Suspension Springs, Shocks, Brakes

Steering Rack Spacers?

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Old 03-29-2010, 07:51 PM
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Steering Rack Spacers?

Searched for hours for the answer, but couldn't find a definite answer. Installing Progress Springs on my SS/TC and wondering if a steering rack spacer is necessary. If so, which one from OTTP, 0.9-1.4 or 1.5-2.0. Also, if I do need one, does anyone have any tricks for installing since their is no how-to's for them.
Old 03-29-2010, 08:48 PM
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i had asked the same question not too long ago. u need the spacers for 1.5 - 2" drop... no idea on the install tho, sorry
Old 03-29-2010, 09:11 PM
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its a biatch to install, took me about 1.5 to 2 hours to install.
Old 03-29-2010, 09:20 PM
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after installing eibach sway bars up front with no lift, im ready for anything! lol, but i too would like some info cuz im about to order sportlines and need some info on these spacers
Old 03-29-2010, 09:32 PM
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rack spacers

its easy to get to the passenger side bolt. The drivers side is difficult, a long long extension will make it easier.

undo the two rack mounting bolts, lift the rack up, slide the spacer in underneath the rack and tighten and torque the rack bolts.

Note: the rack is connected to the steering column. The column has a sliding shaft. So lifting the steering rack up 10-12 mm for shim installation is not problem

If you put in the drop springs and did not re align the car its a good bet your alignment is now correct. If not, its easy to check:

With a tape meaure to the inside of the front wheel rim at the front, inside, side to side; and then at the back of the front wheel rim inside , side to side. Zero is the best number.

The book likes 1/8 toe in therefore the number at the front should be 1/8 less than the number at the back

that is all.
Old 03-29-2010, 11:18 PM
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Ok, so I definitely need the 1.5 - 2.0 spacer and if I install the spacer with the springs and there is 0 to 1/8 difference between the measurements (with 1/8 being smaller up front) I shouldn't need an alignment because the toe should be correct and from what I have read that is the only thing that changes when lowering.

Has anyone had any clearance issues with the 1.5 - 2.0 spacer?

Last edited by krawzdogg; 03-29-2010 at 11:19 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Old 03-29-2010, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by qwikredline
its easy to get to the passenger side bolt. The drivers side is difficult, a long long extension will make it easier.
The driver side is a little easier if you have a set of ratchet style wrenches, I got mine from underneath the car with an 18mm ratchet wrench (long wrench to break it loose, shorty style for backing the bolt out), either way works though

Originally Posted by qwikredline
If you put in the drop springs and did not re align the car its a good bet your alignment is now correct.

my steering wheel was way way off and my wheels were toed way in and this fixed them back to where they were before the drop.

l8r,
PD
Old 04-06-2010, 01:14 PM
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so do you need an alignment after installing these? I need to get one soon anyways and i don't want to have to go twice in one month for an alignment.
Old 04-15-2010, 05:35 PM
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is there any how to's with pictures yet?
Old 04-15-2010, 06:02 PM
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I just installed these when I installed my progress springs. Alignment was off by a bit still. Toe was off. There is hardly any bump steer, however there is very little clearance on the driver side between the steering rack and rear transmission mount. Just purchased the ottp stage 1 mounts for more clearance. When I install the stage 1 mounts I will take pictures of the steering rack spacers. Install is just two very long bolts that are hard to get to.
Old 05-19-2010, 08:37 PM
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I would like to see a how to on this, or at least some pics. I will be installing this with my pedders this weekend. I have no idea what I am doing, don't know anything about steering racks.. any tips?
Old 05-19-2010, 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by qwikredline
its easy to get to the passenger side bolt. The drivers side is difficult, a long long extension will make it easier.

undo the two rack mounting bolts, lift the rack up, slide the spacer in underneath the rack and tighten and torque the rack bolts.

Note: the rack is connected to the steering column. The column has a sliding shaft. So lifting the steering rack up 10-12 mm for shim installation is not problem

If you put in the drop springs and did not re align the car its a good bet your alignment is now correct. If not, its easy to check:

With a tape meaure to the inside of the front wheel rim at the front, inside, side to side; and then at the back of the front wheel rim inside , side to side. Zero is the best number.

The book likes 1/8 toe in therefore the number at the front should be 1/8 less than the number at the back

that is all.
the man has spoken and theyre not too hard to install
Old 05-19-2010, 08:48 PM
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To get to the drivers side, i find it easier to pull of the wheel and go in through the side.
Old 05-19-2010, 08:50 PM
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i forgot me and joey had to call you and ask you how you did it hahaha
Old 05-19-2010, 08:58 PM
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i brought my car to the lift to do this install, it was a biatch. i have coilovers and TTR spacers, i have to grind down the rear tranny mount a little bit cause it was touching the steering rack after i raised it with the spacers. other than that, everything is fine.
Old 05-19-2010, 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by ls1fbody
To get to the drivers side, i find it easier to pull of the wheel and go in through the side.
yup. i had all my wheels off already but came from the bottom on the passenger side. if your not a turbo, u can see the passenger side bolt from the top
Old 05-19-2010, 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by ls1fbody
To get to the drivers side, i find it easier to pull of the wheel and go in through the side.
Yep, agreed. The driver's side one is very easy from the side. The passenger's side one is quite easy from underneath too. Super simple install.

They're cheap, effective, and easy to install. My favorite kind of mods.
Old 05-19-2010, 10:08 PM
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no how to's??
Old 05-19-2010, 10:35 PM
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it's two bolts, you don't really need a how to...
Old 05-20-2010, 01:26 AM
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Agreed. This one is super easy. Besides we've already described it.
Old 05-20-2010, 01:37 AM
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this is pretty easy to do, can't believe it takes people hours
Old 05-20-2010, 01:43 AM
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itsjust shitty because the drivers side takes like >9000 turns haha
Old 06-10-2010, 10:13 AM
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Sorry flame me if you must but do the spacers go in with the smooth flat side facing down or up? I haven't torn it apart yet so just preemptively asking?

Bolt goes in
This way
V
-----_____-----
____________

or


-------------------
____-------____
Old 06-10-2010, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by CptTheAlex
Sorry flame me if you must but do the spacers go in with the smooth flat side facing down or up? I haven't torn it apart yet so just preemptively asking?

Bolt goes in
This way
V
-----_____-----
____________

or


-------------------
____-------____
The OTTP spacer I got did not have a depression in it. I have seen some pictures that do have a depression. Maybe it's for the thicker ones, or maybe it's just a TTR thing. Anyways, when you look at the rack, you'll see that the depression goes on the top, because the rack has a built in washer like area around the bolt.

I'm sure John can give you an answer on this one, about what the purpose of that spacer/washer like area is for. I can't. I just know it's there stock. The only thing I can think of is to allow for a little bit of separation to prevent corrosion. I dunno. Just a guess.
Old 06-10-2010, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Wangspeed
The OTTP spacer I got did not have a depression in it. I have seen some pictures that do have a depression. Maybe it's for the thicker ones, or maybe it's just a TTR thing. Anyways, when you look at the rack, you'll see that the depression goes on the top, because the rack has a built in washer like area around the bolt.

I'm sure John can give you an answer on this one, about what the purpose of that spacer/washer like area is for. I can't. I just know it's there stock. The only thing I can think of is to allow for a little bit of separation to prevent corrosion. I dunno. Just a guess.
Yeah they are from OTTP when i picked up my pedders at fast98's house he had a box of them sitting there and gave em to me. Thanks for getting back to me


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