Feeler: Pre-Modified Steering Joints for E36 Rack Swap

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  • RobertK
    Kicked cancer's ASS.
    • Jun 2005
    • 5864

    #1

    Feeler: Pre-Modified Steering Joints for E36 Rack Swap

    I'm about to document another steering rack swap on my brother's 89 325i. This time I am going to attempt to make a step by step video to post in the DIY section to better explain the process.

    I have pulled an extra steering joint from a parts car at the local bone yard and I am considering pulling more to modify and sell specifically for this swap. Here is what my modified steering joint will include.

    E30 Steering Joint Shortened by 0.60 - 0.75 inches, the rubber flex disk will be replaced (either stock rubber or aluminum - your choice), and the upper u-joint will be modified to allow the joint to turn at a sharp angle with no rubbing issues.

    Basically you will get a direct drop in steering joint for your E36 steering rack swap. Compatible with the Z3 1.9l, 95 M3, and all other E36 steering racks to be installed in your E30.

    I am also considering replacing the steering flex disk and replacing it with a custom aluminum disk to improve steering response for an extra cost.

    A core charge would be required to keep them in stock. What would be a decent price to charge for them?

    Zionsville Autosport sells them for $195.00



    With enough interest I would be willing to sell them for much less. ($75-$100) + $50 core charge which I will refund once I recieve your old steering joint.
    Last edited by RobertK; 03-05-2007, 08:32 AM.
  • browntown
    No R3VLimiter
    • Jun 2004
    • 3524

    #2
    When you did your writetup originally, didn't it mention something about the column not being collapsable in a crash anymore? Did you find a work around?

    Comment

    • RobertK
      Kicked cancer's ASS.
      • Jun 2005
      • 5864

      #3
      If you decide to go with an aluminum disk to replace the flex disk then yes you risk the column no longer being collapsable. Of course even the stock flex disk only allows it to collapse so much.

      The aluminum replacement will probably appeal to those who track their car. For daily drivers I would suggest sticking to the stock rubber disk.

      Comment

      • Van Westervelt
        R3V OG
        • May 2006
        • 9365

        #4
        I would buy one from ya. How about this week? :)
        sigpic

        Comment

        • der affe
          Moderator
          Technical
          • Dec 2005
          • 8452

          #5
          do it i'd be down also
          greg
          seien Sie größer, als Sie erscheinen


          Your signature picture has been removed since it contained the Photobucket "upgrade your account" image.

          Comment

          • Mot
            45 toting redneck
            • Jul 2004
            • 4018

            #6
            for that price I'd be intrested in one aswell.

            Comment

            • RobertK
              Kicked cancer's ASS.
              • Jun 2005
              • 5864

              #7
              Originally posted by e30 Groupie
              I would buy one from ya. How about this week? :)
              I have to tackle my wife's transmission this week because her throw out bearing is starting to howl and grind.

              I will try to get started on them as soon as possible. Maybe this weekend depending on how the transmission stuff goes.

              I will need additional time to source the aluminum flex disc replacements.
              Last edited by RobertK; 03-05-2007, 06:58 PM.

              Comment

              • Van Westervelt
                R3V OG
                • May 2006
                • 9365

                #8
                I opt for rubber :)
                sigpic

                Comment

                • Sam Lin
                  Member
                  • Nov 2006
                  • 58

                  #9
                  I'd be in for 2 if that's with the aluminum discs.

                  Sam

                  Comment

                  • RobertK
                    Kicked cancer's ASS.
                    • Jun 2005
                    • 5864

                    #10
                    Aluminum discs will cost a little more depending on how much it will cost me to source them.

                    Comment

                    • CarsSuck
                      E30 Modder
                      • Oct 2005
                      • 968

                      #11
                      let us know about the discs, I will want one for sure.
                      --Will

                      Comment

                      • Van Westervelt
                        R3V OG
                        • May 2006
                        • 9365

                        #12
                        Still rubbers for this homeboy.
                        sigpic

                        Comment

                        • Fidhle007
                          I can fly, motherfucker
                          • Oct 2005
                          • 7209

                          #13
                          Would your modification of the u-joint eliminate the need for enlarging the opening in the firewall?
                          '89 325is S50 Track Montser
                          '04 X5 Daily/Tow Vehicle

                          http://www.avarestoration.com

                          http://www.myspace.com/brendanfiddle


                          Click here if you want to be my zombie slave...

                          http://www.youtube.com/user/Fidhle007

                          Comment

                          • RobertK
                            Kicked cancer's ASS.
                            • Jun 2005
                            • 5864

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Fidhle007
                            Would your modification of the u-joint eliminate the need for enlarging the opening in the firewall?
                            No. That is an issue related to the air bag steering columns in the 90 and 91 E30s. If I could get someone local that wanted to try this swap let me help them out I could use their car to fab up a plate for resale as well.

                            Comment

                            • Fidhle007
                              I can fly, motherfucker
                              • Oct 2005
                              • 7209

                              #15
                              Dammit, I'd be more than willing to be a guinea pig, too bad I'm so far away! My shop just parted a few e30s, I wonder if we still have some steering knuckles around...
                              '89 325is S50 Track Montser
                              '04 X5 Daily/Tow Vehicle

                              http://www.avarestoration.com

                              http://www.myspace.com/brendanfiddle


                              Click here if you want to be my zombie slave...

                              http://www.youtube.com/user/Fidhle007

                              Comment

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