Need rack opinions. Kinda long. (ADHD? Go away)

[StereoInstaller1]

OK, so I have a limited budget to get my car driving better.

I can buy a reman rack for $225, plus 2 new tie rod ends for $100, plus hoses, resevoir, etc.

The problem with that is the rack is reman by "Cardone" which typically, is junk.

I can buy a "new" rack for $445, plus hoses, ends, etc.

I have yet to find a decent used stock rack, under 100,000 miles.

My rack has 260,000 on it and is horrible, but why go to the hassle to swap if it is gonna get loose in 40,000 miles? That is typically 2 years for me.

This is not my "forever and ever" car...this is a DD/beater, later to be someone elses track car, or given to my son.

I suppose I could go used and rebuild the one I have, I just don't wanna swap twice.

So, any input here guys? Know of a decent stock rack? I have cash (well, some anyway) Any suggestions on maybe rebuilding mine? Stilll gotta cough for them new tie rod ends...

Another quick question: would it be easier to swap a rack with the struts out?

I am thinking front camber plates at the same time as the rack...but would rather spend the money on rear subframe goodies.

Anyway, gimme your opinions!

Thanks, Luke

[Sean]

I saw get a Z3 rack with low miles. Mine has 30,000 miles on it - tons of life left in the bad boy.

In terms of swapping the rack - it's all the same with the struts in or out. Just remove the tie rods, and it's fairly straight forward.

You will have to either raise the engine or bend the tabs to get the rack changed though.

[StereoInstaller1]

I saw get a Z3 rack with low miles. Mine has 30,000 miles on it - tons of life left in the bad boy.

Izzat the quicker steering ratio? I really don't want a quicker ratio.

You will have to either raise the engine or bend the tabs to get the rack changed though.

So since I want to do new motor and tranny mounts, I should do both at the same time?

Thanks for the advice...

Luke

[equate975]

Have you checked car-part.com ? What about calling up BMR ?

[Rigmaster]

How can you say that "Cardone" racks are all junk.

I bought a "reman" rack from Advance auto a couple of years ago for my 325is I had at the time- it was ~$200 or so, and it's still going strong AFAIK. Plus, I believe it had a "lifetime" warranty on it- so I could have gotten a replacement if it started leaking or gave me other problems.


Cardone sells many different types of reman'ed parts under their brand name, but I'd be surprised if they did much of the rebuilding themselves- they probably have a deal with a rebuilder for each type of part.


Bret.

[StereoInstaller1]

How can you say that "Cardone" racks are all junk.

Bret.

I didn't. I said "typically", which isn't all.

So, to explain why I say that...I have been wrenching in my field for 25 years. Most of my experience is GM. I was a certified GM tech, but gave up on wrenching due to the back issuse I have from installing, which causes me less pain. I have worked as a tech at 4 different GM dealerships. I also have several friends who are professional techs....lots of personal and second hand experience.

I think I can safely say that Cardone has a terrible reputation in the professional industry. Certainly has been in my experience.

Many shops (since they have to pay a tech to warranty it if there is an issue) will not install Cardone parts at all.

So, Bret, I am very glad to hear that your Cardone rack is working well. I am glad to hear a positive experience about them. How many miles do you think you have put on it? They tell me at my wholesaler that the Cardone has a one year warranty. ..Did you change the pump? Resevior? Did yours come with boots, inner or outer tie rod ends? Since you have had such a positive experience with this, perhaps that will sway my decision.

I still dont want to spend $350 on rack, etc. This car just won't be around all that long. I might be passing it to my son in 2 years, but he wants a Wrangler. Thus the srain over decisions.

Thanks for the input.

Luke

[tn325i]

Try http://www.vinesauto.com/ they are a salvage yard. I got one from them for $60 off ebay.. No problems with it and they do warranty it to be good..

If you are looking to save a few $$$.

[Sean]

Ah, well, if you don't want shorter ratio, just find a used stock rack - or rebuilt one. You'll have to settle for one with some miles if you don't want to spend $300 + or get a cheap remanufactured one.

And yes - I'd definately do the mounts while you do the rack!

[StereoInstaller1]

yeah, that reman rack is sounding better and better. Eurospeed had one, he hasn't responded on his FS thread.

Browntown is hopefully gonna check on one about an hour away.

I have mounts on the way. Dumbass me just did one, thinking I had done one previously. The one I thought I did has the end plate totally ripped off, so I will do it and the tranny mount at the same time.

Luke

[chuckybob]

imho anything under 3 turns lock to lock is too sensitive for a dd/cruiser

[b*saint]

yeah, that reman rack is sounding better and better. Eurospeed had one, he hasn't responded on his FS thread.

Browntown is hopefully gonna check on one about an hour away.

I have mounts on the way. Dumbass me just did one, thinking I had done one previously. The one I thought I did has the end plate totally ripped off, so I will do it and the tranny mount at the same time.

Luke

No offense but you sig makes my stomach turn.

[StereoInstaller1]

No offense but you sig makes my stomach turn.

So, back on topic..who knows something about racks? Are all E30's the same? SRS is often mentioned, as is "ic"...should I stay away?

Since mine leaks very little (more like seepage) I am seriously considering just replacing the tie rod ends, inner and outer.

Anyone know of a decent writeup?

Luke

[chuckybob]

all e30 racks mount up the same, but the lock to lock differs. iirc, 318=4 turns, 325=3.25 turns, m3 = 2.5 turns, z3 (which fits with a mod kit) = 2.3-2.0 turns.

[erik325i]

all e30 racks mount up the same, but the lock to lock differs. iirc, 318=4 turns, 325=3.25 turns, m3 = 2.5 turns, z3 (which fits with a mod kit) = 2.3-2.0 turns.

Not even close man.

e30 m3 rack - 3.5 turns
e30 non-M rack - 4 turns
e30 euro non-PS rack - 4.4 turns

'95 m3 rack - 3 turns
'96+ rack - 3.5 turns
z3 rack - 2.7 turns

-Erik

[StereoInstaller1]

Wow, here we go. Some real data...nice!

Erik, may I ask your data sources? Sure seems right to me, having driven every single one of those examples in and out of shops.

Either way, my needs are simple. 4 turns or a bit less should provide excellent DD manners, all E30/E36 racks will fit (with some minor mods) and my sig turns one guys tummy to mush.

You guys are awesome.

Thanks!

oh yeah...got an email from a guy on craigslist, has an '87 is rack and tie rods for $75...now I gotta go get them, and make sure my testing is adequate.

Anyone here have a good suggestion of how to check a rack (and pinion)? I also wanna check out the tie rod ends...any good tricks for the inner parts?

Thanks again!

Luke