Manual Rack Conversion Inner Tie Rod Q&A

[BakaBaka]

In the process of fitting my new AE86 P/S Inner Tie Rods onto my AW11 Rack. Just realized the AW11 Manual Inner Tie Rods comes with a 4.2mm spacer. Was wondering if I should use this spacer along with the AE86 P/S Inner Tie Rods or use the original lock ring that came with the AE86 Inner Tie Rods?

Would the AW11 spacer + AE86 I.T.R offer more steering angle?
Attached some pics to show what I'm on about.

[TheOxyMorin]

In the process of fitting my new AE86 P/S Inner Tie Rods onto my AW11 Rack. Just realized the AW11 Manual Inner Tie Rods comes with a 4.2mm spacer. Was wondering if I should use this spacer along with the AE86 P/S Inner Tie Rods or use the original lock ring that came with the AE86 Inner Tie Rods?

Would the AW11 spacer + AE86 I.T.R offer more steering angle?
Attached some pics to show what I'm on about.

I've heard somewhere that a spacer WILL increase steering angle (not sure if this is the one I've heard about). I just put my P/S AE86 inner and outters straight on to the AW11 rack. I didn't notice any spacer on mine but I think the best thing to do would be to try it out and measure. inner and outter tie rods are easy to remove/replace when the rack is fitted.

[Deuce Cam]

Don't use the aw11 spacer. It won't increase steering angle because it's not adding length to the rack.

Use the ae86 lock ring, and make sure to stake it to the tie rod once it's installed.

[BakaBaka]

Don't use the aw11 spacer. It won't increase steering angle because it's not adding length to the rack.

Use the ae86 lock ring, and make sure to stake it to the tie rod once it's installed.

Thanks Deuce and everyone above as well for their advice. I'll go ahead and use the lock ring then.

[mrbiggsae86]

Is there a difference between using megan inner tie rods for a manual rack that has the spacer built in and the power steering version?

[BakaBaka]

Is there a difference between using megan inner tie rods for a manual rack that has the spacer built in and the power steering version?

I've been pondering about that too as well. But in the end, I left out the AW11 spacer because if I were to put it on with the P/S inner tie rod, I would no longer be able to use the lock ring and that was the turning point. I chose safety over extra-function in this case.

However, back to your question. I do believe adding a spacer (or using the Megan I.T.R with the built in 5mm spacer) would increase the steering/wheel angle. What it won't increase is the steering lock to lock since the rack & pinion gearing is a set value/ratio. However, I keep on imagining if one were to use I.T.R spacers, wouldn't that cause toe-in? Then.. in order to properly align the wheels to reduce toe-in, you'd have to adjust the outer tie rods to compensate for the extra whatever # MM the spacer added... which means, the spacer doesn't really do anything to begin with. But then again.. I digress.. I could be wrong.

[Deuce Cam]

Is there a difference between using megan inner tie rods for a manual rack that has the spacer built in and the power steering version?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you comparing the megan inner tie rods to oem power steering inner tie rods? If so, yes; there is a difference. The megan inner tie rods have spacers built in that lengthens the steering rack by 10mm. The longer rack increases steering angle AND steering ratio compared to stock.

If you look at the machined spacer on the megan tie rods you'll notice it's the same outer diameter as the steering rack gear. That's how the extra rack length is achieved, and how steering rack spacers work. The spacer needs to be the same diameter is the rack gear so it can slide inside the rack housing.

ANY tie rods adjustments will change toe settings and require an alignment.

[mrbiggsae86]

I was talking between the megan brand. I have an sr5 with PS, i have an ae86 manual rack that didn't have any thing on it. Is there a difference between what PS and manual inner tie rod both from megan? I was aware of the spacer machined in.

[Deuce Cam]

I'm not sure on their inners. They have different part numbers so I assume they're different.

Generally you want to match the tie rods to the steering knuckles (i.e. power>power, manual>manual), but I would contact Megan directly for clarification on what to use unless someone else chimes in.