mk1 steering and capri struts

[TUF 253]

Does anybody out there have a mk1 escort steering rack and some capri struts they want to sell? Preferably in Victoria, thanks!

[ozstang65]

A Mk2 rack with 'green' tireod ends will work too, unless you need a mk1 rack for another reason...

[TUF 253]

Wasn't too sure if a mk2 rack would be the go as I already have a full mk1 front end setup and wanted to modify the capri struts to coil overs(I also hear there is a good brake upgrade to use xf falcon discs and calipers), is there any other difference between the mk1 and mk2 racks other than metric to imperial threads?

[ozstang65]

My mk1 has capri struts with a mk2 rack & green tierod ends. I have used a 'solid' uni joint (not rag joint) between the steering column and the rack. The mounts on the crossmember are the same. Have a look through my build thread . Brake upgrades are as simple as Capri vented rotors and mk2 drums on the back.

[TUF 253]

Cheers thanks for your help and info! Im still getting used to these old beasts as its my first one!

[ozstang65]

What are you going to use the car for?

[TUF 253]

Its pretty much just for fun, will be using it for track days and drags and stuff

[gen mk 1rs2000]

biggest problem you will encounter
is
finding capri struts ,
all the rest is easy
just pay up & get a set of bilsteins complete
you will never look back

[ozstang65]

Mk2 2.0L struts are probably another option. tube diameter is the same, seat height is different but it doesn't matter as you're going coil-over. Bearings might be a bit smaller than the Capri if I recall correctly. Only disadvantage are the steering arms are cast-in and therefore not replaceable if you bend one.

[gen mk 1rs2000]

MK2 STRUTS ARE NOT WORTH THE BOTHER
they are crap no matter what you do to them
would be better off with mk1 1300 struts

[jpayne]

havent had any problems with my Mk2 struts in over 10 years of thumping ripple strips.
I am moving to capri only because the AP calipers and disks need to be where the steering arms are.

JP

[TUF 253]

Cheers thanks for all of the input guys, the car will be driven very hard and with the extra weight of the v8 the strongest strut i believe would be my best option, I have a pair of what I assume to be stock mk1 struts and they are fairly light in design, what is the main difference between them and the capri struts?

[ozstang65]

The capri and the mk2 2.0 are ~50mm o.d. strut tubes. The capri ones had the biggest bearings. spring seats are at different heights but that doesn't matter as you'll be chopping them off.