replace that ol gear box

[buggyryan]

has anyone instaled a rack n pinion on there buggy like you could do on a sand rail? looks like it would eliminate the problem of leaking gear boxes and be much more efficient and responsive. i found the rack and the mounting bracket but i cant seem to find any real world install info

[Aquabuggy]

Ryan, As the wheel base gets shorter the steering gets quicker, so going with an even quicker steering rack & pinion you may find it very difficult to drive.
At highway speeds the slightest movement of the wheel and you will changing three lanes in the blink of an eye.

Not trying to discourage you, just something to think about.

[buggyryan]

i can appreciate that , but if that is the case how do the dand rails do it?

[Greaph]

Every sand-rail I have seen on the street is longer wheel base than a buggy almost without exception. Most street rails I have seen do not use rack and pinion. If you are inclined to use R&P, I highly recommend using a high ratio (in excess of 24:1) to keep the steering controllable. It can be done, and is not a difficult modification if you have fabrication skills. Make you you take your time and do it correctly, then take some more time and "practice" with your new steering. Good luck!

Edit: After a little research, it appears the easiest swap for you would be to use the R&P from a VW Rabbit. You could use a stock housing with Quaife rack and pinion. This a little quicker ratio than I would normally recommend, and you really need to be sure this is what you want :-)

[buggyryan]

thanks alot for the info, since it is going to see as much drag strip time as cruising time i want the most control i can have

[GregR]

Here's a lin kto teh search results on teh RBC forums. They have an ongioin gdiscussion about rack and pinion steering

http://rbcdunebuggy.yuku.com/search/text/?q=rack+and+pinion