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Fitting steering rack before or after springs installed


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#1 Cook

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Posted 16 May 2018 - 01:44 PM

Hi all.  Just wondering if there is any benefit in fitting the steering rack (LX) before I get the front springs installed.  The reason I ask is that I would rather keep it off whilst the k frame goes to the suspension shop, but the flip side is, will it be any harder to mount it once the springs are in.  Even with a practice run I am finding it a  bit difficult already, one out, to hold the bolt in place inside the k frame whilst holding the steering rack, trying to get the bushes located and then get a nut on it. Busier than a one armed wallpaper hanger with an itch LOL. 

 

As a second question, when fitting the steering arms back on, should I put a split washer behind the bolt head that screws into the arm, or will it potentially foul something down the track.  I don't believe there was a washer originally on that bolt. 

 

Thanks in advance. Cheers Ron



#2 76lxhatch

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Posted 16 May 2018 - 02:58 PM

Two reasons you might fit the steering rack first:

 

1) You don't have small enough fingers to manoeuvre the rack mount bolts into position around the lower control arm (can be done, but more difficult). Once the bolts are in you don't generally need to hold the head, just put some sideways load on them so they don't fall out while you work. The springs have no effect, you need to get in beneath the lower arm.

 

2) You're pushing the car around, it can be a pain to get it to steer where you want when the wheels aren't at least connected to each other.

 

Neither is a deal breaker.



#3 Cook

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Posted 16 May 2018 - 03:29 PM

Thanks 76lxhatch.  Yeah that was what I was thinking.  Hard enough to get in there now with my fat fingers. lol.  K frame won't go back on the car until all the front end parts are back on so no dramas about pushing it around then.  Cheers Ron 






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