Swap variable speed steering rack for regular rack?

[_R_J_K_]

So we ran into a snag trying to put a set of Genie extractors on a 5 litre VP Calais, apparently this set doesn't fit Commodores with a variable speed rack. Is it a problem if we just slap a regular power steering rack in? Is there anything that has to be modified for this to be so? The rack that's in there doesn't work that well at the moment, so it's not really a big loss if we swap it out.

[Rowenb]

Had basically same problem with my v6 calais. Stuffed around for a couple of days trying to fit it all and find out the steering is different. Swapped mine to standard and there's no real difference. Prick of a job as you need the column to fit the standard rack because its longer than the calais one and get the high pressure line from pump to rack. Just another thing i didn't think of until it was in pieces and undrivable. You're supposed to pull the whole steering column out to disconect it at the fire wall. I'd recomend doing it even though its F@#$%*!

[_R_J_K_]

Thanks for that. The steering column wouldn't reach just like you said. We ended up cutting some of the input shaft off the variable rack and welding it to the regular rack (Yes, dodge, I know). The steering is horrendously light now, as in, you can spin the wheel with your pinky finger light.

[Cheap6]

Thanks for the info. on having to swap the column and hose as well. Not sure that welding the column sounds good; mods to steering columns are typically butt welded and reinforced with a sleeve over the weld, plug welded to the steering shaft.

The steering is light because the pump is providing too high a pressure to the rack. The outlet on the pump for the variable speed system is unrestricted whereas the standard system has a "droop valve". The outlet - where the high pressure line screws in - and valve and spring can be swapped from a standard pump.

[_R_J_K_]

The steering is light because the pump is providing too high a pressure to the rack. The outlet on the pump for the variable speed system is unrestricted whereas the standard system has a "droop valve". The outlet - where the high pressure line screws in - and valve and spring can be swapped from a standard pump.

Is this possible for both the 6 and 8 pump?

Welding was our last resort, my friend leaves very little time for error. Atleast he welds for a living, so it's not *too* dodge.

[wortus]

Is this possible for both the 6 and 8 pump?

Welding was our last resort, my friend leaves very little time for error. Atleast he welds for a living, so it's not *too* dodge.

I don't think your relevent state authourity would think so, welding steering and suspension components usually requires an engineers report. Are you intending to leave it like that or was it to just get it going until you get the correct parts?

[_R_J_K_]

I don't think your relevent state authourity would think so, welding steering and suspension components usually requires an engineers report. Are you intending to leave it like that or was it to just get it going until you get the correct parts?

We are quite aware of the legalities of something like this, hence the word "dodge". It is not my car, so I don't have any input on whether it will stay like this or not.

The only way we could have worked around it would have been to swap the steering column (as mentioned before), or mod the extractors with an oxy, neither of which we had on hand.

[Rowenb]

Yeah you're not the only one with the dodge steering, except i cut n shut the shaft not the rack. I also got another standard pump while i was at it and it feels normal to steer and not light. Will be getting a proper one from the wreckers soon but am not looking forward to installing it. I didn't want to weld it but had to get the car going again and the wreckers weren't open on easter long weekend. Not worried bout it breaking coz i welded it well with me tig but what will happen if i crash or someones crashes into me?! I don't wanna know.