Aftermarket Tie Rods and Adding More Angle

STOCK
The stock Z31 inner tie rod. It comes in two lovely forms, Kouki and Zenki:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21091

HISTORY
Up until now, there were no performance aftermarket inner or outer tie rods available for the Z31 within the US. Other's looking for more angle and more strength have tried S13/S14 tie rod spacers (direct bolt in), or using a combination of S13/S14 inners and outers. With either combination of S13/S14/Z32 parts, cutting down threads on the inner was required.

Adding Angle: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11140

A slight addition to angle can be achieved by adding 6mm S13/S14 steering spacers and removing the 2mm black plastic ring. Adding more spacers than this will be unsafe thread engagement length within the rack. However, at this point the outer will hit the LCA and also cause a slight bind. As I tested, notching the LCA allows for more angle, but the steering over centers and binds instantly.

SHAMWOW
Here is a look at the worn out stock components. Steering angle is limited when the inner tie rod flat face contacts the steering rack housing:
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I called Kuah at SPL with dimensions. He supplied me with a Tein 350Z inner tie rod, and S13/S14 SPL outer tie rod ends. This kit allows for a healthy adjustment range, for both Kouki and Zenki cars. I would argue that these are the strongest components on the market right now, and SPL parts has amazing service. Note the bumpsteer adjustment spacers provided in the kit:
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The Tein inner rods came with 6mm rack spacers, which I gleefully installed. Angle was increased, but outer tie rod would contact LCA before rack travel stopped. This gives kind of awkward steering feel, and puts an awful lot of stress on the tie rods. Here is the angle achieved: Compare to above stock picture (taken at same camera positions)
1056.jpg
I thought about stopping here, especially since my 275 width tires were mm's from the frame rail of the car. Eventually I just said fuck that and cut off my LCA's more:
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The problem with this setup is the over centering of the outer tie rod end. Basically, when you turn to lock, the outer joint crosses over the axis of the steering rack. Now when you turn back the other direction, the rack tries to push the tie rod harder into the LCA. Essentially the steering locks up.

The solution to this over centering problem is to create/mod a steering knuckle with less Ackerman angle. Here are the stock knuckles:
109x.jpg
I have an extra set of knuckles to mod. Perhaps I will give it a go this summer. Its a simple cut and weld really, but would need a jig to ensure Left and Right come out the same. For now I am running stock steering angle :-(


EDIT UPDATE:
Steering angle seems alright, only a bit more than stock. I have removed the black plastic rings, and notched the LCA's to allow further clearance. However, an LCA bump stop for the rod end is needed to prevent "chatter" at lock. My tires were rubbing the rails: