RA23/28 with KE70 steering column and rack and pinion

[ddeane]

I have completed the modifications to the column for the KE70 r&p conversion and thought I had better post a few pictures. I have followed the same course as have others and used the RA23 outer column with the bottom piece removed (drilled out spot welds) and the KE70 bottom that contains the bearing (again drilled out the spot welds). I just rewelded this at the drilled out spot weld holes I have kept the overall length of the outer column the same as the original RA23 one. I discarded the bottom of the RA23 inner column and have used the KE70 bottom piece. To ensure that in the case of an accident that the 'crush distance' remains the same I removed about 20mm off the end of the RA23 top inner column. The picture of discarded pieces includes the piece removed. I then cut out the middle of both of the firewall mounting brackets and have welded the KE70 middle into the RA23 bracket, spent a bit of time with the die grinder smoothing out the engine bay side of the weld and all now looks factory.

Craig

[Sam_Q]

I also have taken some photos of the conversion I did recently, however they do not look quite as good as yours. Nice work

[SillyCarS]

4 years on and i'm finally getting around to this.. just as im beginning to write my masters thesis.. what a coincidence!

[Rcubed]

4 years on and i'm finally getting around to this.. just as im beginning to write my masters thesis.. what a coincidence!

yep. it means that fun car stuff vs important work for qualification = procrastination. Been there!!!!

[Smokey228]

Digging this one up again. Do you have any pics of how to seperate the column?


Cheers
Jase

[twentyEight]

You just need force to separate them. I used a rubber mallet.

[Smokey228]

Thanks mate,
I still gotta work out how to get the shaft out of the column, so might just need a little more time looking at this thing...


Cheers,
Jase

[twentyEight]

That's how you get it out of the column. That are joined in the middle and each half slides in from opposite ends.

[Pagie84a]

A hammer is the answer

[Major Clod]

I'm pretty sure you can slide the shaft out of the steering column without problem. On the KE70 it is supported by bearings at both ends, unlike the RA23 which only has a bearing on the steering wheel side... Look for a circlip on the steering wheel end to slide the shaft out of the top bearing. The shaft should then slide through the larger bottom bearing and out the other side. It's been a while, but I'm 98% sure this is how it worked for me. You can then get to work physically separating the shaft into two pieces, which does indeed require a hammer.

[Pagie84a]

Gotta take off the ign barrel and steering lock setup for the shaft to come out on the 28 bit of a pain cos u gotta try not to break it

[blanky]

Im in the same process as everyone else but i'm going into my RA40
so far the parts i have collected is

RA60 column
KE70 R&P
still searching for the X-member

Does the RA60 full column work with the KE70 rack? or do i need to buy a KE70 column still ?
do i need to get the HIace out control arms?

[Slidin23]

is there another thread with more info and pics on this conversion?
i currently have ra60 x member rack and struts in my car and its horrid. to much track bump steers cant sit the engine back far enough

also running a ke70 column works fine just a bit short...
ignition barrel is rather close to the dash. doesn't bother me just slightly annoying at times.. i do run a dished nardi and im not a tall guy so the steering position is actually spot on.
also have a fixed back bride vios 3 seating position driving position is mint.

Im considering going ke70 x member and rack ke70 lca and running hsd ae86 coil overs with possibly ajps mazda civic brake upgrade and of course adjustable castor rods.

what my main question is does anyone have this set up in their car ra23 with an 18rg? do you have pics of how you have mounted it? i want to get the engine as far back as possible. (running custom quad throttles so it wont foul on the brake booster and custom extractors)
i have a front sump on my 18rg which will be getting modded to suit and sit back far. also running a w55 so need a custom crossmember and shortened 1 piece tail shaft. not an issue at all.

any help pics and ideas on my set up would be greatly appreciated!

[Toy_JDM]

Hey Guys

Im looking to convert my RA23 to power steering. After reading all this info i noticed some white hairs on my head, just wanted to see if anyone in Sydney would be interested in doing the conversion. Please PM me

Cheers

Youhan

[CuracaosFinest]

so i'm trying to do this swap to my RA28 now.

is there very simple parts list to make the RA28 a rack and pinion steering car?
the simplest conversion to give the car proper steering feel on track.

so far from what i've understood whats necessary is:

RA60 Column
KE70 Steering Rack
KE70 X Member

is this correct?

Thanks!