Regular vs extended turbo tie-rod

[tdskip]

Hi guys - I have a second hand rack with an unknown history that has turbo tie rods on it. I believe the tie rods came in regular and extended length sizes, and I am wondering how I check to see which one are on there. Is it via measurement or is there a stamping?

Thanks!

[tdskip]

Bump - surely someone knows and is willing to help a noob out?

[javadog]

I don't recall ever hearing that there was more than one length of a turbo tie rod. Perhaps you should check PET and see for yourself.

JR

[tholyoak]

Non-turbo cars using turbo tie rods require a spacer on the steering rack side. Perhaps that is where the confusion is coming from.

Todd

[tdskip]

Originally Posted by tholyoak

Non-turbo cars using turbo tie rods require a spacer on the steering rack side. Perhaps that is where the confusion is coming from.

Todd

Thanks Todd, that helps frame it. I am pretty sure this was was from a regular SC so I think I am all set then.

Thanks all!

[Tony V]

Pre '69 cars need extended turbo-tie rods to get the proper thread engagement. Several of the aftermarket houses make them (ER...) So if these were on your '67 912 it makes sense.

[tdskip]

Originally Posted by Tony V

Pre '69 cars need extended turbo-tie rods to get the proper thread engagement. Several of the aftermarket houses make them (ER...) So if these were on your '67 912 it makes sense.

Thanks Tony. This is going into my '67 but came from a SC. Fingers crossed that I am all set.

[javadog]

Got the spacers?

JR

[tdskip]

I am swapping a complete SC front suspension including the rack over so I don't think I need them, do?

[javadog]

You need the spacers, so that would depend on whether the guy that put the tie rods on the rack actually installed them. You either have them, or you don't.

JR

[javadog]

Porsche 911 Turbo Tie Rod Kit Installation | 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

[chris_seven]

Guys,

They large thick washers aren't spacers - they are stops which are designed to prevent over travel of the rack.

This forum continually describes them as spacers but they are there for reasons of safety not for positioning the tie rod.

The longer than standard track rod ends are only needed on a pre-1968 car which had shorter steering racks and different steering arms to the 1968 onward cars.

The TRE off a 1990's Honda Civic is an inch longer than stock and has the correct thread pitch and taper. We pay about $10 each and have used them for the last 10 years.

If you swap out the entire suspension and steering you won't need the long TRE but you should still fit the thick washer between the rack body and the tie rod.

If you fit a late rack to a 1967 car then you will find that the steering is slower as the number of turns lock to lock will have increased.

The early rack would be 2.7 turns lock to lock and later SC racks are around 3.3 turns.

The other issue you will find is that the 'camber plate' on top f the later strut is too large for the hole in the inner wing.

It will fit but the increased diameter of the bush in the camber plate will restrict the adjustment.

You will typically only be able to use 4 degree of caster and negative camber adjustment would also be compromised.

I would suggest that you fit the correct camber plate from the 1967 strut which will provide a greater adjustment range.

[KTL]

Here's the extended length tie rods on Elephant's site

Elephant Racing | Turbo Tie Rods | Porsche 911/912/930

Great tip from Chris about the 1990s Civic tie rod ends!

[MotoSook]

Originally Posted by KTL

Great tip from Chris about the 1990s Civic tie rod ends!

You gonna get a set so we can try?

[KTL]

Need to confirm which year(s) are applicable. The 1990s Civics have a dogleg looking tie rod end, based on a quick look see at Rock Auto. So it's a different generation that has the rod end we want. A 1987 Civic lookup shows a rod end similar to the typical 930 end

1992 Civic tie rod end is this one




1987 Civic tie rod end is this one (Lemforder!)

[MotoSook]

Nice Lehmann!

[KTL]

No names on the net!!!!

[chris_seven]

It could be a much earlier Honda that morphed into the Rover 200/400 and is readily available in the UK.

I can ship a box over if it helps.