MGB Steering Rack info

[Orcadian]

Hi Folks,
I'm building a D type Jag kit and I can't get to the bottom of which rack it needs. The original kit builder KNOWS it was an MGB rack, but can't remember if it was a long or short shaft type. Another possibility is that he used a LHD rack turned upside down. This means that I have a few permutations to consider. Has anyone got a rack off the car who could measure and photo theirs for me to at least eliminate some of the perms? When I finally identify the correct type I'll obviously buy a new/rebuilt one.

Thanks in advance,
Ian

[awooga]

I'm pretty sure that MOSS and the Beehive have decent diagrams on their websites that should answer your question. MGOC technical centre are a pretty good source of advice too - if you've got the measurements and a photo of the one you've already got then they should be able to help.

Sorry - my rack's staying on the car for the foreseeable future!

[Orcadian]

Hello,
Thanks for the quick reply and the info on Moss, MGOC etc - I'll investigate those. The problem is I don't have ANY rack yet to take measurements from! I'm just trying to narrow down the possibilities so I can buy the correct one. I am certainly not expecting anyone to take a rack off - but I know how we enthusiasts often have spare/knackered stuff lying around - I have a brand new Sportpack Mini Rack in a Rover box just in case the original gets tired.

Regards and thanks again,
Ian

[v8250]

Ian, whose d-type kit is it? If Realm, go have a chat with them. If not, pm me as have a pile of d-type data and be able to help. Rgds, Andrew

[jagracer]

If it's an LR, Ram or Realm it's an MGB, chrome bumper with long shaft, can you post any pictures of the mounts on the chassis. I'm not sure if the later Realm chassis use the same rack as the Revival which is off something else.
Forget all that I see from your site it's a Proteus, you'd be better phoning them. If you haven't done your gearbox adapter then either make one to go between the box and bell housing or you can buy one with locating ring at a reasonable price.

Edited by jagracer on Thursday 18th July 15:27

[Orcadian]

Hi Folks,
Thanks for the info, but as Jagracer correctly says, it's a Proteus - the original Jim Marland type (number 9 of the 10 he made) I'm still in contact with Jim and he really can't remember which rack he used (I'm nearly as old as him too!!) Not sure if the 'new' Proteus is exactly the same, but I'll try to contact them to see if they know. I have the aluminium blank for the adaptor plate - to go between the Getrag and the Manual XJ bell housing and I've made all the measurements - just needs me to get on with machining it someday.

Thanks all,
Ian

[jagracer]

You seem to be pretty adept with engineering, you could use any rack that will fit and make the column to fit. With the MGB rack on the Ram D you have to cut the tie rods down and fit extenders as the MG rack isn't quite wide enough.
Let me know what measurements you need for the MG rack and I'll measure the ones on my B and Dtype, I can also take a few photos of them in sit if you like. What do the mounts on the chassis look like?
I've just had a thought, at one point Proteus were using the Ram chassis, I remember discussing it when I visited his (Proteus factory) near Southampton. What do you have?

Edited by jagracer on Thursday 18th July 16:42