ReSpeed rack & pinion conversion

[Arvika]

If you do this conversion, don't just use the rivets that are included in the kit.
Also use some glue between the two pieces...
It will start to "rattle" a little after driving a summer with hard cornering!

[DB RX63]

I have got hold of an Escort MkII rack (MkII as the threads are metric), a couple of Gp4 Escort UJ's, a Gp4 Escort steering column and some RS2000 Track rod ends.

It looks as if the rack will fit width wise and just may need some fiddling around to get the arms the right length. The Mazda steering arms might need machining to fit the RS2000 rod ends too.

Mounting the rack behind the engine looks the most sensible, as it does not interfere with the steering geometry, however the mounting brackets that will be need to support the rack fro the cross member will be substantial i fear. what i don't know is the shape of the Mazda steering column once it is removed from the steering box, which will need machining with splines to fit the UJ's.

Any how, I am going to give it a go, if i succeed i will have a 2.5 lock to lock 'quick' rack, if not, it's that god awful steering box still !

I will let you all know how I get on.

[RX7SA]

Good luck with it dude, can't hurt to have a go hey

[DB RX63]

The rack mounts will be the most difficult bit, getting it supported and lined up properly, the rest is down to the UJ's and mating the mazda steering column with the ford steering column.

It might need a bit of work to get the ford track rods to fit the mazda steering arm, but only a bit of machining.

Fingers crossed !

[ian65]

it might be easier to source the top half of a steering column from a power steering equiped 1st gen from the US...... unlike the manual steering column, these were a 2 piece item and were splined where they pass through the bulkhead making them easy to connect to a UJ....... plus they will bolt straight up to the factory mounting points on the bulkhead.....

[DB RX63]

Hi Ian,

That's a damn good idea.....

I was planning to use the top section of the Mazda steering column anyway, but that might be easier.

Any chance you could let me know the diameter of the splined section at the bottom of your split column ?

Derek

[Arvika]

The rack mounts will be the most difficult bit, getting it supported and lined up properly, the rest is down to the UJ's and mating the mazda steering column with the ford steering column.

It might need a bit of work to get the ford track rods to fit the mazda steering arm, but only a bit of machining.

Fingers crossed !

I have a little adapter loctited to my rod end...

[DB RX63]

Hi Lars,

I can get such adapters for the Ford rack too.

[Arvika]

A machine shop can make them for you...
My rack is also ford, but Mustang II

[Steve-A]

It's only a gut feeling kinda thing, so don't count on it, BUT I've had various mk1 mx5 steering columns out. They are two piece like the power steering set-up Ian pictured. They use the same stalks, and steering wheel mount, and I'm fairly sure the mounting under the dash are at least very similar.

Plenty to be found in dealers cheap enough, might be easier than machining down an FB upper column.