Steering Rack Spacers

[boostn0199]

I just got some gktech 6 mm rack spacers to go on my r33 and just wondering are they fine to work witjout any others mods like modifying the bump stops on the knuckles etc?

[Russman]

I've had mine in for years. No other mods. No problems. Just install them right!

[boostn0199]

Cool thanks for that.

[bubba]

I've had mine in for years. No other mods. No problems. Just install them right!

Is the difference significant?

[boostn0199]

http://www.nissansilvia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=230972

Go to the link they have before and after photos pretty good gains.

[Russman]

Is the difference significant?

Yep. Great for motokhanas and drift. Might hit chassis rails if you don't have low offset wheels. Mine just hit with 245 tyres on 33 GTR wheels.

[bubba]

Cheers! I've only got 235/40s on 18x8 +40ish so should be alright I guess, will have to order some

[-Jimmy-]

bubba if it slightly hits with 17x9 +30 it's going to be worse with 18x8 +40...

[Russman]

bubba if it slightly hits with 17x9 +30 it's going to be worse with 18x8 +40...

yeah only ~2mm worse though.

You could bash in the rails a bit and it would be fine.

[bubba]

Will it hit the rail before it hits the stop?

[Russman]

Will it hit the rail before it hits the stop?

From memory you grind the stop away to get the benifit. Otherwise there is no point putting the spacer in...

[boostn0199]

Ohh so it does require the stops to be grinded down. Can it be done while on the car or do you have to take the knuckle off.

[Russman]

Ohh so it does require the stops to be grinded down. Can it be done while on the car or do you have to take the knuckle off.

Stops are on the LCA's. Can be done on the car.

There will be a DIY guide somewhere on how to do the job.

[zoidbergmerc]

I've got them on my R33 Drifter. Loves it long time.

Only juuuuust rubs with 245 tyres. I think my wheels are 17x8 +38

[boostn0199]

How much wuld i need to grind off 6mm the thickness of the spacer?

[Russman]

The extra movement into the rack means a lot more movement out at the steering arm on the hub. You'll have to grind the whole thing off.

Just do it, make it work, get an allignment.

[boostn0199]

I put the spacers in but its not even hitting the stop on either side. It doesnt look to me like anything has changed. Abit puzzled at the moment cant work it out. here are some pics.

before

after

[Russman]

Are the washers sliding into the rack? That's where the extra travel is...

all the talk above about rubbing is for a 32. should be fine with the 33.

[boostn0199]

I did a test, I disconnected the tie rods from hubs and checked to see if the spacer is going all the way into the rack and its not . I dont understand what is stopping it, surely the rack cannot be at its limits am I missing something here?

Here is a pic of it at full lock with with tie rods free attached to nuthing.

drivers side

passenger side

how it looks with spacer

I also measured the diameter of the spacer to make sure it is fitting in and yes it is slightly smaller than the shaft so it will go in no problem. This is so frustrating whats so different about my situation that it doenst work.

[boostn0199]

Another update I took off the rods completey to physically measure how much room there is inside the rack at full lock and I found it to be between 2.5-3mm so thats why I have the problem but now I want to know why since everyone else is putting spacers and there rack is not restricted to 2.5-3mm is there something else that must be done in order to make the rack go further? Im really stumped now after putting together and taking it apart 50times this weekend.