Steering rack change

[m3f_Roland H]

Could you have simply swapped over the complete inner/outer tie rods from the E36 to make it a 'no alignment necessary' upgrade? I ask because I just got new tie rods and an alignment done! If its 100% required, then I'll wait to do this when I do RTABs.

You'll need an alignment.

[m3f_aeronaut]

that 50mm/rev has been on the forums for a while already...


Ive had mine installed for quite some time. straight swap. Even has the second hole for the trombone piece.


Use your full e36m tie rods. works fine just without locking plates(which is how the newer cars come stock anyways).

I saw no advantage in removing the inner's supplied by rackdoctor and installing the full lemforder's. They were the same length, and it was much easier to just screw on the outers from the replacement lemforder's I bought. Now....will I be replacing those inner's in 20k mi? We'll see...and if so, I'll have them ready.

[m3f_cscat87]

You'll need an alignment.

Why is that if the tie rod settings aren't being changed? All that's being replaced is the middle piece. I'm not going to act like I know what I'm talking about, because aside from redoing all the PS lines, I don't have much experience in steering systems. I just want to be sure that I either have to or don't have to get one, as it will determine when I do this rack swap.

[m3f_cracky]

in OP's case thats definitely sound thinking to me. Was more referencing the chap who asked about using his new e36m3 tie rods.


They bolt right up and you are good to go.


anytime that stuff is taken apart your alignment will go out of wack to a certain degree since there is a slight bit of play in everything so you likely wont bolt it all back up 100% the same... however you will likely be fine if it takes you a bit of time to get around to the alignment shop. not like your tires will fall off in 2 weeks.

[m3f_aeronaut]

Why is that if the tie rod settings aren't being changed? All that's being replaced is the middle piece. I'm not going to act like I know what I'm talking about, because aside from redoing all the PS lines, I don't have much experience in steering systems. I just want to be sure that I either have to or don't have to get one, as it will determine when I do this rack swap.

If I do the math right, just a few mm change in the length of the steering rod can change the toe-in out of spec. So, do you want it spot-on or just close?

[m3f_cscat87]

anytime that stuff is taken apart your alignment will go out of wack to a certain degree since there is a slight bit of play in everything so you likely wont bolt it all back up 100% the same... however you will likely be fine if it takes you a bit of time to get around to the alignment shop. not like your tires will fall off in 2 weeks.

If I do the math right, just a few mm change in the length of the steering rod can change the toe-in out of spec. So, do you want it spot-on or just close?

Thanks guys, I'll just wait until I do RTABs then, not a big deal. So would you recommend reusing my new E36 inners, or throwing the E36 outers on the E46 inners that come with the rack? I'm assuming there's no difference?

[m3f_cracky]

if it comes with unknown inners on it..id just use what you already have.