How many of you are using an aftermarket/manual rack & pinion?
11-25-2004, 12:42 PM
#1
How many of you are using an aftermarket/manual rack & pinion? Also, what brand? Im looking for an aftermarket/manual rack to replace my factory one. I removed the power steering and looped the fittings on the rack together. Turning isnt too bad, but would like to install a manual one. I also wanna do this for the weight. How many of you have gone from looped rack & pinions to a manual rack & pinion? Could you tell a difference? How much weight was saved? The only one that Ive run into is the one from Madman, how many of you are using it? From the description, its says its a bolt in product and will work with a stock or aftermarket k-member. I have a BMR k-member and BMR upper and lower a-arms. Will this be a direct fit or will there need to be modifications? Do you think its worth the money?
11-26-2004, 07:20 PM
#4
Originally Posted by Coach 02 A3 Z/28
Now, go give Madman a call and order one.
Coach
Coach
yea, the Madman rack seems to be the popular on to go with these days.
any idea on the weight savings there coach, i might as well do it while im changing kmembers.
thanks
11-26-2004, 07:57 PM
#5
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Originally Posted by BlackBeaSSt
Also, what brand? Im looking for an aftermarket/manual rack to replace my factory one. I removed the power steering and looped the fittings on the rack together. Turning isnt too bad, but would like to install a manual one. I also wanna do this for the weight. How many of you have gone from looped rack & pinions to a manual rack & pinion? Could you tell a difference? How much weight was saved? The only one that Ive run into is the one from Madman, how many of you are using it? From the description, its says its a bolt in product and will work with a stock or aftermarket k-member. I have a BMR k-member and BMR upper and lower a-arms. Will this be a direct fit or will there need to be modifications? Do you think its worth the money?
BTW, I put my Madman on a BMR rack w/ stock location mounts. Fit like a champ.
11-26-2004, 08:37 PM
#6
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We are also running a manual rack from Madman, but our steering shaft (the double D) was to short and we had to modify it (the flaming river shaft supplied) to work on my car. I, too, am running a BMR K-Member with the OEM rack mounts. It still is harder than the power rack to turn, but not as hard as a power rack looped. Much better. 
11-26-2004, 08:43 PM
#7
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Forgot about these...
http://www.quarter-mile.net/images/TA/steering/
All the pics from my swap. Took about 2 hours or so. I used a low-speed drill & a lot of fluid to drill the hole on the spindle. Hardest part was getting the steering shaft to fit perfect (had to shorten mine a tad too).
http://www.quarter-mile.net/images/TA/steering/
All the pics from my swap. Took about 2 hours or so. I used a low-speed drill & a lot of fluid to drill the hole on the spindle. Hardest part was getting the steering shaft to fit perfect (had to shorten mine a tad too).
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11-26-2004, 09:43 PM
#8
So I can definately expect to do some modifications or does every car vary in which I may not?
mongse,
Anyone have pics of what exactly needs to be done to the spindle?
Thanks everyone for your input so far.
mongse,
A factory rack is like a 12:1 ratio whereas the manny rack is more like 12:1.
Anyone have pics of what exactly needs to be done to the spindle?
Thanks everyone for your input so far.
11-27-2004, 12:33 PM
#11
I dont have step by step pics but it is real easy. All you do is remove the stock rack and steering shaft. Install my rack in the factory holes. Drill out the spindles to 5/8. Install the bumpsteer from the bottom of the spindle. Install the heim joints to the bumpsteer kit. On the rack there are 2 bolts by the steering shaft. Install the supplied plate and weld this plate to your k-member. On the column at the firewall there is a spring clip inside the column. Remove it. Slide the new steering shaft inside and the attach it to the splined shaft on the rack. Take the car to the alignment shop and you are ready to race.
12-01-2004, 08:49 AM
#17
Just to let everyone know, Madman contact us regarding the issue we had. to Madman and Co., you guys have customer service (like no one else) in the bag. I see why all the Texas and East Coast guys love you! 
BTW, we are loving your rack.
to Madman and Co., you guys have customer service (like no one else) in the bag. I see why all the Texas and East Coast guys love you! BTW, we are loving your rack.
12-01-2004, 11:37 AM
#19
You should be fine with it ... just as long as the car is moving, you won't be able to tell the difference. Only when it is stopped will you need extra effort, not much though.
12-01-2004, 08:41 PM
#20
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Originally Posted by BlackBeaSSt
mongse,
It's pretty easy to do and like i said, the hardest part was the steering shaft because it was a little hard to do Lone Ranger-style and b/c the shaft was a tad too long. Just use a good sharp metal bit, a low-speed drill, cutting fluid and maybe a level to keep the drill perpendicular. Once the bit bites in, it'll cut like buttah!
