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Has anyone used a Coleman Racing Products rack and pinion assembly? Except that they look kind of heavy (think stock car racing), they look almost too good to be true. About half what a Woodward costs. Eighteen and a quarter inches centerline to centerline, and you can get extensions to lengthen the rack by two and a half inches or more. Choice of 18:1 (1 7/8" rack travel per turn), 16:1 (2" per turn), and other ratios. And you can relatively easily and inexpensively change the ratio.

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Jerry Henneman

Jack of many trades
Master of unfinished projects
build blog/log at https://jerryslocost.wordpress.com

I have one, but I can't honestly say I've used it.

It's what Stalker uses.

I hope to hook mine up in the next week or so since Jack is back and I can get my rod ends & rods.

Yes, they do look purty.

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mobilito ergo sum
I drive therefore I am

I can explain it to you,
but I can't understand it for you.

Thank you. Good information. I just ordered one.

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Jerry Henneman

Jack of many trades
Master of unfinished projects
build blog/log at https://jerryslocost.wordpress.com

I had trouble finding the product I think you described. Are you talking about their square rack or the more conventional, round rack and pinion they sell? I couldn't find any info about rack extensions, so any pointer to that info would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Lonnie

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Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

Lonnie - Go to the Coleman Racing website. Click on Steering in the product directory on the left. Then click on racks and pinions. You should get to a page with links to ten products, including the rack extensions. You should find links to the square racks and a more elegant looking heat treated rack. I ordered the square rack, even though it's massive looking, but it's the one on which you change the ratios.

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Jerry Henneman

Jack of many trades
Master of unfinished projects
build blog/log at https://jerryslocost.wordpress.com

Thank you, Jerry.

OK, I've got it. Those extensions are expensive little boogers, aren't they? Still, it's a very nice solution and is likely cheaper than having a custom version of a rack done if you end up needing something non-standard. Some manufacturers will do it for things like the MGB-clone racks, but they want an arm and a leg for doing so.

The adjustable steering ratio is a very nice feature. How do you really know what works best for your car and driving preferences until you get it built and on the road? The ability to change the ratio later is big. There are at least three builders here who added steering quickeners after their build was finished.

Cheers,

Lonnie

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Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

The rack and pinion with the square rack shaft is 18 1/4" center to center. It's available in 8:1, 12:1, 16:1 and 18:1 ratios. You can change from one ratio to another by changing the pinion and a bushing. The rack is one piece, i.e. the ends are integral with the rack and they are not removable, so the rack extensions do not work with it. Custom length rack shafts are available. It is a very beefy looking piece.

The rack and pinion with the round rack shaft is 18" center to center. It's available in the same ratios. It doesn't say anything about changing the ratios. It appears that the rack extensions work with it (2 1/2", 3", 3 1/2", 4" and 4 1/2"), but it doesn't actually say so.

Getting their catalog is a good idea. It has tidbits of information that I haven't seen on their website.

And here's a strange one. Jegs sells the square rack and pinion for just over $400. Coleman sells it for $260. Go figure.

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Jerry Henneman

Jack of many trades
Master of unfinished projects
build blog/log at https://jerryslocost.wordpress.com

Is the Jeggs one powered?

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Honey anyone?

I picked up a used Appleton powered rack off ebay.

I think it might be the same as a square rack coleman....

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Honey anyone?

I had the Appleton on the R1. Nice smooth rack, a little over 2 turns lock to lock

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Too much week, not enough weekend.

OOPS I did it again
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17496

Blood Sweat and Beers
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216

Is the Jeggs one powered?

Yes it is. Strange that I missed that.

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Jerry Henneman

Jack of many trades
Master of unfinished projects
build blog/log at https://jerryslocost.wordpress.com

Yes, I see that now. (and hopefully I figured out how to insert a quote this time)

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Jerry Henneman

Jack of many trades
Master of unfinished projects
build blog/log at https://jerryslocost.wordpress.com

That 'splains the hefty price!

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Honey anyone?

I happen to have one for sale if anyone's interested, a Coleman RP-125 2.5. Let me know.

The Coleman rack works well in a book chassis. Ebay used $125.00. Can be powered but does not need it. Older picture but I raced the car 2 seasons and it work OK. I'm adding a 1.5 quickener this season. The ratio was "2.5" or something close to a "corvette" ratio. A little slower than I want.

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Building a whole car from scratch is a 1,000 little tasks, done 1 task at a time, while thinking 10 tasks ahead, then redoing it anyway.
South Bend Region SCCA D-Modifed Class Autocross & Track-Day/TT. Chevrolet 1.4 L Turbo Ecotec Power


Link to my build log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3356