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Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:28 pm

I am considering converting my buggy from a stock VW box to a rack and pinion set-up (probably a HD center load unit). Since I'm going to need a new steering box and pitman arm anyway, I'm trying to figure out if I should just put that money towards a R&P setup.

Can anyone given me a before and after comparision, and/or the pro's and cons? (Preferably from a new, i.e. tight, VW box to a rack and pinion on the same buggy - so we are talking apples to apples.) I would expect greater precision, but it enough to offset the expense and the increased "bump shock" back through the steering wheel?

I looking to reduce the play in the steering and make the buggy a little less "squirley" on the road. Contributing to whatever shortcomings the stock box may or may not have, I have to run my a "quick steering kit" to get my tierods to clear the shocks and the driver's side tie rod is at a pretty steep angle (both due to mid-travel suspension set-up). As a bit of additional back- ground my buggy has a stock bug wheelbase (not shortened), VW steering box, 6" wider front beam, 11" of front wheel travel, fairly large 31 x 1050 x 15 front tires, and it is driven about 70/30 street to dirt.

Thanks again!

Mon Sep 18, 2006 6:49 pm

Installing a rack & pinion requires it to be mounted above the axle beam.
If you have a gas tank in stock location in the front it will not clear without it being modified for clearance.
Yes it will be quicker steering. Most have a 1 1/2 turn lock to lock as compared to a stock box of 2 3/4 turns.
Steering feedback can be controlled with steering damper.
Setting of rack so that bump steer is not extreme requires front end to be able to be cycled up and down while checking for toe changes of wheels and putting rack in proper position.

Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:33 pm

When you say Buggy I'm thinking sandrail style with fuel tank out back.

If that is the case they have a beam bolt on setup that requires not welding.

Bump steer will be an issue with tire wear on the street but you should have better tie rod to frame clearance on the passenger side. I think thats one of the main reasons they do it is for increased travel.

I use the stock box with quicksteer and prefer it.

Some of the R&P setups don't turn your wheels as far ether.

Look for used type 3 box. They are a little tuffer than the bug boxes. They made the pitman arm longer too.

Thu Sep 21, 2006 8:33 am

EZGZ -

I wonder if that's the box I have on my car now? It's marked with a VW stamp and is much beefier than the new TRW boxes. (It has the larger diameter pitman arm shaft?)

Are there any other marking on the box that would tell me if the steering box is a type I or type III? Can they be rebuilt? Mine is worn and you can move the pitman arm side to side with rotating the input shaft, even with the adjuster tighten down.

PS - My car is a long wheelbase Manx replica.

Thu Sep 21, 2006 3:27 pm

if you get a rack, the cheaper latest rage ones have quick turning ratios, and not much rack travel= touchy on the highway with a large turning radius. a better rack like a SACO will handle much more like a stock box

Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:41 am

I love the rack and pinion set-up, I used a rack from a 1986 golf

Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:47 am

I like that Golf set up.....

Manxaru
Sorry for the delay I jump around sites a lot and since my Manx is done I don't land here often. IM me next time.

I don't know where to have your type 3 rebuilt and doubt it is worth the trouble. Keep that one for a spare and find another in better shape. Thats the nice thing about sticking with VW. Stock stuff works and is so interchangeable.

I have been away on vacation with my manx in tow and broken things. It's amazing how folks will let you pick at that old junker in the field to help you out. Thats my experience.

Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:19 pm

vwdune234 wrote: I love the rack and pinion set-up, I used a rack from a 1986 golf

IS that the Golf steering wheel and column in your photo gallery too?

Wed Sep 27, 2006 12:05 pm

No the steering wheel and column is off of a 86 Ford Tempo. The only reason is because I had an old junk tempo I was getting ready to scrap and the steering wheel was freely available to me!