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Steering component swapability
locost_bryan - 25/2/05 at 02:40 AM

Do most manufacturers use the same threads and tapers for track rod ends within their ranges?

I understand from a previous thread that Ford use the same thread and taper for MKII Escort and Sierra. Do other manufacturers do the same?

The reason I ask, is I am wondering if I can use a Toyota HiAce or LiteAce hub with an MR2 rack, or a Mazda van hub with an MX5 rack.

Anyone know of an online reference for steering components?


Steve Hnz - 25/2/05 at 04:21 AM

Bryan, from the Sidem pdf catalogue I have , the liteace & MR2 components may well fit, The Liteace has a narrow end to its taper of 12.9mm , the MR2 12.6mm. It would be unusual in my experience to find different tapers within manufacturers. Unfortunately the Mazda components don't have their sizes listed so you may have to go & bug the good people at Repco or Supercheap & do some measuring. Take along your vernier & a big smile and see where that gets you The hiace size is much too big at 14.8mm
HTH, Cheers, Steve.
PS You can find the Sidem catalogue at www.sidem.be from memory, they're a belgian manufacturer of such components & their catalogue is the best I've found on the net,but be warned, its a big download, about 19Mb, took just over the hour on my steam driven ( dial up) modem


niceperson709 - 25/2/05 at 05:51 AM

I don't know about the mazda stuff but I can tell you about Lite ace Uprights , which is what I am using . The steering arms are really not so good as they put the steering joint to far forward and to low , My solution is to use Escourt mk 1 steering arms which will be mounted upside down and on the opersite side to their original configeration this and mounting escourt rack higer should get the inner balls of the tierods in the line between the a arm piviots . The top taper of the liteace up right is the same as the transit track rod end that everyone uses , but It will have to be reamed a little so the nylock will work on the nut The lower lite ace ball joint can be used with a minor re design of the lower A arm .
Best wishes
Iain Rescued attachment a arm .jpeg
Rescued attachment a arm .jpeg