14 Inch Rack & Pinion, by Latest Rage

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your steering response and eliminate the play associated with aging steering boxes by installing the EMPI 14-Inch Rack and Pinion. Designed specifically for the rigorous demands of off-road environments, this unit provides a direct, mechanical link between the driver and the terrain. Whether you are carving through tight canyon trails or navigating technical dunes, the quick 1.5 turns lock-to-lock ratio offers a razor-sharp steering feel that transforms your vehicle''s handling characteristics. By replacing a traditional worm-and-roller steering box with this precision-engineered rack, you significantly reduce weight and complexity while gaining the "go-kart" responsiveness that performance air-cooled enthusiasts crave. The compact 14-inch eye-to-eye width makes it an ideal choice for smaller sand rails and custom tube-chassis projects where space is at a premium but performance cannot be compromised.

Crafted with a focus on durability and ease of integration, this rack and pinion features a robust housing and high-strength internals designed to withstand the jolts and vibrations of off-road racing. It utilizes a standard 5/8-inch x 36 spline input shaft, making it compatible with a wide array of aftermarket steering U-joints and shafts. When paired with the appropriate clamp-on rack mounts and heim-joint tie rods, the installation process becomes a straightforward task for any seasoned fabricator or weekend mechanic. This isn''t just a replacement part; it is a performance upgrade that provides 3-7/8 inches of total travel, ensuring you have the throw necessary to maximize your front-end geometry. Trust Appletree Automotive to provide the authentic EMPI components you need to keep your air-cooled project steering straight and true through the harshest conditions.

FITMENT

• Sand Rails: Ideal for lightweight, narrow-track single-seat or two-seat sand rails.
• Dune Buggies: Perfect for custom fiberglass-bodied buggies utilizing a tube-style front beam or A-arm conversion.
• Baja Bugs: Suitable for highly modified Baja Bugs with custom steering geometry and aftermarket front ends.
• Manx-Style Kits: Excellent for street or trail buggies looking for a more modern, precise steering feel.
• Custom Off-Road Projects: Any vehicle requiring a compact, high-ratio steering solution with 14-inch mounting points.

SPECS

• Total Width: 14 Inches (Measured eye-to-eye).
• Steering Ratio: 1.5 Turns Lock-to-Lock for ultra-quick response.
• Total Travel: 3-7/8 Inches of rack movement.
• Input Shaft Size: 5/8-Inch diameter with 36-spline configuration.
• Mounting Bolt Spacing (Outside): 2-1/4 Inches.
• Mounting Bolt Spacing (Inside): 1-3/4 Inches.
• Construction: High-grade aluminum housing with heat-treated steel internal gears.
• Finish: Natural cast aluminum for corrosion resistance and classic off-road aesthetics.
• Part Number: AC425150 (EMPI 00-3147-0).

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Centering is Critical

Before you finalize your tie rod lengths and steering wheel position, you must ensure the rack is perfectly centered. Turn the input shaft all the way to one side, then count the turns to the opposite side. Divide that number in half to find the center point. Failure to center the rack before installation will result in a lopsided turning radius, where the vehicle turns much sharper in one direction than the other. Once centered, secure the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position before connecting the steering shaft U-joint to ensure your steering wheel remains level during straight-line driving.

2. Manage Your Steering Geometry and Bump Steer

When mounting this rack on a long-travel front end, pay close attention to the angle of your tie rods. Ideally, your tie rods should be on the same plane as your control arms or trailing arms at ride height. If the tie rods are at a steep angle compared to the suspension components, you will experience "bump steer," which is a change in toe-in or toe-out as the suspension travels up and down. This can cause the car to dart unexpectedly when hitting bumps. Using adjustable heim joints and spacers at the spindle end can help you fine-tune the geometry to minimize this effect.

3. Verify U-Joint Phase and Spline Engagement

Always ensure that your steering U-joints are "in phase" if you are using more than one joint in your steering column. Phasing means the yokes at both ends of the intermediate shaft are aligned in the same plane; if they are offset, it can cause a binding or "lumpy" feel in the steering wheel as it rotates. Additionally, when sliding your 5/8-inch x 36 spline U-joint onto the rack, ensure it is fully seated and the pinch bolt passes through the relief groove on the shaft. Never rely solely on the set screw; the pinch bolt is the primary safety mechanism that prevents the shaft from sliding off the splines under heavy load.