steering rack

[STIll inspired]

i have a 2000 lgt sedan with an inner tie rod that has come loose and needs replacing. although i could just replace the tie rod i was actually considering how i could get a complete steering rack with a higher ratio than what i have now that way it would have quicker steering responce. how much would it cost how hard would it be to install and how much of an improvement could it be?

[rougeben83]

depends on what rack you get, from mild to twitch-and-you-hit-the-divider quick. Any rack for a GC impreza will work.

[Lsnaple]

I'm interested as well. I'm hoping sometime spring/summer to be pulling a lot of stuff out and putting in some better stuff and general cleaning up. I have a 97gt, and it just isn't as tight as I would like. I would like something as quick as, say an s2000. Boy those are fun to drive.

[STIll inspired]

any steering rack modifications anyone know of like maybe an sti or wrx rack?

[Huffer]

The STI steering racks require a welding modification to the steering knuckle - this is based on information I've read on various forums.

[jdmg3]

I installed a 07 STI rack on my 97 Leggy. Let me know if you need info!

[Huffer]

I installed a 07 STI rack on my 97 Leggy. Let me know if you need info!

DIY writeup! Share the wealth!

[jdmg3]

I'll post picture soon on my buil thread . I dont have much of the during only the after! I was in a hurry!

[rougeben83]

I don't understand people's fascination with the STI rack, its only mildly quicker and requires a lot more modification to make work than the aftermarket options out there that offer a good increase in steering ratio.

An STI has 15.x:1 steering ratio (vs. 16:1 on stock subarus), the EVO has 11:1 - a large part to why that car has always outhandled the STI. Get a 12:1 rack from revlabs or something and you'll have a serious upgrade...and it bolt-in too (its made from GC impreza rack cores).

[jdmg3]

I don't understand people's fascination with the STI rack, its only mildly quicker and requires a lot more modification to make work than the aftermarket options out there that offer a good increase in steering ratio.

An STI has 15.x:1 steering ratio (vs. 16:1 on stock subarus), the EVO has 11:1 - a large part to why that car has always outhandled the STI. Get a 12:1 rack from revlabs or something and you'll have a serious upgrade...and it bolt-in too (its made from GC impreza rack cores).

This is an upgrade and does not mean its the best out there. Any part we swap over from an STI to our legacys is an upgrade. Yes there is probably better aftermarket parts but they come with a price tag.
My 07 STI rack/subframe conversion cost me 250-300$. The aftermarket q-rack are 1000-1500$ and seen some even more expensive!
The work involved is the fun parts :smt023 !

[rougeben83]

I don't understand people's fascination with the STI rack, its only mildly quicker and requires a lot more modification to make work than the aftermarket options out there that offer a good increase in steering ratio.

An STI has 15.x:1 steering ratio (vs. 16:1 on stock subarus), the EVO has 11:1 - a large part to why that car has always outhandled the STI. Get a 12:1 rack from revlabs or something and you'll have a serious upgrade...and it bolt-in too (its made from GC impreza rack cores).

This is an upgrade and does not mean its the best out there. Any part we swap over from an STI to our legacys is an upgrade. Yes there is probably better aftermarket parts but they come with a price tag.
My 07 STI rack/subframe conversion cost me 250-300$. The aftermarket q-rack are 1000-1500$ and seen some even more expensive!
The work involved is the fun parts :smt023 !

Don't get me wrong, I have the same rack on my car...along with whole reinforced subframe and caster-adding aluminum control arms from an 05 sti. For the same $300 though, the aluminum control arms that add negative camber and positive caster would be a much more significant upgrade and would require less work to install.

My point is that sometimes people need to step back and think about the mechanics of the actual upgrade and weigh the actual benefit vs. cost...just because it has "STI" "Cusco" "Beatrush" or any other name slapped on it doesn't necessarily mean it's absolutely better.

[STIll inspired]

alright so evo steering racks have a more responsive steering which is what i want.. now i do not mean to offend anyone with this statement but is it possible to put an evo steering rack into my 2000 lgt? i will do some searching but just like to get someone elses $0.02

[jdmg3]

well other than it will need custom mounts, custom shaft, custom tir rod end, custom p/s line and probably dos not even rotate the same way.....no not worthed!

[STIll inspired]

okay i was guessing that to be the fact after taking a look at the specs but it sure would be nice to get my hands on an 11:1 ration steering rack...

[STIll inspired]

alright soo now the popping is progressively getting louder and i was wondering what could be a long term affect of a loose tie rod is it possible to completely fallout out, bend something, etc thanks

[StatGSR]

could look into getting something like this....

http://www.landefabrication.com/steering.html

about half the price as your typical subaru quick steering rack.

[STIll inspired]

that is exactly what i am looking for. now i just need to save the moneys lol. how long can i continue to drive with my tie rod popping and should i worry abouot any catastrophic failures?