Dannyb Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 My lower srlteering coupling now needs changing after the rubbers have perished after 10 years. Thinking of going for a UJ type although Rimmers are out of stock. Can't see any on the other suppliers and didn't want to take a chance on possible bad fit on ebay. Can the original be modified or not. Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorkshire_spam Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 Hmmm I've been cautious of the UJ type. I bought one of the rebuildable couplings from Spitfire Graveyard (FAM1718, but the ones with the wired bolts rather than the peened over type) plus poly bushes from Chris Witor and have been very happy with the results - it's been on for just over 4 years so far without issues. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 7 minutes ago, Dannyb said: My lower srlteering coupling now needs changing after the rubbers have perished after 10 years. Thinking of going for a UJ type although Rimmers are out of stock. Can't see any on the other suppliers and didn't want to take a chance on possible bad fit on ebay. Can the original be modified or not. Danny Hi Danny. I had a UJ start to develop a little play after about 30k or so. So I fitted a replacement I had on teh shelf (bought years ago at a show from one of the big retailers, but I can't remember who). When fitted it was worse than the old one. A bit of research and the Chris Witor UK is probably the best made one out there, so duly purchased and indeed a friend fitted one after he tried it. Sadly it hasn't fixed the slightly worn rack.. https://www.chriswitor.com/proddetail.php?prod=145377RM I have also previously refurbished a steering joint using poly bushes from CW, and that was used everyday for many years, so can recommend. But it relys on teh joint not having peened (/) bolts, as teh bolts are pretty unique Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Hunt Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 Danny, if your original coupling is the same as on the TR4A, Moss part no. 21H5384 or 150696 (later type) then a Group 4 Ford Escort Mk1 or 2 item will fit. I have one on my car and the improvement in steering response, particuarly in combination with solid rack mounts is very noticeable. I had a quick check in my car and the overall length of the joint is about 98mm. See below, the heavy duty forged type is preferable to the cheaper pressed steel versions. I had one of these develop play quite quickly, it was worse than Clive's! https://www.motorsport-tools.com/ford-escort-parts-mk1-mk2/steering/steering-joints.html Tim 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky_spit Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 As Tim says above, the MK1/2 Group 4 Escort items are very good. A friend of mine builds Ford based hot-rods and gave me a UJ type steering coupling when he found out that they also fitted a Spitfire. It has been perfect for at least 10 years or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted October 26, 2021 Author Share Posted October 26, 2021 Thanks all for your advice. I have just ordered an Escort one. I'll let you know how I get on. Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Hunt Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 1 hour ago, sparky_spit said: A friend of mine builds Ford based hot-rods and gave me a UJ type steering coupling What a nice friend to have Mike!😊 Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky_spit Posted October 27, 2021 Share Posted October 27, 2021 Yes... His current creation is a Ford 100E with a 220bhp V8 engine, which is pretty rapid. He gives me various unwanted trinkets in return for using my lathe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Hunt Posted October 27, 2021 Share Posted October 27, 2021 (edited) This reminds me of watching Mick Hill racing his 'Janglia' (105E with 3.8 Jaguar straight six) in Club races in the late 60s, it looked like he was driving from the back seat! He progressed to a very well developed Boss Capri with a five litre V8 that started life as a spare unit for a GT40. This was almost unbeatable in its day. Tim Edited October 27, 2021 by Tim Hunt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted October 29, 2021 Author Share Posted October 29, 2021 The Escort steering coupling now fitted. This has made so much difference. There it no play whatsoever now between turning the steering wheel and movement of the wheels. Danny 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Hunt Posted October 29, 2021 Share Posted October 29, 2021 Result Danny! I knew you would be pleased. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted October 30, 2021 Author Share Posted October 30, 2021 13 hours ago, Tim Hunt said: Result Danny! I knew you would be pleased. Tim Yes Tim, that's why this forum is so good. Getting advice from from people like yourself. Been there done it and got the teashirt. Also learning about things that don't work. Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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