Difference between SWB and LWB steering rack

[yahuwel]

Hi Blokes,

I made specially an account to ask this question because after searching for 3 days (including this forum ), i still haven't found what the difference of the SWB and LWB steering racks could be. I have found that some partswebsites mention the LWB version housing is made of aluminum, could this be it? Also i don't see any difference between the version until 2006 and updated version from 2006 onwards, the pipes looks exactly the same. When i search for trackrods or trackrod ends of an SWB or LWB version, they're the also the same on partswebsites, don't see any difference in lenght or whatever. The Ford Transit Connect is LHD . Please can an expert clarify it for me? I would be extremely thankful, thanks in advance.

Greetings, Sonny.

[mrtn]

I also ordered a refurbished one from ebay which was listed as SWB. Apart from being a sh*t product (started leaking in two years) everything matched.

[yahuwel]

I also ordered a refurbished one from ebay which was listed as SWB. Apart from being a sh*t product (started leaking in two years) everything matched.

Thanks a million for your reply, this is what i needed. I guess the swb version will fit then.

[mrtn]

I hope so. It worked for me.

[yahuwel]

I hope so. It worked for me.

Thanks again mate, you really helped me out. Some scrappers said they're all the same but i needed to hear it from someone who has really fitted a swb version on a lwb. Now there are plenty steering racks to choose from. Still can't understand why there's in some webshops an extreme price difference between the two, i'm talking about a difference of several hundreds...

[mrtn]

Some places show the price only for an exchange rack. So you need to return your old rack to get the price listed.

[NC53]

I have also been trying to find out what is the difference between the SWB and LWB steering rack. They physically look identical, however I think it is the turning circle. SWB is 3.25 turns whereas the LWB is 2.75 turns. Whether interchanging them will actually make any difference I don’t know but probably best to get the correct one.

[Kenton]

I have also been trying to find out what is the difference between the SWB and LWB steering rack. They physically look identical, however I think it is the turning circle. SWB is 3.25 turns whereas the LWB is 2.75 turns. Whether interchanging them will actually make any difference I don’t know but probably best to get the correct one.

It is indeed the amount of turns. I have recently replaced mine. The other difference MAYBE is the steering column connection. I ordered an eBay one - big mistake! Wrong connection. Sent it back, and ordered one from a motor factors via the garage using the reg number and confirmation of steering turns from boss. Do yourself a favour and buy a reputable replacement.
Hope this helps mate,
All the best with it.
K