1971 Vixen 2500 steering rack

[matchless_mike]

I am restoring a 1971 Vixen 2500 and have just fitted a recon steering rack bought from Rimmer Bros. (Part 305932). I bought this part as it is the part number listed in John Uphams Vixen part list on the web. But do I have the correct part?

The situation I have is that on the offside, to get the wheel in line, the tie rod only needs to be wound onto the threaded end of the steering rack to about 17mm of its length – as opposed to the nearside where the tie rod requires being wound up virtually the complete length of the thread , ie about 50mm. So the offside tie rod looks like it isn’t wound on enough.

As I see it, the steering rack is fitted to the chassis in the only position it can be, ie I can't move it to the left or right.

The lock nut holds the tie rod ok but is it safe for it only to be wound on so little? Any advice welcome.

Regards

Mike

[Seabass]

Sorry to hear of your problem. Seems like the rack was used with different tie rods in the TVR application from an early Herald. I presume you sent back the old rack as an exchange? Rimmers are usually good on customer service - maybe give them a bell.

As regards the TVR parts comment... I'm pretty sure when the castings are marked stanpart they originally came from Standard Triumph. Unfortunately some suppliers in the market (not including the poster above) like to add a little "TVR tax" to the price. I don't doubt they would claim that you are paying for the knowledge of the correct parts.

Rgds
James

[RLister]

Hi Mike. My '71 2500 could also benefit from a new rack. Can I ask how you resolved this issue..? Was it the right part in the end?
Cheers
Richard

[Astacus]

I think the steering rack is modified in the TVR, thats why its recommended to get your own one reconditioned, rather that get an exchange. Its something to do with the TVR using different length rods to the Herald or what ever the basic rack originates from. Hence the issue the OP faced with one being to short and the other being too long.

The thread seems to have suffered from someone deleting a post

[Astacus]

sounds well worth a check

[RLister]

That's very interesting, thanks. It looks like getting the rack reconditioned could save some frustration. Though people must have also gone down other routes. Any advice out there?

Also, were the original engines used in the 2500 actually saloon engines...?
(Cue: Sound of another can of worms being opened)

Cheers
Richard

[the other tim]

The original engines were American TR6 as they would pass US emissions, the ports in the cylinder head are smaller and i believe the the spacings differ also so the manifolds are not interchangeable. It's strangled by around 10bhp compared with a saloon. I suggest you contact Adrian@ regarding the rack.

Tim
Thanks Chris, edited to correct for any future reference

Edited by the other tim on Friday 3rd June 20:37

[Mr Tiger]

the other tim said:

The original engines were TR250 (American TR6)as they would pass US emissions, the ports in the cylinder head are smaller and i believe the the spacings differ also so the manifolds are not interchangeable. It's strangled by around 10bhp compared with a saloon. I suggest you contact Adrian@ regarding the rack.

Tim

Yes, the original engine is the American emission controlled TR6 unit as far as I know, engine number beginning with a CC. The TR250 was the American TR5.

Good luck with the rack and let us know what the solution is.

Chris

[Mr Tiger]

Interesting info on engines. I've certainly seen photos of left hand drive Vixen 2500s with the short inlet manifold as stated by RCK974X. As far as I know though, the UK TVR 2500 had the long inlet manifold which was similar but not quite the same as the Triumph 2500S inlet manifold.

My apologies for contributing to this drifting off topic.

Chris