TCP power rack clearance issue

There are 2 places to mount the inner tie rods to the racks "center link". The lower holes are for small block. The upper holes are for big block.

Refer to Pg 2 of http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/download/instructions/7903-TIER-03.pdf

Did you install the spacers in between the center link and tie inner tie rod ball joints? Looking back through pics of my install on my 69, it looks like i would have your problem if the spacers were not there.


Do you have stock spindles?

Also make sure you not only have the correct inner/outer tie rods, but also that you have them mounted to the correct set of holes on the center link.


From TCPs FAQ page: http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/faq.html#TurningRadiuses

Rack & Pinion - Uneven left and right turning radiuses

A tighter turning radius in one direction indicates that the rack & pinion was not at its center of travel when the toe alignment was set.

Visual Cues:

* Uneven number of turns at steering wheel from center to full left and full right lock.
* Tie rod assemblies are different lengths.
o Can be verified with a tape measure or by counting the number of exposed threads on each side of the adjuster sleeve.
* With vehicle at ride height, check both left and right steering arms to steering stop clearance at full lock and compare.

Solution:

* Find center of travel of rack and pinion.
o With tie rods disconnected from center link, use steering wheel to find center.
o Count number of turns from lock to lock. Should be a touch over three turns.
o Turn to full lock, and then back one-half the number of total turns. Just over one and one-half turn.
* Adjust tie rod assemblies to even lengths then reattach to center link.
* Set toe, making equal adjustments to the left and right assemblies.
* Steering wheel may have to be centered once the alignment is complete.
* Tighten all jam and castle nuts.
* Insert and bend all cotter pins.

as far as I know the tcp spindles are just beefed up versions of the 70 spindles. I think they make other spindles though.. I would check the part numbers and verify that you have the correct spindles.

How far does the wheel turn before the spindle hits the rack? Does it hi on both sides?
When the one side hit the rack, was the other wheel turned at approximately the same angle as the other?


Are you sure the rack is in its center of travel?
Disconnect the tie rods to prevent the spindle from moving and hitting the rack. Turn the steering wheel all the way from one lock to the other lock and count the turns. Turn the wheel back to center by half the amount. The rack should now be centered. At this point adjust both the left and right tie rod so they are the same length. then attach them to the rack and spindle. See if the spindle still hits the rack.


Im over seas right now so I cant physically look at how close mine come to the rack till I get home.

I have granada style spindles on mine and I didnt run into any issues.

I would email TCP.. they have always helped me out when I had questions.

I am not in the states right now so I can get any more pictures until I get back which will be the end of the year.

Take the casting number and check TCP's website and verify its the correct one.

some more pictures of your install might help, pics that show the whole rack in place and some of the mounting points. maybe a pic straight down the rack from the spindle in would be a good angle. The pics you posted above show the problem well but dont show a good angle on how its all installed.

There are two solutions to the tie-rods contacting the end of the rack.

1. Modify the steering stops to contact the steering arm before the tie rods make contact.
2. Lengthen the passenger side tie rod until the steering arm has clearance at full right lock. A couple of turns will make a large different the amount of clearance. The driver-side tie rod will have to be shortened by the same amount and the steering wheel reindexed if you elect to go with this method.

Option one is the better of the two solutions with regards to suspension geometry. Running offset tie rods is not perfect, but the 1/8" difference in length will be unnoticeable.



This situation is also noted on page 9 of your rack and pinion instructions.
http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/download/instructions/7903-RCKM-02.pdf?page=9



Lino
TCP/Chassisworks

I would say it's a combination of things that cause the issue. Alignment, spindle, positioning of the rack, chassis variances, etc. We don't see it on all installations, but have seen this before.