Manual euro rack and steering linkage connection

[cipher982]

I just recently bought my e30 and in the process of a swap. The other day I removed the power rack installed a brand new euro manual rack that the seller gave me along with the car. The issue I've encountered is that the steering linkage is not long enough to reach the new steering rack.

Is there a new part I need to purchase to connect the linkage to the new rack? And, if so, where is the best place to purchase one of these?

Thanks for any help/comments, I'm new to the e30 world (had an e36 a couple years ago), and love this site so far!


-David

[rThor432]

The linkage for the Euro manual rack is unique to that rack. I'll see if I can get a part number off mine for you.

[gobuffs]

I don't think the linkage is different. I don't recall doing anyhting different when I installed mine. However, I do believe things are different if your car had an airbag- it is my understanding that the steering column is different.

[KenC]

Leave the power rack in. The manual is even greater turn:lock ratio.

[booostit]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=66247

[rThor432]

The manual is even greater turn:lock ratio.

For what it is worth, my rack is a bit less than the standard 4 turns lock-to-lock. Cant remember exactly, but I want to say it was around 3.7. I think there were two different ratios for manual racks.

[Aatos]

The manual rack linkage is longer than a power assisted one. I encountered the same problem when I made a reverse conversion.

[rThor432]

I also didnt mention it in my last post, although I meant to, but the linkage is definitely different between my manual setup and power assisted setup. Both are non-airbag.

[MikeDE]

Leave the power rack in. The manual is even greater turn:lock ratio.

+1...it sucks....keep power, sell manual. Just write 'Euro' in the for-sale thread title and some euro-whore will snatch it right up...

EDIT: realoem.com is helpful once in a while

[JGood]

+1...it sucks....keep power, sell manual. Just write 'Euro' in the for-sale thread title and some euro-whore will snatch it right up...

For what it is worth, my rack is a bit less than the standard 4 turns lock-to-lock. Cant remember exactly, but I want to say it was around 3.7. I think there were two different ratios for manual racks.