I'm just wondering if steering racks are compatible between series. I read somewhere that XJS racks can be swapped into sedans but there is some difficulty depending on the year, and that led me to wonder.

reason: my series 3 rack is dying and I have a new one on an S1 parts car. thanks!

 

If the mountings are the same, why not? But if the glove don't fit, you must acquit.

 

Tim,
You'll need the S1 lower steering column at least, which is shorter than the S3 column, because the tower is taller. That means you'll need to disassemble the column under the dash. Both connections have pinch bolts and will only go together one way.

I don't know how many other differences there might be going retro as you are, but I changed racks a year ago, put an S3 rack into my S2. I hope Never to have to do something like that Ever again!!

And then there's the little matter of finding your steering wheel is 1/4 turn off center. I don't know it it will effect your turn signals or not. Surprisingly, it Didn't effect the operation of mine at all! As the steering wheel has no King spline, you can just take it off and put it back on straight.

Our rack adventures begin here:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...9/#post1225389
(';')

 

There are tall racks and short racks. Tall racks were used on early 6cyl cars like the Series 1. If you have a tall rack you need the short intermediate shaft. If you have a short rack you need the longer intermediate shaft.

I'd check the intermediate shaft very carefully before you do any swap. The early u-joints in the shaft can have play and bind up a bit which greatly affects road feel.

The best option is a late XJS rack and matching shaft. They ujoints on the 90's XJS stuff are usually in good condition with no play and smoother operation. The later XJS racks are also great. The latest XJS ZF racks have the fluid lines at a slightly different angle but there is enough flex in the lines to make it work with some hand bending.

You may want to review this. http://georgiajag.com/Documents/Rack...nionHeads.html

 

AFAIK thet series 1 had the taller tower and the xjs had a shorter tower.
The later xjs racks had a different mounting arrangement.
The xjs sports rack is a good rack with the xjs-r being the quickest but rare.
The lower part of series 3 the steering column should fit.
All this is theory on my part.

I hope it's correct!!

Good guide here RackPinionHeads

 

One thing not mentioned so far is that the S1 rack has different hoses from the pump, and must be swapped too.

I wouldn't do this swap, as the S1 rack has a too-light feel, and slower ratio. I went the other way and put a late rack in a S1; much better.

Good luck,

Rob