RA23/28 with KE70 steering column and rack and pinion

[TurboRA28]

I used KE70 LCA's as they don't have the stoppers on them to limit steering travel that is required with a steering box setup. But you can use RA28 LCA's and just remove the steering limit adjusters from the tie rods. No big advantage either way. I found them to be the same length? XT130 were 10mm longer or so but I thought KE70 and RA2 same?

Tie rod ends I just used KE70.. Not sure why require hilux/hiace?

[drumerboyben]

Mmm I think that my 28 might have come with some different struts when I got it cos it has some slightly different calipers so maybe I've wound up with the xt130 LCAs somehow... 10mm sounds about right too.

I was of the understanding that the ke70 tierod ends were too short or something? I remember reading something about needing hiace ones cos they're longer... I haven't put it all in yet so I'll have to figure that out once I get it all fitted.

Cheers,
Ben

[TurboRA28]

I was of the understanding that the ke70 tierod ends were too short or something? I remember reading something about needing hiace ones cos they're longer... I haven't put it all in yet so I'll have to figure that out once I get it all fitted.

Cheers,
Ben

If you think about it, doesn't make any sense..
If you use a KE70 xmember, ke70 rack, ke70 LCA's, KE70 outer tie rods, then why would you need longer outer tie rod ends? as everything you have is basically matched together.

I used longer inner tie rods (RA60) but that was because i've added 30mm to my LCA's..

[GT1978]

If you think about it, doesn't make any sense..
If you use a KE70 xmember, ke70 rack, ke70 LCA's, KE70 outer tie rods, then why would you need longer outer tie rod ends? as everything you have is basically matched together.

I used longer inner tie rods (RA60) but that was because i've added 30mm to my LCA's..

It may come down to a camber issue. If the celica strut towers are further appart than the KE70 it may generate positive camber that requires longer lower control arms and tie rod ends to correct. With all the conversions already done someone here must of crunched the numbers for this by now and be able to explain what the actual requirements are.

Glen

[Major Clod]

If you think about it, doesn't make any sense..
If you use a KE70 xmember, ke70 rack, ke70 LCA's, KE70 outer tie rods, then why would you need longer outer tie rod ends? as everything you have is basically matched together.

The one thing you've missed is you're probably still using RA23 steering knuckles, as the KE70 knuckles don't have the same bolt spacing where they connect to the strut.

That being said, I didn't need different tierod ends with that exact setup. I just took the rack, LCA's, tierods and used them with the RA23 knuckles and struts, didn't notice any issues there, plenty of thread to play with.

I'm about to put on some AE86 PS knuckles anyway, because my 23 has the turning circle of a Landcruiser using the stock RA23 knuckles + KE70 rack!

[WDE_BDY]

Some model KE70's ( I think most of the Oz delivered ones?) do have the same pattern as AE86 and RA23/28 so generally speaking you would use the KE70 steering arms.

Callum

[TurboRA28]

I've done this swap a few times now for different people inc myself. Camber is good, end up with around 1deg negative after the swap. Perfect.

[Major Clod]

Interesting on the bolt pattern differences.. The front end I used was from a Wagon, perhaps they use different struts.

[Spectre]

Just thought I'd throw this up here. Currently working on this with CLG

[Grega]

great pics and explanation spectre!

[Sam_Q]

looks like a job well done. This seems to confirm what I have heard: ra28s are much easier to convert than ta22s.

[gmonkey]

Now to find a wrecker that has a complete steering setup out of a ke70 for me.... Anyone know the ball park $$ I should be looking for?

[GT1978]

Spectre,
When you say the cross member is shortened is it shortened by removing a section in the middle and re-welding or just trimming the ends.

Glen

[Spectre]

The ends were trimmed evenly on each side. The original holes were welded shut, and new holes were drilled to suit the RA23 chassis. If the cross member comes out again, I'll take a photo of that.

A small section of steel was added where one of the new holes were drilled.

[bigmat]

this is what mine looks like if it helps


cheers mat