Steering

JB181 · Post by **JB181** » Sun Feb 23, 2003 4:11 pm

Anyone know of a rack and pinion setup for a thing. I know they make them for sandrails could the same setup work? Has anyone seen one. Thanks

Jesse

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sun Feb 23, 2003 9:00 pm

Jesse, I`m guessing but I feel that the R&P steering from a late Super Beetle could easily be adapted to the Thing. You will have to relocate the gas tank (most likely) regardless of the unit used. Be careful when shopping those intended for sandrails . They are designed to see light duty and may not be up to the task. I`ll try to research this one a little . Actually you`re the second guy to ask today about this matter so it should be looked into. Good luck. Bob Ingman

JB181 · Post by **JB181** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 9:39 am

Do you think a bodylift would work. Would it make a enough room for the set up?

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 2:56 pm

I checked with the off-roaders and learned a rack and pinion from a 914 can be used but as I say the gas tank will need to be relocated.
Aftermarket R&Ps are seen occasionally in prerunner things.It is doable.
In my opinion a lift might complicate things. The biggest adapting with using a lift is to install a universal joint in the steering or make an oval in the firewall.
Lets see what else comes up. Others may have done this before. Good luck. Bob Ingman

[This message has been edited by Bob Ingman (edited 02-25-2003).]

Post by **Marc** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 3:25 pm

The vertical placement of the rack is very important to minimize bumpsteer. It's aggravated by short tierods (the ideal tierod length for a Type I front end is infinite) so you should try to use a rack to which the tierods attach near the center rather than at the ends like many cars have. I can't speak to the 914, but I've seen many SuperBeetle and Rabbit racks seriously bent from merely striking curbs - with the stock Thing box the only damage from the same impact would be a scuffed rim. IMO it wouldn't be worth the effort for anything less than a serious off-road box (not sandrail!) like the Wright Place sells.