[cfind6059]

I have a 37 Chevy Coupe project car equipped with power MII rack and pinion. What is the toe-in adjustment procedure on the rack unit? I would like to adjust it close enough to get it to an alignment shop. I have done this on other types of suspension but not on a rack and pinion type.

Thanks,
cfind6059

[aosborn]

The short answer is just to loosen the jam nuts on the outer tie-rod ends, take the hose clamp off the boot, and turn the shafts to get to your setting and then retighten the nuts and reinstall the hose clamp.

The long answer is to disconnect the steering linkage to the column. Turn the rack lock-to-lock and count the turns. From the lock position on one side, turn the rack exactly half the number of turns. That centers the rack. Put the steering column in the center position (usually indicated with a hash mark on the top of the shaft) and re-connect the steering linkage. That centers the column to the rack. Make sure the outer tie-rod ends are screwed onto the rack the same amount on both sides, then install them to the steering arms. Doing all this will ensure you have the same amount of steering travel in both directions, and also if your rack has a high point in the gear to help the car stay straight while you are going down the road, it is lined up in the straight ahead position. At that point adjust both ends the same amount until you reach your desired toe settings as described above (keeping the rack centered).

Toe setting 1/8-1/4" toe-in at the front, with the measurement dependent on tire size and road feel.

Andy

[1957plymouthhemi]

If you have done this adjustment on other suspensions I'll assume you know how to take the measurements so I won't go into that.

The adjustment itself is simple, take a pair of plyers and expand the little spring retainer on the outer end of the dust boot and slide it off the boot and onto the shaft (this will let the shaft turn without coiling/ripping the boot).

Loosen the locknut next to the outer tie rod end, There are usually a couple of flats cut into the shaft that you can get a wrench on or use plyers or vice grips and turn the shaft in or out of the outer tie rod as necessary. Once done replace the spring clip on the dust boot.

[cfind6059]

Andy-

Many thanks...you are awesome!

bob

[cfind6059]

1957plymouthhemi-

Many thanks !

bob