EA82 steering rack into EA81?

[[HTi]Johnson]

Hello all. WOuld my steering rack from my EA82 Wagon fit into my friend's EA81 wagon? Or is it wider.

 

Thanks!

Justin.

[GeneralDisorder]

It's the same width, but there's other problems. I've thought about doing this as power steering racks for EA81's aren't always easy to find. The major consideration is that the cross-member for power steering cars is physically different to allow the rack to be installed and removed. That and the lines are different etc. Basically the width and tie rods are the least of your worries with this kind of swap.

 

GD

[[HTi]Johnson]

I wasn't interested in making it power steering or not. But you're saying there are mounting differences?

[GeneralDisorder]

EA82 non-power racks are fairly rare items.... they do exist though.

 

There are mounting differences, as well as differences in the column linkages. They aren't things that couldn't be overcome, but removing the rack from manual cars is a PITA - the skid plate mount is welded in place so the rack must be slid out from the side.

 

Some welding will probably be involved in the retro-fitting process.

 

GD

[[HTi]Johnson]

Thanks. The car it's coming out of (ea82) has no engine and it going to the junkyard anyways. As long as the width is the same, we'll try anyways. I weld for a living so that won't be a problem.

THanks again.