Shortening a steering rack

[russtik]

I bought an Escort 2.4 quick rack from Rally Design and when offering it up against my current standard Escort rack in situ it would appear that the overall length of the new rack is longer.

I don’t want to get an angle grinder out and hack 1cm off each end so what would the proper way be to shorten the track rods?

[Matth93]

I don’t want to get an angle grinder out and hack 1cm off each end so what would the proper way be to shorten the track rods?

Can you not take the track rods off the old rack and swap them over.
Or if there's enough thread on it cut the end off neatly with a hacksaw, Or get the angry grinder out and hack the end off

[DJ.]

It's perfectly safe to shorten the arms as long as you have enough thread for adjustment afterwards.

[Fury1630]

Before you shorten it, see how much thread is inside the track rod end - the one on the car isn't necessarily right!

[andyf]

Before you shorten it, see how much thread is inside the track rod end - the one on the car isn't necessarily right!

What he said

[russtik]

Yeah but assuming I'm not currently running with toe out (I don't think it is) then the new rack is only going to give me more toe in and no adjustment the other way. So by that estimation I'd say it needs shortening to allow for adjust +/- of zero toe.

No?

[pigeondave]

I have the correct tap for the TRE if you want to wind them in.

I didnt like the idea of cutting the rack so i made sure the TRE's are correctly tapped.
Im in Portslade if you want to borrow it. I think its a M14 or something like that. Give me somewarning though as i'll have to fish it out

[russtik]

Oh that's an interesting idea Dave, so you reckon more thread can be had from tapping down inside the track rod ends? I wouldn't mind giving that a go, I have some new track rod ends I could bring round to save loaning the tap?

[pigeondave]

I found new ones tight and couldn't get them on far enough, but they were from rally design.

you're welcome to give it a go, i'll pm you the bakery address once im sure ive got it (garage is a tip, will check tonight).

[DJ.]

Is your rack behind the wheel centre line Russ? Surely if the rack is longer and it is in the usual position it will give more toe out.