cross-posted; need wider steering rack

[fiero308]

I know I know but on the chance that the ONE knowledgable individual that I need to find is only looking at ONE part of the forum I am putting this in here too.
I guess it IS a mod, after all.  So refer to General Chat for the main note on this.

I need a steering rack that is 2 3/4" wider than stock.  Any sources or suggestions would be appreciated.  1985 rebody; was originally a 4 banger.....
Thanks!
GP

[dguy]

Is it safe to assume that you're willing to fab new mounts for the coveted rack if necessary, or are you trying to find a rack whose mounting points are the same as the stock 84-87 rack, but is overall 2.75" longer?

What about simply tracking down a pair of inner tie rod ends which are (each) 1 3/8" longer?

...or for that matter...  damn where did I see it...  I could swear that I once saw something similar to a turnbuckle used in a tie rod.  P'raps cut the shaft of an inner tie rod, thread the cut ends appropriately, and join them with a threaded sleeve? 

[fiero308]

yeah it isn't much but it is ENUFF.....
Good point; maybe I CAN just get different ends; but I wonder what goes on INSIDE...
Are there any reputable rack rebuilders in the area?

I thought there was one (or two?)
gp

[fiero308]

so.  I needed 1 3/8" longer; this is what I have ended up with.  Old one is the shortie; new one is the longer one.   I had someone dig around and he found some inner tie rods that are pretty common.  Dodge products from about 84-95.  See pic 1.  I think I will have to cut it down about 1/2" or so.  Maybe as much as 3/4".  No problem.   I will get the inner ends (ball joint end) modified a bit so that they match the old shape; (2nd pic) that way it will retract a little bit into the end of the rack as the old one did.

The machine shop checked the material; said it was nice and soft and easy to work with.
PROGRESS!!
the control arms are being made now; this will get me pretty close to a finished front end!!