STEERING RACK MOUNTING

The next problem seemed to be a bushing and clamp holding the rack on the passenger side. It would wallow out rather quickly depending on the amount of off roading the H3 was being used for. That for me seemed to be about 10,000 miles. That would allow the leverage created by the tie rods and tires to eventually cause a separation in the rack at the other end.

The fix for making that end remain more in place and reduce leverage on the other end is to use a metal wear bushing cut in half and placed under the clamp.

The next level for more extreme conditions would be to add a center clamp. Using an OEM clamp and drilling thru the cross member for the bolt. Extreme caution should be used to fill the space so there is no misalignment of the rack. I made my own spacer by grinding until it fit properly from a piece of steel channel. I also went a step further and made a piece of flex line for the shorter hydraulic line. If the rack breaks the ridged line will not give and breaks loosing your fluid and possibly burning up your steering pump. I don't think that can happen after adding the other two bracket fixes. I traded for an 08 Alpha and have not installed the center bracket. I think the passenger side sleeve may have been enough for now.