After the discussions, I decided to go ahead and remove my large spacers. Car is working properly for turning and driving but I am having trouble getting the turn signal cancellation to work properly. Steering shaft with the tires pointing straight is off to the left about 20-30 degrees from the starting adjustment point for the cancellation lug. Neither turning direction cancels the turn signals "properly"...

I will measure the current tread width from side to side, front and rear for comparison when done...

My questions are: According to the Service Manual, the tie rods should be 11.75 in total length for both... I do not have them out yet.. so my questions are: (I would put the centralizing tool in place so the rack is equal side to side.) This the quote from the S1 Service Manual:



After removing the spacers, installing the new ones...would you start with the tie rods ends having equal number of turns or the same numbers as they are now? Is the 11.75 inches measured from where to where? Does it include the tie rod ends? Does anyone have a better way to do this?

 

Took out the large rack spacers today.. had to use a pulley remover on one side to get it off the shaft.. the other side fell off. You do need a 1 1/4" open end wrench to get the inner tie rods off or go to your local auto parts store that Loans tools for the proper remover. It was easy with just a long wrench.

Have to finish up tomorrow by installing a rod into the centralizing spot to center the rack and adjust the inner tie rods to the measurements I took of the front and rear tires before starting today. There is 1/8" toe in between the two measurements. Will do a test drive and if needed go back to the front end shop for a better adjustment.

Will confirm that the turning radius is better without the spacers = should be obvious.. books says 36 feet between curbs... will test it out and measure if needed.

 

Drove the car today, it does turn around much quicker than with the large spacers. I can now make a full turn around in my residential street! The turn signals are working properly after centering the rack while making the inner tie rod adjustments. It runs straight down the road will no pulling to either side.. will take a longer freeway trip tomorrow to confirm
all is well.