I am in the process of replacing the standard manual steering box on my 1960 MK2. The standard box has a ratio of 20.3:1. I am replacing it with a quick ratio manual box with a 17.6:1 ratio.

Yes I maybe making a big mistake, but want a little quicker steering, admitting turning in a parking lot maybe come a lot harder. But am going to try anyhow. Ultimately I will update to some form of power steering, but for now this is the path.

Well the question arises in the lower steering column rod length.

Re the attached photo. The upper column is that which was removed and will go back on the car. The lower column came with the quick ratio box I purchased.

So why the difference? The vendor who supplied the box and associated idler and tie rods assured me all the parts came of a MK2. The two boxes are identical in exterior dimensions so that's not the reason for the difference.

Anyone got a clue as to the origin and fitment of the longer rod? Of course I will not be using it. By the way my car is a manual 4 speed.

Thanks

jjsandsms
1960MK2 4speed 3.8

 

It may be down to the coupler used. One has a nylon roller coupler and the other has a rubber grommet style coupler. The are different thicknesses which might require different lengths of rod.

 

Yes ~ I don't know those Guibo/Giubo rubber joints.

 

I will replacing the rubber coupling on the rod that was removed from the car. Got it from SNG.

The only marking on the longer mystery rod is a stamping "LHD" When I got the rod it did have a rubber coupling, very much deteriorated, attached to it. It was the same size as the one I will be replacing. So I am wondering if the rod was even from a MK2, To attach another u-joint to the rubber would make it several inches longer. Unless some MK2 had firewalls further back, don't know how it could fit.

Could it be from an automatic tranny car?

Thanks
jjsandsms

 

Peter. I see you there. Does your car not have one of those joints? I seem to remember you mentioning it.

 

I'd suggest the top one is for a power assisted box, possibly a Varamatic, and the lower for an unassisted Burman. The power box is longer to accommodate the torsion bar and valve. The difference might be a couple of inches. One thing about those UJs: if they don't feel more or less stiff, there will be lost motion at the steering wheel.

 

Rubber gumbo - My car has one and the lower column attached to the Varamatic box that I bought also has one. For a piece of rubber, they seem to perform very well in terms of remaining in good condition (unlike the UJ nearest the steering box - both of mine are ready for replacement in my opinion). I think the rubber is intended to absorb shock and vibration.

 

The sequence on both of my lower columns is: UJ - rubber absorber - shaft - UJ - splined connector. I can't see it working without two UJs. The rubber isn't intended to support large deflexions.

 

https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/collap...ng-column-link

This is often used in the UK.

 

For clarity, the top one with the rubber coupling and the two u-joints came off my car. Again my car has manual standard steering box, and I am almost certain what I took off is original to the car, and it will be going back on. The car was originally a 2.4l so it had the manual steering. I wish I could source a compete Varamatic box and components, then I would not be doing what I am doing. But cannot find one. Yes I know a 420 complete front carrier is the way to go, but again not many of those laying around near me in sunny Florida.

 

Sorry, I judged them on the basis of difference in length assuming they had both come from Mk2s.