P/S to manual Steering Conversion

[firstgenrex]

A LITTLE UPDATE:

I convert my 84 GT-s from p/s to manual steering with all OE Celica parts.

I am currently running enkie 92 16x8 0 offset and I just went to put my stock GT-s wheel on and they do not fit! The outer tie rods rub along the inner lip of the wheel. This is just for reference if anyone goes to a stock manual setup, get some 10mm wheel spacers. BOOOOOO!

[firstgenrex]

Looking at the alignment picture, it appears that the Gt-s wheels were still on my car. I did however add the T3 roll center adjusters. Anyone have fitment issues with T3 RCA, stock wheels and manual rack?

[sirdan]

I think the roll center thingies are lowering your tie rod which might make it hit. perhaps the manual rack "knuckles" position the tie rods further out for more leverage and easier steering? maybe power steering "knuckles" are shorter?

Idk what the correct terminology for the part I am referring to is. feel free to correct me.

[firstgenrex]

Sirdan, I did actually keep the p/s steering knuckle arm. I believe that the p/s knuckle is shorter. This was a mistake on my part for not getting the manual rack steering knuckle and measuring them against each other. Maybe I will find another set some day.

So this means Im gonna need some wheel spacers to run my GT-s wheels with brand new tires:(, which I do not particularly like.

Anybody have any recommendations for wheel spacers?

[ozzie]

Sirdan, I did actually keep the p/s steering knuckle arm. I believe that the p/s knuckle is shorter.

I believe you're right. But in that case why would it hit? Unless the tie rod ends are larger, or not seating down all the way into the arms. No chance you can run the PS outer tie rods on the manual inners?

EDIT: If you're feeling rich (about $150), these shops *supposedly* have the steering arms in stock.
LH: http://oemparter.com/oem-parts/4561214090.html#shops
RH: http://oemparter.com/oem-parts/4561114090.html#shops

[sirdan]

I think the RCA adjuster spaces the tie rod down an inch or two. so that makes it have less clearance and then the tie rod being longer gives it less clearance. i guess together its enough to rub.

[firstgenrex]

I will measure the outer tie rods against each other again. They must be longer. Yes, Manual rack combined with the RCA's and stock wheels not a good combo:)

I cant believe they still those steering knuckles, might not be bad to ahve a set of them.

[ozzie]

I imagine they're NOS, someone bought them for stock and they were never sold, because how often do you need to replace a steering knuckle?

[firstgenrex]

Hopefully never

[Dpurser]

So...I guess this means that all GT-S Celica cars were only power steering?  Never thought about it until now.

[firstgenrex]

It must be that NO GT-s came with manual racks. I bet one of the gurus on here would be able to answer that for 100% confirmation

[ozzie]

AFAIK, only the ST ever came with a manual rack, and those all came with steelies.

[Aggressive1]

That is awesome information 1st of all, and alot of work went in to it. I have a slightly easier solution to manual steering.
I have run my P/S rack with just ATF in it for awhile now and its not the 1st car I've ever done it on. I just remove pump and reservoir, then loop the pressure and reutrn hoses together and fill it with any ATF. It improves car feel while cornering as well as frees up some HP. Just my 2 cents.

[AkiRA65]

Interesting...... if I get my hands on another celi I'm during at the moment I might just do that!

[firstgenrex]

Ozzie- I did pull the rack out of a GT. Here is a picture of the firewall tag. Did not do too much looking at the car but it did appear to be factory Manual rack. There was no bracketry, or signs of a p/s system. Who knows someone could have swapped it years prior.

Aggressive1- I have also done the p/s loop, just  came across this car in a junk yard and it had all the right parts.