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TR2/3/3A TR3 Rack and Pinion

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Russ Austin

Russ Austin

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I just finished a complete front suspension rebuild. I also installed rack and pinion, replacing the worm and peg steering. WOW is it different I mean different good. I debated on doing this for quite a while; I decided that this years winter project would be the suspension and steering. I wasn’t sure I could handle this, but I came through with flying colors. Surprised myself, I had heard a lot about rack and pinion upgrade (one finger turning) it's true. The worm had worn so much that I had about an inch and a half play (not good) no play now.

Russ Austin
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Congratulations on your new steering! I know that fixing something yourself that really needs it is a great feeling! One of the thinkg I like about Little British Cars (I happen to be a Spitfire guy) is that there are really very few things a half-way competent person can't fix themselves with a little patience, and maybe a good shop manuel. How long have you owned your TR3, and has the steering been squirely for a long time?

Oh, by the way, welcome to the forum!
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This place is finally starting to get some decent activity!
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Cheers,
Larry
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Thanks Larry; I've owned my TR3 a little over a year and boy to I have a sad story about it, it has a good ending. I found the car on the Internet at collector car trader on-line. The car was in Texas, so I pick up a trailer and drove to Ft. Worth on a Friday night, pick up the car Sat and drove back. I arrived home after the 800-mile trip Sun. The following Friday my wife and I were driving in downtown Evansville and a women ran a right light. Hitting us broadside in the passenger side door. My wife received just minor injuries (very lucky). My Insurance totaled the car and paid me off. I repurchased the car and rebuilt it with the help of a local body shop. The car was out of commission for 5 months, but is on the road once again. I have pics at my web site. https://www.geocities.com/raustin/

Thanks
Russ Austin
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Congrats also! I owned a TR-3 (or maybe *it* owned me) about 25 years ago. I loved everything about it except the steering. I've seen the rack/pinion kits and wondered how well they worked...you've answered my question.
I have in mind that I'd like a nice "highway cruiser" sports car when I reach (early) retirement age in about 5 years (to complement my Spridget,which I will never get rid of). A "3" with the steering kit would be perfect.
Very nice pix on you site....really like the wire wheels!
Also glad to hear that your accident was recoverable...in both human and car terms. Here in NJ I see so many people speed up to "beat" yellow lights, occasionally resulting in the type of accident that was inflicted on you....drives me crazy ["rant" about bad drivers completed: stepping down off my soap now].
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Russ Austin:
<snip> I also installed rack and pinion, replacing the worm and peg steering. WOW is it different I mean different good. <snip>
Russ Austin
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Russ, is this some sort of converstion kit and if so, where does one buy it? I'm sure there are otheres with worm gear steering who would be interested. Is it made just for the TR3, or is it a generic kit that would work for other cars?

PS: Welcome to our humble forum. If you have any problems of questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Basil
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There are actually a number of companies that make a rack and pinion system for TR3’s, they are all very similar. The company that I obtained mine from is British Auto Restorations in Roanoke, Va (540) 989-5121 it is a bolt on system. A couple of others that I coincided were Revington TR in England. Neil Revington is a highly respected restorer and shop owner. His number is 44 (0) 1823 698437. And then there is Protek Engineering Unit 13 Bushells Business Estate, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10. Tel: 01491-832372. Believe me I have studied this for quite a long time. Some of the difference’s are bolt in or weld in, Revington’s is a weld in and BAR is a bolt in. Very easy to install.

Russ Austin
 
Your making me dizzy Basil
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Thanks for the great forum.

[ 03-02-2002: Message edited by: Russ Austin ]</p>
 
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