Can't take any credit but you should consider Speedbrakes steering upgrade.

[FredG]

Hi Everyone,

As I previously posted, my car had electric steering but I didn't care for it so I removed it, purchased a new steering column and figured while I was at it decided to install the steering upgrade that Speedbrake outlined in a past post. I highly recommend it. The steering tight and very smooth. It's very easy to do and he has laid out all the parts you need. I had no right/left deflection so I didn't install the Heim stabilizer. Here are some pics.

[eschaider]

Could you post a link to Speedbrake's original thread, Fred.

Thx,

Ed

[hauss]

I wish you were local my car acts a little nervous sometimes when road is not level I am wondering if this would fix some of my issues?

[FredG]

Here is the original link with links to components.
Steering shafts upgrade

[FredG]

Prior to installing this I always felt a little jiggle when going over bumps. I hated that but now it's gone. Prior to this upgrade I could open the hood move the wheel slightly left and right and I could see both of the ujoints moving a little bit with play. All that movement is gone. All of these joints are very tight and very smooth.

Fred

[t walgamuth]

So this is a u joint variation? One of mine is a bit loose. Are they more or less universal?

[bobcowan]

That was one of the tings I noticed right away with my car. The steering shaft/column seemed weak and floppy. Hard to be precise with that much flex. This is on my winter list.

[FredG]

Yes. These u joints tight. No wiggle. In order to do this upgrade you need the parts outlined because the original with the 2 joints is all one piece.

[Quentin Z]

Well, after some trial and error test fitting, I just finished this upgrade, and it is amazing! As Fred said, highly recommended. So nice not to hear all that linkage banging around over every bump. For the record, I also did not need the Heim stabilizer. Some things to consider if you are doing this:

Change both column bearings while you are there. You will only need the inner snap-in portion of the bearings; the metal outside portion has been modified for our columns, so you can leave it alone.

Don’t let the DD shaft protrude too far into the top knuckle of the steering rack joint. It will hit the bottom knuckle while turning. I learned this the hard way. Hence the trial and error.

The stock top shaft that slip-fits into the column hollow tube is around 4” long. I cut the new one around 6”, but it may have been a bit easier to install had I cut it the same as stock length.

[jeffgrice]

Fred and Quentin

Thanks for taking time to share this modification with the group!

Jeff

[jeffgrice]

Originally Posted by FredG

Hi Everyone,

As I previously posted, my car had electric steering but I didn't care for it so I removed it, purchased a new steering column and figured while I was at it decided to install the steering upgrade that Speedbrake outlined in a past post. I highly recommend it. The steering tight and very smooth. It's very easy to do and he has laid out all the parts you need. I had no right/left deflection so I didn't install the Heim stabilizer. Here are some pics.

Fred - is your Backdraft an RT3 or RT4?

Thanks

Jeff

[spdbrake]

I think the newer cars won't need the Heim joint as the outer shaft support tube extends to 5 or so inches from the upper universal. Ref Fred's #2 & #4 pic above.

My early car the outer support tube terminates approx 18" from the upper universal. I did slide the new Splined (cut to 21") shaft up past the Outer support shaft mount.

Shot of my upper support tube and the skinny inner steering shaft hanging in space.

[FredG]

RT 3 built in 2013.

Fred

[Quentin Z]

Originally Posted by spdbrake

I think the newer cars won't need the Heim joint as the outer shaft support tube extends to 5 or so inches from the upper universal. Ref Fred's #2 & #4 pic above.

My early car the outer support tube terminates approx 18" from the upper universal. I did slide the new Splined (cut to 21") shaft up past the Outer support shaft mount.

Shot of my upper support tube and the skinny inner steering shaft hanging in space.

Ah, now it makes sense. I was wondering why you said that you slid the insert so far up. Mine would only go about 12" max easily and is the same as Fred's. I cut it at 6". Many thanks for sharing the technique and parts list! Great mod!

[IMLost]

Do you know what brand or type of steering rack you have? Need to replace mine.

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by hauss

I wish you were local my car acts a little nervous sometimes when road is not level I am wondering if this would fix some of my issues?

That could be trammeling. It's common with wide tires. The tires a sort of redirected by imperfection in the road. Aggressive alignments contribute to this as well.
If your steering/suspension is tight and alignment is good, you, most likely, don't have gremlins. LOL

[spdbrake]

Originally Posted by IMLost

Do you know what brand or type of steering rack you have? Need to replace mine.

I've read its a flipped RHD Toyota MR2 rack.

Pretty reasonable thru Backdraft at Iconic parts. $325.00

https://www.iconicparts.com/products...draft/steering

[IMLost]

Thank you sir. I spoke with Craig they are pretty much shut down so this really helps.

[Millerspeed]

Originally Posted by IMLost

Thank you sir. I spoke with Craig they are pretty much shut down so this really helps.

I have a pile of new Backdraft steering racks and steering shafts available. These are "take-offs" from new rolling chassis' that I have converted to power steering.
Racks $225 shafts $125
Alistair (310)408-8798

[coach36]

Originally Posted by Millerspeed

I have a pile of new Backdraft steering racks and steering shafts available. These are "take-offs" from new rolling chassis' that I have converted to power steering.
Racks $225 shafts $125
Alistair (310)408-8798

@millerspeed

do you have a electrical steering rack? which one is it exactly?