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Modified Sierra downlink
Browser - 5/11/04 at 10:56 AM

..which apparrently joins the steering column to the rack. Does anyone have any details/photographs of what the modification is exactly as I want to get the two joined up and can't find any info in teh build manual?


JAG - 5/11/04 at 11:06 AM

I had to cut the link in half and weld a piece of tube in the middle to lengthen it.

Is that what you mean?

Once welded I then cross drilled the joint and inserted a small bolt - M4 with a suitable Nyloc nut.

I didn't tighten the bolt completely - this allows me to turn it using my fingers and if it still rotates freely then I know that the weld is still good.


James - 5/11/04 at 11:24 AM

I just cut a section out of the middle of the bar (to lighten it a bit) and then welded a much longer 16gauge tube in it's place. If you cut the ends of the tube at 45° then you have a much larger weld area so it'll be a bit stronger.

HTH,

James


wicket - 5/11/04 at 11:35 AM

Did basically the same as James, but cut the tube square. Made up a simple jig for welding to keep things in line. See pics in archive.


Browser - 5/11/04 at 03:04 PM

OK, that's basically what I thought was needed but though tI'd check before I totally clusterfu**ed it!
Next question, should the flexible joints' splines fit on the Escort rack ones cos they appear a little reluctant to do so at present?


paulf - 5/11/04 at 05:02 PM

Remember there is a master spline on the rack , it will only fit in one position. It is a good idea to cut the tube ends at 45 deg as not only is there more surface area, but the stress on the weld is not in one axis so reduces the chances of failure.
Paul.

quote:
Originally posted by Browser
OK, that's basically what I thought was needed but though tI'd check before I totally clusterfu**ed it!
Next question, should the flexible joints' splines fit on the Escort rack ones cos they appear a little reluctant to do so at present?


rusty nuts - 5/11/04 at 06:32 PM

Remember also there are at least 3 different thickness downlinks fitted to sierras had to get the thinnest one to modify because the others fouled the chassis. mine is a locost chassis don't know if this applies to the velocity etc. piece of cake to extend. Rusty


BMF - 5/11/04 at 06:36 PM

I gave mine to Luego and they do it for me, and at the same time modify the front uprights.

I don't think it cost me anything, just part of the service.


Browser - 16/11/04 at 08:28 AM

Cor, s'amazin how much better you get on when someone knows what they're doin'! Thanks for the explanation bud, went on first time once I found it's correct orientation. Right, lets get that steering column fitted and make me extension!

quote:
Originally posted by paulf
Remember there is a master spline on the rack , it will only fit in one position. It is a good idea to cut the tube ends at 45 deg as not only is there more surface area, but the stress on the weld is not in one axis so reduces the chances of failure.
Paul.
quote:
Originally posted by Browser
OK, that's basically what I thought was needed but though tI'd check before I totally clusterfu**ed it!
Next question, should the flexible joints' splines fit on the Escort rack ones cos they appear a little reluctant to do so at present?


Luego Sports Cars - 16/11/04 at 01:42 PM

Hi, we are soon going to be supplying new down links to suit the Viento, Velocity and the Locost.

The price for these are Velocity/Locost £51 + VAT.

Viento £65 + VAT.

Regards The Luego Team.

[Edited on 16/11/04 by Luego Sports Cars]


Browser - 17/11/04 at 09:51 AM

Ok, should be OK now I know what I'm about though.
Nect question, is it just me or are the standard steering column mounts slightly off to the right? It may be because I have a chassis for a Pinto and it had to be that way to miss a vital engine part but it don't arf feel odd! Has anyone centred it up on theirs and, if so, did it cause any problems?