Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Converted my stock worm gearbox to rack and pinion hoping it would be easier when steering but there was no significant change. Any recommendation to make maneuvering easier? would you recommend converting it to power steering?

thanks

Arwin

Put stock width tires on.

Wow. How difficult/expensive was the conversion to rack and pinion?

Make sure your Caster settings are correct.

datsun69 wrote:Converted my stock worm gearbox to rack and pinion

You should do a write up for the TechWiki.

Spriso and I have talked about this more than once. He is convinced that it is more trouble than what is gained. Good enough for me.

Karl Payne did rack and pinion with his engine swap years ago.

Linda

"Any recommendation to make maneuvering easier? would you recommend converting it to power steering? "
Not a lot of room anywhere, but you might look into electric power steering......not a recommendation, just an idea...

It's been done. Electric assist at low speed. Slick swap that fit right out of the way under the dash. Lives in a car in the Corvallis area. That's all I know......

So much goes into the effort required for steering.

Have you greased all the fitting?
What size tire, wheel off set, air pressure.....
Front alignment: camber, caster, toe, ackermann

Post pictures of your rack install.....is it a custom width?

I would suggest a power rack if you are looking for a "light" steering

Rack and pinion cost $75 plus labor of $68. Used a rack and pinion from an Isuzu pick up. It took 3 days to convert it. Tire is 185/65 R14. I will try and jack the front wheels to see if there will be a difference in the steering.. I will check the caster settings if there is a problem. Would also try to grease the fittings again to see if there would be a difference. I will post some pictures next week once i visited the shop. My mechanic explained to me that the problem is in the structural design of the roadster. (after he recommended me converting to rack and pinion to make it easier steering it).

What do you have for a steering wheel? There was a reason these came with a huge wheel, leverage. You put a smaller diameter on and all that goes out the window.

datsun69 wrote:Rack and pinion cost $75 plus labor of $68. Used a rack and pinion from an Isuzu pick up. It took 3 days to convert it).

3 days to convert and only $68 for labor??? I have to assume that was a typo. Labor over here is around $100/hr.

He lives in the Philippines, not an apples and oranges comparison there

Yup. Here in the Philippines labor cost is cheap. Hmmmm. I changed the steering wheel from the stock to a 12in wood since im having a hard time getting in and out of the car.