Non Standard Steering Rack

[Quendil]

I have a 1971 van and I am trying to get track rod ends but it seems to have a different steering rack. I have tried the mm early and late ends as well as the marina but they are all too small. Does anyone know what type of steering racks could have been fitted as an easy replacement?

[mike.perry]

The 8cwt vans had heavy duty suspension. The Moss cat. lists 9/16 & 5/8 dia. track rods for early and later cars. Measure your track rod dia. and TPI

[Quendil]

I think its 5/8 but i have tried 5/8 and 9/16 ends. what is TPI?

[mike.perry]

TPI = Threads per inch, from which you can determine the pitch of the thread BSF, UNF etc. You will need a set of thread gauges.

[bmcecosse]

Although the suspension was supposedly 'heavy duty' - I thought it was just the steering arms that were 'uprated'.

[Quendil]

Well I don't have thread gauges so rules that out. Does anyone have ideas of what racks do fit, it looks like a normal morris minor one. The track rod ends do not have bleed nipples in which is why i thought they may be from a marina. To be honest it has been a pain since I first started to get it back on the road and wish i had not bothered.

[bmcecosse]

I would be surprised if it was a different rack fitted from new - but i suppose someone could have messed about with it over the years. You just need a steel rule - with accurate measure of '1 inch' - hold it against the threads and count how many you can see! If it really IS a non standard thread on the track rods - I'm sure we would like to hear all about it! You could just pick up a standard rack and fit that......

[Quendil]

I shall have a look. I think i am going to end up getting a new rack. Thing is I have had the van 21 years but cannot ever remember changing the track rod ends

[bmcecosse]

Wire brush the threads - and try the 5/8" TRE again...... I can't believe it won't fit......

[Quendil]

I think I may have found the problem, even thought the two sets of ends look different I think they are the same and I have been sent the same type twice!

[mike.perry]

[The track rod ends do not have bleed nipples
I think you mean grease nipples. Replacement TREs often come without grease nipples

[Quendil]

Meant grease nipples, have brakes on the brain Morris, mini and Land Rover