Hi.
I just test-fitted my now Steeroids rack and pinion to my 1972 Vette.

When installed the brackets and the steering (all tight in position) i discover that on the left hand side of the car the end of the steering is sticking about 3cm outside the frame (in to the wheel arc).

On the right hand side its the opposite, here its 6cm on the inside of the frame and wheel arc.

Please see pictures below.

I feel that it would be optimal if the whole kit was moved like 3cm to the right to avoid the left front tyre to rub the Steeroid end on full turn to left.
I already have a rubmark from the tyre on the frame at that location.
I run stock Rally Wheels and 255-60-15 BFG:s.

Has anyone else discovered any clearance problems on full turn to left with your Steeroids?

Are my kit properly installed?
Are my kit faulty?

Brg
Ricky.

Left side.


Right side.

 

This is the rubmark from the tyre when turning fully left, it appears that the tyre will rub against the Steeroids end.

Unfortunatly i have removed the trailing arms etc during the restoration so i cant do a live test.

Does this look as it should?

 

I can't comment on the design, except to say that on my own custom rack install before any designs were marketed....winter 01-02 same rack, and it was placed so that only 3/4 inch at MOST of the rack is sticking out on the driver's side....from the plane of the frame as shown....you seem to have almost twice as much....too far to the driver's side....

I have 17x9.5 '89 vette rime on same centerline as stock rims and 255 rubber up front....they rub the sway bar a small amount...very rarely...

the frame/steering NEVER rubs...

 

Rickey

As far as I can see you are OK. If the proper kit was ordered from Steeroids (Speed Direct) those kits are engineered to pretty strick tolerance. The rack is going to set where it sets. I tell the truth about my install a few months ago I wasn't as good as you to notice such detail. The next steps are to mount the rest of your kit. Be sure the rack is centered when you install the tie rods. Then you have to adjust the tie rods to lining up the wheels. You can try to use the measurement way the instructions tell you. But like I was told by the Steeroids (Speed Direct) people step away a line then up by sight. Then check for clearance if its OK you will have them close enough to get you to a alinement shop. Heck mine was so jacked up until I had adjusted the rods the wheels they were all over the place. The instructions are good but they don't let you in on tweaking it to work. That only can be done sorry to say by adjusting and tweaking. Give the people (Steeroids/Speed Direct) a call very friendly people. Once you have it installed I found it is one of the best modifications you can do for your Corvette. Heck If I bought another C3 to restore Steeroids would be the first mod I would do. Sorry about long tread. Take care and good luck If you were nearby hell I would come over and Help. Just my 2 cents (well maybe more)

R/S
SGM

 

Thanks guys!

Its a shame that i already had removed the suspension before i tryed the Steeroids on, otherwise it would have been easy to do a test with the tyre in position.

The part of the steering where the steering-joint connects (fm steering wheel) are located qite close to the engine mount bracket (not touching).
However, when turning the steeringwheel "lock to lock" and the center it the Steeroids "center-plate" is center on the frame.

This looks as it should and i belive all is OK.

The kit is a complete Steeroids bought from Speed Direc.

I dont have any doubt about the manyfacturing tolerances or the quality of the product, i just want to know if it looks the same on you guys installations as well.

Here is another picture.

 

If yours sticking out 3/4", that would be about 19mm.

My one is sticking out 30mm wich is about 1,18".

It sounds and looks a lot but all the brackets fit perfectly so i belive it is as it should be.

 

In all the photos I have seen of the Steeroids kits the rack has been silver. Mine came and it is all black including the lines. Is anyone else's black?

 

Ricky answer is yes mine looked the same. Don't know from picture if you have hooked your U-joints up to the rack yet. But a little hint to make easier is to lossen up/remove the two bolts in the picture above enought to put your U-joints on then tighten back up. Just my two cents again. Thanks

sgm

 

OK thanks.

Im not sure if i understand the part with the "U-joints" and the "bolts"..

On the picture the steering is test-installed completly and tight in position exept for the steering-arms.

The steering with all its parts fits perfectly, my only concern is the end sticking outside the frame on the left side.

Sorry if my english is a bit weak sometimes (Swedish).

 

I have the big block Steeroids on my '72 and it sticks out 30mm. I have 17X8 rims with 4" backspace and 225-55 tires on the front. At full droop and hard left it rubs on the end of the rack. I just installed new tubular upper control arms so I would be able to have more caster. I'm hoping a front end alignment might help.

 

Thanks alot Bob, just what i need to know.

Then my kit is OK and as it should be.

I was thinking that one may put a stop for the movement of the spindle, this will make the cars turningratius bigger but will save the tyres etc.

Another solution is to use a rin with less backspacing or to space out the rim a bit.

Im afraid that it may be at problem to get the car approved (MOT) here in Sweden if the tyre is rubbing against the steering with its un-reinforced side.

Thanks alot for yor responce and picture.

 

Sorry about the confusion I mean the u-jounts and shaft that connects to the steering where the old rag joint was. If you have all installed please disreguard in last post. Thanks

sgm

 

Glad to help. I lived in Australia for a couple of years so I know the hassles contacting companies in the States.

Welding some additional metal on the existing stop would solve the immediate problem but I'm going to drill and tap a hole. A bolt and locknut for an adjustable stop will also be a help in the event I ever want to put fatter tires up front.

 

The good news is the rack and pinion has less travel than the old stock steering so your tyre won't make contact, the bad news is your turing circle is bigger

 

Thanks, that i can live with.

 

Mine was all black too. I think that must be the upgraded model!

 

Now my Steeroids kit is installed and i proved to be good clearance between the unit and the tyres (4" backspacing).

It fitted wery well byt i felt that the installation was a bit to "flexible" for my taste.

I decided to reinforsed the brackets to make them take a bit more punishment before flexing.

This is the left side.

 

Right hand side.

 

I had a new all aluminum clamp fabricated to replace the "sloppy" rubber one on the drivers side.

All this to prevent the sideways movement of the R&P unit during turning/cornering.

The unit now appears to be wery solid.

Clamp just bearly visual är the left.

 

Heres a better picture of the solid clamp.