[DeTomaso] Steering Rack Lube & GT5 wheel spacers

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/10/09 23 19 29, julian_kift at hotmail.com writes:


> 
> I'm doing some suspension work and caster modifications prior to the trip 
> to Monterey as I'd dearly like to drive without white knuckles from holding 
> the steering so tight due to the current tendency to track every line in 
> the road.
> 
> >>>Given that you're driving a GT5, that's a tall order.   Big-time caster 
> modifications help somewhat.
> 
> >Whilst working on the suspension I note my steering rack seems dry. How 
> is everyone getting grease into the rack, is just a case of removing the 
> boots and forcing as much grease in as I can? Is there a preference for type 
> of grease?
> 
>>>The Ford shop manual specifies that you should only use 90-wt gear oil, 
and not use grease.   TRW engineers specify that you should only use grease, 
and that the use of gear oil is an antiquated procedure.

Unfortunately there's no way to grease the rack without dismantling it.   
Well, I take that back.   You could remove the cover over the spring, then 
remove the spring and the shoe that presses the rack into the pinion, and dump 
a bunch of grease in there, I suppose.
> 
> 
> 
> >I have heard mention of wheel spacers used on GT4 and GT5 cars, in fact 
> Wilkinson shows such a part in his catalog but no details. Anyone happen to 
> know what thickness spacer was used? Prior to full lock my tires rub on the 
> footwell area and I'm guessing that will likely only get worse now I have 
> added caster.
> 
> >>>I see in the De Tomaso parts book that there's a spacer listed for the 
front wheels of the GT5/GT5-S.   Although it's also depicted in the rear, 
there is no text indicating that it's in use there also--an oversight?

I'd be perfectly happy with tires that touched the inside of the 
fenderwells at full lock.   I'd just try to turn the wheel a little less when 
maneuvering, and if it touched, oh well?

Mike




**************
A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy 
steps! 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222846709x1201493018/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&
bcd=JulystepsfooterNO115)