R&p conversion ta23.

[V8celica]

Hello,

I'm Patrick and i live in The Netherlands. Currently doing a 1uz-fe swap into my 1976 ta23 celica.
To be honest i signed up here,because i'm kinda stuck with my r&p conversion and i hope someone here can help me with that.
The issue i'm struggling with is the angle of the u joint on the firewall side. It is much too sharp. The one on the rack side is much less sharp and i'm okay with that. The problem is the upper u joint. On the steering column side. People here have done the same and ran into this problem to? Any input is highly appreciated!
Could using a double u joint instead of a single one maybe solve the problem? I want to point out that the whole system works very well,but i'm just not comfortable with the sharp angle on one of the u joints. Don't want to build something that is potentially unsafe..thanks for reading!

[Bazooka]

Patrick, is the upper u joint binding when steering? If not then it's still within its operating range. You'll find that they can get some pretty good angle on them before it starts to be a problem.
I'm using the AE86 R&P in my RA28 with 1UZ and yes the shaft is on much more of an angle than with the steering box but have no issues with its performance. I think you'll be fine.

[V8celica]

Hi Bazooka,

Thanks for your reply!
The upper u joint does not bind,neither do i feel heavy spots when i turn the steering wheel from lock to lock.
It's just that the sharp angle looks unhealthy. And i assume that the angle must be within what is considered the normal operating range. Can't find very much on that on the interweb though.
A little background information. Used the stock ta23 crossmember. Works perfectly fine with a front sump 1uz. For my r&p conversion i placed a manual mr2 (aw11) rack as close to the crossmember as possible. For the column i used the upper part of the stock ta23 unit and mated it with the lower part of a celica supra ma61 unit. Obviously because i needed the lower bearing and the u joint on the ma61 column. Pretty straight forward procedure.
Just recently found out that there is a little room left for me to turn the rack a little more clock counterwise the result is that the shaft that comes out of the rack (where the lower u joint is mounted on) moves forward a bit. This should cause to decrease the angle on upper u joint a bit. If this works i think i leave it to that and be fine with it...
Next is finding a good and economical way to install a hydraulic throwout bearing in my clutch. If you have any information or a good source to buy a complete kit for that i would really like to know that too. Sorry for all the questions btw! ��..

Best regards,Patrick..