So I need new steering cables for my V-Drive and Im not sure what route to take.. Do I need to pull the cables, measure them, and order new ones or should I be looking into a rack and pinnion style conversion? Iv heard its possible and fairly simple to change over to the rack and pinnion style but I have no experience with ANY steering setups. Any ideas?

So I need new steering cables for my V-Drive and Im not sure what route to take.. Do I need to pull the cables, measure them, and order new ones or should I be looking into a rack and pinnion style conversion? Iv heard its possible and fairly simple to change over to the rack and pinnion style but I have no experience with ANY steering setups. Any ideas?

It really depends on what condition the rest of the system is in, you can spend some huge coin getting the rest of the system "up to snuff".

As for the rack, you need to buy a lot of parts not including the Rack-It system. Potentially costing more than getting the tiller cable system dialed in...

The list could include; tiller arm, steering wheel hub (depends on what you have now), steering cable end tube, tube mount and all the necessary hardware to bolt it all up. Really not a small job.

The things to check out on your current system include; pulley condition (check for wear and cracks), the springs and connection hardware, the chain and sprockets for wear, rust and cracks and also the rudder itself. Less of a job than replacing, but more tedious IMHO. 

I do agree with Wayne on being "good enough", they work killer with little to no slop if done correctly, see if you can find a vee drive guy to have a look see at your current configuration, they will see more problems in five minutes than someone inexperienced could find in two days. 

Good luck and don't skimp here...

GT

Ill try to take some pictures.. Pulling the cables was on my to-do list but I got side tracked with all the snow and messy garage this weekend. Im pretty sure mines all in great condition except for the cables themselves. Feels like they rusted solid. Hopfully I can get around to pulling them soon.

Ok.. Got it all apart today. Was alot more of a pita then I thought itd be. Here are a few pictures after I got everything apart.. This really makes me want to go a different route. So apparently its just one really long cable? What are my options here?

Dude, you didn't say it had a Calgo in it!!!!


Fix it, there really is no better system avail. for that boat...IMHO

GT

Super D (sounds like a porn name)

Let me put it to you a different way...........

I will send you all the parts necessary to replace what you have with a brand new rack. All you need to do is send me every part you don't use ......Even Steven....

Make some calls and you will soon realize how special what you have is.   

GT

Well the makes me feel a little better now.. Usually I get screwed on these type of deal and have to spend thousands to replace something shitty.. I figured this was going to be a send to a shop kinda deal. Theres a guy local up here thats selling a Calgo setup for 200 bucks with good cables. What would it cost to repair this one?

The problem is that these are custom steering systems, my guess would be the $200 setup would need $300 worth of changes to "drop in" to you boat...I would make some calls tomorrow if it were me.

Can you get the information over to JRork in a PM on the other Calgo if you are not going to pick it up? You would be doing me a huge favor....

All you should need for yours is a replacement cable kit, they are all custom lengths and it will be good as new.

GT

Will do! I found on the bottom of RexMarines price list the it says to send the assembly to G.S.M for a rebuild.. I cant find any information on them or even a phone number. Theres a flatbottom shop near me.. Is this something I can trust them with or just send it to GSM?

Greg Shoemaker is the dude you want to call   GSM=GS Marine in Corona...  http://www.gsmarine.us/

Greg is a pretty cool dude and has partnered at one time with the before mentioned Norm Grimes...He can set you in the right direction...

Good luck!

GT

Norm Grimes #(818)504-9181

SD, you focked it up by tearing it apart anyways.
Before you release the cables from the tiller arm, your supposed to put a bolt in the back to keep the cable in the helm from binding.
The system is designed to operate with the cable under tension.
I sent mine away to Tom at Jet Boat Performance.
I think almost everyone sends them out somewhere to get rebuilt.
Whatever it cost to have yours rebuilt is worth it compared to what a new set up will cost.

-beerjet-

That's fu ckin awesome!
Mine was stiff when working it back and forth on the trailer.
Once I got it on the water and under power, it was amazing!
Good job!

-beerjet-

Sig Line DOn't mind if I do!