08H3
Well-Known Member
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- 1,315
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- United States
Since my last steering rack post nearly started a riot, I respectfully ask that the replies (if any) remain on topic and civil. Also, I know there has been a lot of sponsonr / non-sponsor animosity. If you personally only want to support sponsors, that's your choice and I have absolutely no problem with it. I would rather look at the options and spend my money on what I feel is the best value out there, sponsor or otherwise. Sponsors may get the support of the forum, but these guys have put together an awesome product and I think they need to be recognized. Having no ties to any of the companies or the forum itself, I feel there's no reason I shouldn't be able to post my review.
Anyway, I ordered this last week and received it Monday. Shipping and communication was very fast and thorough. The product is very well made, and includes all the hardware. Also included is a tube of Loc-Tite. I thought that was a nice touch. The included instructions were very thorough. There's no point in me doing any kind of a step by step install on this because I couldn't do any better job than what the install sheet shows. I don't consider myself extremely mechanically inclined, however as long as you understand what tools are involved, and what parts are referenced, you can do this yourself. Don't go into it thinking it's as simple as an oil change. It's not. Especially after 5 Midwest winters and many miles of trails, but with patience, it's doable.
Here are just some random notes / observations:
--I was paranoid about making sure the steering wheel to rack orientation was not changed. As mentioned in the instructions (and experienced by others who have had the steering shaft off), if it's not reinstalled in the same position, it will screw up the stability control and/or airbag system and possibly require a trip to the dealer. Since I don't have a locking pin, I spend a lot of time trying to figure out a foolproof way of keeping things aligned.
-- I marked the position of the steering U-Joint to the rack, again trying to make sure nothing got moved. This was largely unneeded though because the steering shaft has a flat on it, NOT splines as are mentioned in the instructions. I don't know if there actually was a change at some point on the rack or whether it was a misprint, but since the shaft had flats (2) instead of splines, you really couldn't screw it up. You could only install the U-Joint to the rack in one of two position; correctly or 180 degrees off. Mine also required liberal use of PB Blaster. It didn't just slide off as easily as the instructions suggested. A result of the winters, I guess.
-- Instructions do give the wrong size for the rack to frame bolts. I believe it says drivers side is 16mm and passenger is 14mm. Correct size is 24mm for driver and 15mm for passenger side. Not a big deal unless you get half way into the project and find you don't have a 24mm socket.
--The driver's side bushings are easy to get out. For anyone who has done the Bebe crossmember mod, you know what a pain that can be to get out. These are cake. No problems. On the bushings themselves, after seeing them, I'm not 100% convinced there is anything wrong with the rubber bushings. Mine showed no evidence of wear. It's a pretty stiff rubber. Almost as hard as poly. That will be debated until the end of time, but the Delrin bushings are all but guaranteed never to fail.
--The PS bracket must be on the rack with the bolts through both halves before you raise it back up. You can't get the bolts in after the fact. Things are tight with the factory strap. Things are even worse with this massive bracket in there. That's my only question I have on the install: How in the world are you supposed to torque that bracket? I could barely get a torque wrench in there with the factory. I see no way to do it with this bracket. If someone wants to post up what wrench and exactly how they position it to torque those, it would be appreciated.
-- I only have 30 miles on it, but there is noticeably more feedback with this kit as would be expected. Some people used to plush supple controls totally disconnected from the road may not like it, but I don't think that's the crowd they are targeting so it's not a big deal. I can't speak for whether or not the handling was improved before and after. I had a fix that worked great for me, so I didn't have any bumpsteer, alignment, or wandering issues to begin with. I just felt it was time for a more professional solution to the issue.
I'm very impressed with the kit. I think it's probably one of the best values out there. Nice job, guys!
Anyway, I ordered this last week and received it Monday. Shipping and communication was very fast and thorough. The product is very well made, and includes all the hardware. Also included is a tube of Loc-Tite. I thought that was a nice touch. The included instructions were very thorough. There's no point in me doing any kind of a step by step install on this because I couldn't do any better job than what the install sheet shows. I don't consider myself extremely mechanically inclined, however as long as you understand what tools are involved, and what parts are referenced, you can do this yourself. Don't go into it thinking it's as simple as an oil change. It's not. Especially after 5 Midwest winters and many miles of trails, but with patience, it's doable.
Here are just some random notes / observations:
--I was paranoid about making sure the steering wheel to rack orientation was not changed. As mentioned in the instructions (and experienced by others who have had the steering shaft off), if it's not reinstalled in the same position, it will screw up the stability control and/or airbag system and possibly require a trip to the dealer. Since I don't have a locking pin, I spend a lot of time trying to figure out a foolproof way of keeping things aligned.
-- I marked the position of the steering U-Joint to the rack, again trying to make sure nothing got moved. This was largely unneeded though because the steering shaft has a flat on it, NOT splines as are mentioned in the instructions. I don't know if there actually was a change at some point on the rack or whether it was a misprint, but since the shaft had flats (2) instead of splines, you really couldn't screw it up. You could only install the U-Joint to the rack in one of two position; correctly or 180 degrees off. Mine also required liberal use of PB Blaster. It didn't just slide off as easily as the instructions suggested. A result of the winters, I guess.
-- Instructions do give the wrong size for the rack to frame bolts. I believe it says drivers side is 16mm and passenger is 14mm. Correct size is 24mm for driver and 15mm for passenger side. Not a big deal unless you get half way into the project and find you don't have a 24mm socket.
--The driver's side bushings are easy to get out. For anyone who has done the Bebe crossmember mod, you know what a pain that can be to get out. These are cake. No problems. On the bushings themselves, after seeing them, I'm not 100% convinced there is anything wrong with the rubber bushings. Mine showed no evidence of wear. It's a pretty stiff rubber. Almost as hard as poly. That will be debated until the end of time, but the Delrin bushings are all but guaranteed never to fail.
--The PS bracket must be on the rack with the bolts through both halves before you raise it back up. You can't get the bolts in after the fact. Things are tight with the factory strap. Things are even worse with this massive bracket in there. That's my only question I have on the install: How in the world are you supposed to torque that bracket? I could barely get a torque wrench in there with the factory. I see no way to do it with this bracket. If someone wants to post up what wrench and exactly how they position it to torque those, it would be appreciated.
-- I only have 30 miles on it, but there is noticeably more feedback with this kit as would be expected. Some people used to plush supple controls totally disconnected from the road may not like it, but I don't think that's the crowd they are targeting so it's not a big deal. I can't speak for whether or not the handling was improved before and after. I had a fix that worked great for me, so I didn't have any bumpsteer, alignment, or wandering issues to begin with. I just felt it was time for a more professional solution to the issue.
I'm very impressed with the kit. I think it's probably one of the best values out there. Nice job, guys!
