Steering Rack Specifications

[EliseViv]

Hello Lads,

Does anybody know of a source of steering rack length/specifications, especially for Nissans.

Looking to see what out there that may be able to be used to build a Frankenrack to create a manual rack for the R32. I would like to find a manual rack with a lower ratio gearing (than the power steering rack). If the rack ends had the same thread and the rack was physcally the same length the jobs easy! I know that manual racks apparently existed on the R32 povertypacks, but they probably never made Australia.

I suspect that the manual racks from N12, N13 pulsars (even 180/200Bs, aussie RWD bluebirds) may be good candidadtes, but if I could find a spec sheet for a few then I can focus the search somewhat. Once I identify the rack I can then look through the Nissan parts bin for appropriate steering column extension lengths as step 2 :-). Id like to buy a few scrapyard examples then once I get one fitted up I can buy a new rack/pinion to complete the task.

If a low ratio rack can be found, non-power steering setups are "old skool" but the feel of participation is so much more of an involving drive. A recent drive of a V8 LX Torana with manual steering bought back the long (almost forgotten) engagement of the driver when you actually have to turn the wheel using your own muscles!

For those that have driven a '60s mustangs and other american muscle from the time, some of their manual steering racks were so low ratio the steering was very light, but I dont want that either, as that is worse than the lack of feel from power racks.

TIA

Brett