screw stuff up! Quote Link to comment
Gary Posted June 20, 2009 Report Share Posted June 20, 2009 ive done it before cos i had the wrong crossmember in there for a conversion : i used a shop crane, you could pinch a block and tackle/chainblock though that'd do the trick too Quote Link to comment
SHADY280 Posted June 20, 2009 Report Share Posted June 20, 2009 jack up the engine, place large pipe across the frame rails at front pulley area, dont use the oil pan as it may dent. remove control arms, unbolt engine and swap. just did it 6 months ago. same way to roll in a set of new bearings. Quote Link to comment
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