steering rack

[erudolph]

If i change to 5/8 narrower tubular a-frames, what has to be done to the steering rack to account for the narrower distance between the spindles.Thanks

[rustyBob]

I would say that you would need to take 5/8ths of an inch off both sides of the rack where the tie rod ends screw on.......jmo.....

[FWB]

the tubing diameter of the upper and lower control arms should not affect the mounting points of the rest of the suspension, unless i didn't interpret what your doing correctly

in any event .625 difference thats .312 per side surely could be adjusted in the tie rod end if there is a difference at all

[cdnus]

Assuming the geometry was correct originally, and you are just shortening the control arms and not relocating the mounting points for them.
The rack will be OK, all you will have to do is shorten the tie rods an equal amount.
You may be somewhat surprised if you do a bump steer check afterwords, a lot of cars have wicked bump steer built into them.

JMO.

Craig

[HSC-ZL1]

Having just replaced mine with shorter arms, I suggest you measure all parts on disassembly. Carefully check thread engagement of steering rack rods into tie rods. Then check thread depth into the tie rod.
I put on 1 inch shorter A-arms and had to take 1 inch off of each steering arm. Make sure you have as much thread engagement as possible in tie rod while leaving adjustability for alignment.

[erudolph]

Thanks guys. I was hoping to just screw the tie rods in 5/8 on each side to be in the ballpark until alignment is done. Being a machinist, i would think twice before shortening the rods. The shorter aframes are common so the answer is out there.