biotechee

This is cross-posted in another web forum, but I know there are people who frequent one board versus another so I will ask here as well.

I am interested in converting from power steering to manual steering. Does anyone have a parts list specific to the 968 to do this?

I know Paragon sells the complete kit with all new parts, but I am not against finding good used parts for certain components to reduce the overall cost.

Thanks in advance.
Jim

RajDatta

Jim, have you tried reaching out to 944ecology (George Buselink)? He would be the best person to answer this as well as possibly be able to supply you the parts. I know most people went with new pieces because its hard to come across good used parts. I think, all one would need is the rack and the tie rod ends.
Are you considering going racing? or just trying to shed some weight off the car?
Thanks.
Raj

biotechee

Raj,

No racing. Want to lose the weight, reduce the parasitic drain on the engine, and eliminate the maintenance issues with PS belts, pump, fluid, seals and leaks. Not very worried about the extra effort required to turn at low speeds.

If no one can provide a list, I'll try to contact George.

Thanks!
Jim

RajDatta

Jim, if it helps, I found countless threads on the main board with people that were either selling them, buying them or have already done this. Are you able to search with your profile?
Your best bet is to post on the other sections.
Raj

biotechee

I'm able to search so I found a ton of info in the general 924/944/968 section, but I didn't see anything citing specific needs for the 968. From what I read, the late offset parts for the 944 are the ones you need, but I am not sure which those are (years, etc.).

I sent an email to 944ecology and we'll see what I can find.

I know Eric K has done it, as well as Jason Judd. Just hoping one of them has a list somewhere.

Worst comes to worst, I save up the clams and get the Paragon kit with new parts, sell the PS stuff from mine and offset the cost of the kit a little.

Jim

Darth Coupe

You need to get the late offset parts and that is all, nothing specific for the 968. That means the rack, manual intermediate shaft, and manual inner and outer tie rods for late offset. There is a great write up done by Tifo on the 924/944/968 section. Good luck!

biotechee

Darth-

I saw that post when I searched, but I stopped reading before I got to the part list section because it said "for early 944's". I should have read farther- thanks for redirecting me.

One question though- Tifo's list shows that 2 inner and 2 outer tie rod ends are needed.... If I understand the concept of a steering rack correctly, you should only need 1 of each, no?

Jim

RajDatta

Bio, there are 2 parts to the tierod, the inner tie rod with the threads and the outer rod which goes into your spindle, correct?
Raj

biotechee

Ahh- so each tie rod is composed of two pieces, and there are two tie rods, hence four total pieces. Gotcha. Thanks.

Darth Coupe

Yes, you will need all 4. You can not buy just the outers as the lenths of the inner and outters are different for different offsets. Another item I noticed was that the male and female threads were swapped for the different rods, may have been a Murphy Proofing for late and early offsets.

Jason Judd

Bio,

Contact Rich Glickel...I think he was going to sell his manual rack and go back to p/s.

Jason

aben8057

great write up...

https://rennlist.com/forums/diy-924-931-944-951-968/203297-944-power-to-manual-steering-rack-swap.html

biotechee

Thanks Jason- sent Richard an email to see if he is in fact reverting back to PS and if he wants to sell the manual rack.

Printed out the write up on the swap and am awaiting pricing from Sunset on new parts if I can't find used.

We'll see....

reno808

I just finished swaping my manual rack to 87 951. i did it like last weekend. its the same thing as the 968. you will the late offset manual tie rods, a manual rack year doesnt matter but you cant use the older model, it has to be a 944 part number. and you will need the longer intermediate steering shaft.

Jim_K

Guys,
I am very interested in this mod for my 1992 968 coupe. I currently have a leaky rack and was considering the rebuild kit from Rennbay. My car will be a DE Car with some street use so I would mind loosing some weight and complexity

Any feedback from anyone who has done this on how heavy the steering is after the conversion?

Thanks.....Jim