Modifying steering knuckle for rack conversion

[Korbee]

Hey guys,
Preppin for a close ratio steering rack conversion and had a look at my steering knuckle; it is different from what I see on pics on tutorials. From what I've read the knuckle has to be shortened from 275mm to 250 mm. To do this I could remove the guibo and hope that shortens it enough but if not, what would you guys do? Has anyone else ran into this problem?

I did notice that the shaft on the rack doesnt seem to sit all the way into the lower uni joint, will that give me a bit more room to work with?

The car is a 1990 318i RHD.







Cheers!

[Korbee]

Removed the cracked guibo and cover today, cleaned and lubed what was left.



Still 6mm too long :(

Anyone have any ideas?

[Madhatter]

RHD is totally different unfortunately. I've seen it done with stock parts and actually cutting the shaft on the steering rack. Not sure I like that idea. The other problem I was wondering about with just assembling them like above is you change the orientation of the unis, so I was wondering if it would cause binding problems.

If space isn't an issue for you, I think this is just about the best solution I have seen used. Requires some machine work, but it will be an easy job to have a spacer made and tapped for threads. Also locates the unis in the same direction as stock.

http://users.tpg.com.au/adtha/E36rackinE30jointmodwithpics.pdf

[vpilarrt]

Not sure about the RHD systems but the US systems have a splined joint in the steering column under the dash. There's a big nut that can be loosened and the column shortened or lengthened, similar to the driveshaft spline.