I have been thinking about finally fixing the center crosstube on my Alpine
- this is that long tube that runs along the back of the engine connecting
the steering mechanism. I got a "new" one from SS about 8 years ago,
installed it 3 years after that, and it was already shot 2 years later.
I know that XK's Unlimited sells a new and improved bearing for the
Jaguars. It uses a "real" bearing rather than the rubber donut in the
Alpine. But the width of the outside of those bearings are larger than the
hole in the ends of our rod. So, new ends would have to be made and welded
on to the rod.
Also, I've been told that the give of the rubber is actually part of the
design and needed for the steering - maybe Jarrid commented about that to
this group. Dan Walters even mentioned to me the other week that if you
put in something more solid, you might have to shim out one side of the
steering. I don't understand why.
So, does anyone have any thoughts on this and any sources for getting
polyurethane cut to fit?
Thanks,
Jay
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