Steering Rack in a T-Leg - N/A or Legacy GT

[conrAWD]

Hey Guys, I recently had a shop replace my steering rack with a N/A rack that I didn't do enough research on. Initially the rack fit fine, and seemed to go into place with no problem. When I took it to get it aligned firestone said that the rack wasn't put in properly and the only way to get it close to alignment caused one tie rod end to be screwed completely on....well after much frustration I discovered that N/A's and Turbos have different racks (or at least different part numbers). The mechanic said it might be an issue of inner tie rod length (ie the N/A has a longer inner tie rod).

Doing some more research on here I'm finding that some guys are putting 97 Legacy GT racks in your cars. I'm wondering if you are using the 97 LGT inner tie rods, or putting the T-Leg tie rods on? Also, has anyone ever done a swap for an N/A rack into a T-Leg successfully? Do the whiteline steering rack bushings designed for our cars fit on the LGT rack?

I don't know whether to try to make this N/A rack that's already installed work, or find a different one and have the thing replaced all over again. I'm extremely frustrated with everything at this point and am contemplating just buying the OEM rack from the local subaru dealership for $700 . At least it will fit properly.....

[SiCkSTi04]

Can you find out which outer tie rod end was "screwed completely on", its either the left or right side. Pretty sure the shop who installed the rack didn't center the pinion before connecting the U-joint to the steering wheel column and the rest of the tie rod ends.

[conrAWD]

Passenger side. Right side.

[SiCkSTi04]

Can you take it back to the shop? if not you could correct this your self but you'll need an alignment afterward.

[evolutionmovement]

Yeah, sounds like the shop had a newb work on it or were lazy. "Well, shit, Larry, it's all the way up there on the lift now. I'm pretty sure the steering wheel's straight." "Good enough." IIRC, the two part numbers are for a ratio difference. There isn't any issue with fitment and the cars are identical widths.

[conrAWD]

Took it back to the shop b/c the steering wheel was crooked. He unbolted the u joint, straightened the wheel, then assured me it was installed right. Said he put the rack in, threaded the tie rod ends the same length he took them off the old rack (18 threads) and lined everything up.

If the rack was not put in centered, is there any physical way to get it straight again without dropping the whole unit?

[conrAWD]

Crawled under the car yesterday to get some solid info on everything going on. From what I measured the N/A rack is a bit smaller than the Turbo (about 3/4"). Inner tie rods are the same length, and the unit seemed to fit perfectly.

It looks like the work was done sloppy and its going to have to be re-installed. What a waste of time.

Thanks for the help guys. I'll post after the rack is installed right.

[conrAWD]

Had to watch the guy like a hawk, but the job was finally done correctly. After the alignment I'm driving straight and have full steering capabilities to both sides. Thanks for all the help guys; gave me much more confidence when confronting him about the work he did the first time.

Whiteline bushings are noticeably different. Initial movements of the wheel feel much more crisp, and the car responds better. I would still prefer a heavier steering rack though.

[SILINC3R]

glad tp hear things worked out ok

[soundman353]

Why can't they just the job right the first time? They would get so much more business...

[James614]

Go through enough experiences like that, and you'll find yourself driving an hour out of town to a shop out in the farmland to get work done right the first time like I used to have to do.

[Shaggy]

Or just end up learnin how to do it urself. That way u know what was done and u know it gets done right.

[soundman353]

Well its not always done right the first time, but I am a novice so I get help. And ask questions.

[subytech]

The only way to learn man I'd rather screw up myself than pay someone to screw up for me!

[Shaggy]

True that subie brother

[conrAWD]

Go through enough experiences like that, and you'll find yourself driving an hour out of town to a shop out in the farmland to get work done right the first time like I used to have to do.

Problem was the shop was about an hour from my place. I didn't like the fact that I'd waste a quarter tank of gas each way.

Lesson Learned: DO IT YOURSELF!