MX3 LCAs with Protege Steering Rack OK?

[ftjandra]

I realized the other day that since the MX3 LCAs are ~15mm wider per side that I'll need to unscrew the tie rod ends that much further to fix the toe. Is there enough thread on the tie rod end for this and still be safe? Or does everybody who swaps the LCAs also swap over the wider MX3 steering rack (the actual tie rod ends are identical)?

Input from guys who have done the swap please.

Thanks,
--Ferdi

[SgtRauksauff]

Good question, I haven't got around to doing this myself yet, and it will be good to know.

--sarge

[mx-3_4evr]

If it comes to worse, just get the GS MX-3 inner tie rods.

[ftjandra]

If it comes to worse, just get the GS MX-3 inner tie rods.

Ryan (bpt323) said that they are not interchangeable and that I'd have to swap the entire rack.

--Ferdi

[mx-3_4evr]

Oh ok. I can get you a GS rack if you want.

[FE3-323]

if you don't want to even worry about it, i have a GS rack i could sell you.

[mazdamx3freak]

I have a Mx3 with 323 steering rack, v6 Lca's, zx2 outer tr-ends, 323 inner tr-ends and just had my allignment done and the toe is perfect and theres plenty enough threds left to be safe. my camber was like -2 off but then again im lowered so its good enough.

[FE3-323]

are the zx2 outers longer???

[mazdamx3freak]

same length 3.110 in. but the zx2 has removable dust boots so you can use poly bushings. heres a post i made about it.

http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=67100

[MD323]

i have a GS rack sitting here.. i am thinking of parting ways with it if i dont get around to installing it soon.

[Crazypunkerguy]

that's not specific to the zx2 all escorts have a removable dust boot! Just the older lx's that have smaller brakes and tie-rod ends!

[clipper]

I realized the other day that since the MX3 LCAs are ~15mm wider per side that I'll need to unscrew the tie rod ends that much further to fix the toe. Is there enough thread on the tie rod end for this and still be safe? Or does everybody who swaps the LCAs also swap over the wider MX3 steering rack (the actual tie rod ends are identical)?

Input from guys who have done the swap please.

Thanks,
--Ferdi

I asked the same question last summer with no reply and just finished my car. i found the racks themselves are the same length and the difference is made up in the inner tie rod ends. What I have is : GT sub-frame ,MX3 (base) depowered rack, GT LCA's and GT inner ends.I was going to take an overall measurement and post it but forgot

[mazdamx3freak]

okay im only posting this once. I have a mx-3 GS with a 323 manual rack, rodends. and there is plenty of threds left for an allinment/toe settings. Mine is perfect with mx3gs oem specs.

[FE3-323]

^most interesting