Rack and Pinion on a 620

[Jester]

OK. So I'm looking into putting rack and pinion steering on my '79 Datsun PU. I have measured the space between the balljoints (43") and the distance between the lower arm pivots.(about 16")

Question: Do the lower arm pivots and the pivots points on the Pack and pinion have to match? If they don't will they cause an ill effect in steering.

I will be keeping the ride hight pretty close to stock. Maybe lowered an inch.

 

Thanks for any help or advise.

Jes

[Fineline]

I believe you want to keep the pivot points as close as possible. If you look at it in circles the larger the circle (or portion there of) the less it will pull in or push out on the steering when under a load or when the suspension compresses/unloads. I hope this makes sense. I can picture it in my head but somehow things get lost in translation.:lol:

[Jester]

I had to think about what you said a little to get it. At least I think I got it. By circles your refering to the length from the tierod end to the pivot and from the tierod to the joint in the rack makeing up the diameter. The circle would be bit smaller with the rack. hmmmmm:rolleyes:

[Fineline]

I think thats it. If you take a long length pivot say an 18" arm and move it up 3" it will pull the steering arm in maybe 1/2" vs. a 6" arm moving up the same 3" would maybe pull the steering arm 1 1/2" thus giving you bad geometry.

[Jester]

I think I'll post a question in the Z section and see what the exact measurement for a 260Z rack is. That is what I was looking at in the local JY.

Thanks Fineline for the info.

[Z-train]

A Z rack is too wide.As as MOST production racks.A Mustang II/Pinto rack is also too wide.

BEWARE of Bump Steer.

[sanitys]

A Z rack is too wide.As as MOST production racks.A Mustang II/Pinto rack is also too wide.

BEWARE of Bump Steer.

 

dont quote me but i think the gen 1 rx7 guys use the racks outta old vw's that might be worth a look into.

[Jester]

Right on. I will check that out. I spent a LOT of time at the local pick a part one day just looking at racks. I didn't get to the VW's. Guess I'll have to run out there again and look some more.

 

Thanks

[Jester]

I was digging in an issue of Streeet Rodder and found an add from Unisteer.

A bit steep on the price but damn. Rack and pinion of a 620....:cool:

Custom lengths can be ordered. Check it out.

[Z-train]

I was digging in an issue of Streeet Rodder and found an add from Unisteer.

A bit steep on the price but damn. Rack and pinion of a 620....:cool:

Custom lengths can be ordered. Check it out.

 

 

That's waht i found out.It would take a custom rack to fit.For what i'm doing with the truck,i couldn't justify the price.:(

[510er]

there is an datto f10 at the pick and pull near me with a rack in it, as well as a yugo, and some other stuff with tiny racks... hehehe... ill measure them next time im out there. Where are you measuring from? the pivot points?

[Z-train]

There is more to this than just measuring.Consult a fabricator that does rack conversions for a living and find out how to measure for an ACCURATE fit.

 

There is more involved than laying a "tape" across it and saying:Yeah-that'll fit.

 

And if the guy doesn't mention "bump steer"-run away as fast as you can.