E36 steering rack questions

[Varinn]

Installing mine next weekend hopefully, just preparing now. I understand the need to modify the steering knuckle, and potentially bend a hose but I keep reading about people actually placing spacers under the rack itself. What is the purpose of these spacers?

What I want to confirm is
- how long should i make the spacers for the knuckle?
- will i need different hoses for my 84 325 swap? (yes i have a late model non airbag knuckle to mod)
- why space the rack mounting bolts, and by how much?

[jeffnhiscars]

Installing mine next weekend hopefully, just preparing now. I understand the need to modify the steering knuckle, and potentially bend a hose but I keep reading about people actually placing spacers under the rack itself. What is the purpose of these spacers?

What I want to confirm is
- how long should i make the spacers for the knuckle?
- will i need different hoses for my 84 325 swap? (yes i have a late model non airbag knuckle to mod)
- why space the rack mounting bolts, and by how much?

The e36 mounting rack wont fill the space between the mounting tabs on your e30 subframe so the spacers make up the difference. There is alot of discussion over whether they should go above or below the rack. I put mine above since I didnt have room to raise the rack and it solved my bump steer. Others swear they need to go below and then others split them (or use washers).

[benz-tech]

I currently have mine split. I quickly aligned it the other night and the straight-ahead bump steer is unacceptable, at least on paper. I do not notice it, however, while driving. When I have more time, I will experiment with position of the spacers to see how much this helps. There may be some options on taller tie rod ends from later cars. For now I would say put the rack as high as your oil pan will allow and when the mystery is solved you can move it to the ideal location.