steering rack from Moss

[tinman58]

I am getting ready for the steering rack conversion on the TR3. Has any body done the complete job? I have the long solid column that needs the the additional parts. I know that I will be losing the turn signal at the center of the column. Is there any thing that I might need to complete the job as quick as possible?

 

[TR4nut]

Dan-

Have you sourced the upper column yet? Moss doesn't seem to have it with the kit anymore.

Randy

 

[tinman58]

I belive that the "The Little British Car Co." has it in stock. I will call before I order. Is there another option other than using there kit?
I haven't bought anything from this LBC co. before. The prices are good.

 

[prb51]

Dan,
Done the job but not with the Moss kit, used the German kit but they are very similar except for the electric coupling for the control head.
You can use the control head if you want to but will have to get creative with the wiring.
I had an early solid shaft to. That's the easy part.
Pulling the apron and removing the brakes to access the drop arm bolts takes time.
Be sure to experiment with your Rack&P unit to find exact center before you hook up anything and center your steering wheel etc.

 

[TR4nut]

Dan-

Someone else may correct me here, but I wouldn't think it would be too difficult to just use an original upper column if you can find a split column donor. I think you'd only need the upper column, and the stabilizing bracket that bolts to the firewall. One potential advantage of going that route is that you could retain the original wheel/control head if you wanted to.

LBC has done well for me, but I think they mainly resell Moss - potentially they have the part if they keep extra stock but don't be surprised if they are out too.

 

[tinman58]

Thanks for the information. I think I will investagate useing a donor column I like the idea of keeping the origanal control head.

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Hi Dan,

I am in the process of installing the Moss kit now. I did buy it from LCC Co as well. It was backordered intially and it took about 4 weeks to get to me.

Unfortunatley, on of the tie rod ends was missing when it was delivered and I am waiting on a replacement. When I reassmebled my front suspension, I did swap the steering arms as indicated in the instructions.

I am having one issue with the instructions. They say to center the rack "using the markings" indicated. Well, I could find not markings...when I center the rack according to where I think it should be, the U joint that fits on the rack pinion hits the suspension tower and will not turn. I loosened the rack and moved it over so I don't have that issue and that is as far as I have gone with it.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd

 

[tinman58]

Thanks for the info. I will call to make sure all the parts are there and make sure that I have everything ready to go when I start. I don't want much down time. I really love driving the TR.

 

[prb51]

You can knock it out in a day, I'd put her on blocks and do the tear down, then get everything done the next day...to include doing the ote in etc...I use a tape measure for and aft and it's worked very well so far, no scrub or shimmy.

 

[Jim_Stevens]

You can definitely keep your trafficator/control head (split column) by getting the rotary joint that Bastuck sells, from Germany.Here's the website:
https://www.bastuck.de/index.php?lang=en

Best of luck! jim

 

[prb51]

Dan,
I have that rotary joint on my unit, works very well...looks complicated but really isn't. I like having the original turn signal, it is no longer self cancelling but it's right in fron of you, takes all of a thumb swipe.

 

[tdskip]

Any pictures of the work guys? Good thread.

 

[prb51]

https://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/prb51/

First two picks of the joint unit provided by Bastuck...down below you'll see some of the German unit and how it's mounted, I think they are all a variation of the same and use the same mounting points.
Picks of the hubs show the reversed drop arms and new spacers.

 

[tdskip]

 

[tinman58]

Do you like the way the car drives with the new r&p?
The Bastuk cat. is all in German

 

[TR4nut]

Dan-

You don't have to buy the full Bastuck unit if you don't want to - they sell that swtich setup separately so you can add it later if you want. Best way to work with them is to call direct - they will get you to someone that can discuss the options.

Also, their online catalog is a little difficult to navigate, but there is an english version.

Randy

 

[prb51]

The directions came in German but BPNW has an English translation if I remember correctly.
In the picks above I'm testing the wiring (obviously) before closing everything up. It has worked since I put it together and I cheated by not taking the unit apart (as per directions) but reamed the wire holes out a tad and just pushed them into place til the exposed wires were at the appropriate band and soldered/smoothed it all out.
It does make access to the stock fuel pump tight tho.
The R&P is great, you lose a bit of turning radius but I'm good with that as I can go lock to lock sitting still one handed, do that in the garage on occasion.
Very tight and direct too.
Number two best mod. (#1 5 speed tranny) IMHO

 

[Gordon_Dedrick]

I have the Moss unit installed and the difference in steering effort is terrific. I think you could get near the same results with a newly rebuilt original box if you are a purist,however. I am still struggling with the blinker, horn issue. The Bastuk unit is nice, but pricey (150 euro=approx $220 US right?) For now, hand signals will have to do!
Gordon

 

[martx-5]

I went with the MGA turn signal switch from Moss. It has a timer/canceling feature. Not exactly cheap at $150, but I'm quite happy with it.

 

[tinman58]

Thank you for all the input. I am going to order the unit today. Along with a few other weather related items. I will bring that up on another post. I am going to order it thru Little British Car Co. First time with them.