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Enjoy.
I think you are right. It is all fun at the keyboard....but sobering to think the steering boxes can up and fail.Shannon, I think we are a couple of guys testing the temperature of the water, knowing it is way, way over our heads in
You might reconsider if you are on a truly challenging road and find yourself needing to downshift as you enter a curve and find the road not only gets steeper, and you need to stir up a steeper gear than you were going for, while the curve tightens dramatically. And just to make things interesting, you meet a semitruck load of logs, going at a hell for leather pace, headed downhill, Ever try to turn the wheel to near lock with your off-hand? That is the exact moment that I first contemplated power steering.I’ve never seen the need for power steering and no offense to anyone but after a lot of what I’ve heard about that on the Alpine over the years, I really want nothing to do with it.
I had mine checked in 04 when I got this car when they swapped in my rebuilt and outside of adding more of the grease or whatnot it uses, it was fine. 58 years and counting reliable is good enough for me, my muscles need a little workout anyway lol.
I don't have an off hand. I'm ambidextrous.You might reconsider if you are on a truly challenging road and find yourself needing to downshift as you enter a curve and find the road not only gets steeper, and you need to stir up a steeper gear than you were going for, while the curve tightens dramatically. And just to make things interesting, you meet a semitruck load of logs, going at a hell for leather pace, headed downhill, Ever try to turn the wheel to near lock with your off-hand? That is the exact moment that I first contemplated power steering.
It is starting to look like Steve's experience is an uncommon example and that my idea could be a viable solution to steering box blowout. Having said that, I must admit that I am not a big fan of the EPS. My example had very little wheel return, which I could not adjust to. But I do understand why there is a demand for the concept.
Bill
and I'm doing just fine
Don, not to be picking on you, but could you define "this issue"? Is the issue the busted steering boxes? Is it the Alpines high steering effort at low speeds? The steering in my current build could is aimed at the steering effort. It has the MG steering box and steering arms that are usually installed in Tigers. I was totally blown away when I drove Paul As' Tiger. The stationary steering effort was amazing low. I'm thinking this steering gear, when installed in a car with a much lighter engine, could well be the solution. The car is nearing the "road worthy" state, so this summer should give us the answer to that question. I suppose that if one finds the "Tigerized" steering effort to be too high, they could install the EPS, knowing the steering gear was rugged enough to withstand the power steering.Scotty,
Just a thought, do you think someone your fathers age, or older, would be capable of getting the same enjoyment of driving as you?
Don't misunderstand, I'm not a fan of modifying the OE steering with the EPS. To me, that modification just seems a bit too much like dropping a HIPO 302 into an Alpine and then wondering why the OE rear end broke. That being said, there is a place for the use of assisted steering.
The EPS mod is the "quick and dirty" answer - and usually works. Now that we've found the next weak link, we - the club - needs someone willing to try and determine a way past this issue.
Have a good day,
Sorry, I don’t understand this conflicting points post.Scotty,
Just a thought, do you think someone your fathers age, or older, would be capable of getting the same enjoyment of driving as you?
Don't misunderstand, I'm not a fan of modifying the OE steering with the EPS. To me, that modification just seems a bit too much like dropping a HIPO 302 into an Alpine and then wondering why the OE rear end broke. That being said, there is a place for the use of assisted steering.
The EPS mod is the "quick and dirty" answer - and usually works. Now that we've found the next weak link, we - the club - needs someone willing to try and determine a way past this issue.
Have a good day,
Sorry, I don’t understand this conflicting points post.
Don, not to be picking on you, but could you define "this issue"?
I would love to see your truss design!Don, if the "the issue" is failed steel balls, it can be solved for about twenty bucks. All this is required is an order to McMaster Carr for hardened balls, made of a tool steel material. If it is exploding steering boxes, it is remedied by the truss I designed. If it is difficult steering, it seems you have a taken a journey down the path of solving that issue. The problem there would be sourcing parts to do the job. But to be honest, as I read your response, my first thoughts were about "safteyizing" the Alpine steering box. To me, that is a solved issue. We are capable of building a steering box which will eventually fail, but not in a known catastrophic fashion. Probably from a worn worm or destroyed thrust balls.
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.www.mcmaster.com
Bill
There is no both sides of the issue, the EPS is flawed and has the ability to not just take out a steering box, but remove steering altogether, endangering your life.
Just looking at both sides of an issue.
Hope this is more helpful,
In the terms of this forum and discussion, what are your thoughts on what I was trying to communicate as being an issue?
I'd like to compare what you thought I meant compared to what idea I meant to express.
Yes, your steering in the new Durapine might be an improvement of sorts for my undefined issue. I'd like to think there might be a simpler method of combining compatible parts that will operate together safely and long term, maintaining the Alpine's driving qualities. I'm not sure what form that setup might take, but a different method of operation is not out of the question. Still seeking.
The easiest steering in a Rootes vehicle I ever experienced was the Husky after the changeover to Alpine steering gear and front brakes - all stock parts. It's not actually apples to apples for comparison, though - different caster, camber, and the use of bias belted tires. You could literally turn the steering lock to lock sitting still with one finger. The problem, yes problem, was the wheels were 13X6 with zero, or maybe negative offset. Yes, they were well outside the fenders. When you turned the steering, you would see the wheels actually ROLL as the steering operated - so effectively little friction.
BTW, I have experienced a steering failure with the Husky moving. TOO much excitement. That's why the Alpine steering was installed.
Have fun,