shaft rubbing on headers, need advice

[Richter888]

As it says.

Car is 2001 cobra. I just got done installing MM K-member, control arms, oil filter relocation kit, new header gaskets, steering rack bushings, and my soul into the car.

Now the final issue is... What should I do? Its not rubbing super bad, but the rubber portion is touching slightly. I would hate to have to beat up the header. I do have a flaming river solid steering shaft, but it might not clear. The stupid stop screws and nuts stick out quite a bit.

Flaming river shaft

 

[tistan]

Are your steering rack bushings offset? Maybe you could lower or raise the rack for more clearance.

 

[Richter888]

Tried it just now with both shafts. It's no good. What's the best way to put dents in mild steel? Lol.

 

[tistan]

Couple good wacks with a ball peen hammer should do the trick.

 

[ibleedblue65]

I would try to shift the motor first if possible. Sounds like you already had the headers in and they cleared so you must have altered the position of either the motor or steering shaft or both.

 

[Richter888]

I did shift the motor as much as I could, but I cant get more out of it. Each time I adjust it moves back into its position as if spring loaded. Plus the locator tab on the driver side is pretty much maxed in the up position.

The only thing changed from the last setup it the MM kmember. I think it leaves the engine slightly lower. It BARELY rubs, which is super annoying.

 

[tistan]

What kind of headers are they?

 

[Richter888]

Pacesetter longtubes, with ceramic coatings. I hate them. Super huge PIA to install. I decided not to buy another set because I figure I already wasted the time putting them in before. I made my grave and now I must lay in it.

 

[JoNasty]

If its just a set of pacesetter l/t's grab a ball peen hammer and give it a few whacks. Doesn't take much. You're not going to notice any difference what so ever.

 

[Mystic-SVT]

How do your motor mounts look? They might be worn out and collapsing.

 

[Richter888]

Motor mounts are polyurethane mounts. Ordered from mm. 1 year old. They looked ok when I had them out.

 

[3B99SVT]

Have you contacted MM yet? They may have seen this issue before and possibly a quick work-around for it.