Alternative to aftermarket crash bars

[importfighter01]

Hi fellow 5gers! I recently upgraded my factory +55 offset steel wheels to some 0 offset steel wagon wheels with 265/75/16 tires (32” tire). Love the stance and handling, but with no leveling kit (and I don’t plan on getting one) I was rubbing the factory crash bars before full steering lock was achieved. I looked into aftermarket crash bars for 5g rangers but wasn’t thrilled with non-OEM spec bars should I ever be in an accident or the labor involved to remove the factory crash bars.

When researching an alternative, I discovered what are known as steering rack limiters. Various vehicles (Mustangs / BRZs / Etc) have kits for this to not rub fender liners when running wide front tires. I found that new Mustangs run a similar electronic steering rack like our Rangers do, and that Steeda made a kit for 15-21 Mustangs that want to run wider S550 front wheels.

So I took the plunge to see if this product would work on our trucks and I’m happy to report that they do! Install is super easy and no alignment needed afterwards. The loss in steering radius at full steering rack lock is not that noticeable and no more rubbing on factory crash bars, plus I get to keep factory crash bars in place (which I wanted) vs aftermarket. Below are install pics with everything you need to know. The kit came with 8 spacers total and I used 6 (3 per side).

Hope this helps others as an alternative to new crash bars if so desired. Thanks for reading!

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[Kawffin]

Hi fellow 5gers! I recently upgraded my factory +55 offset steel wheels to some 0 offset steel wagon wheels with 265/75/16 tires (32” tire). Love the stance and handling, but with no leveling kit (and I don’t plan on getting one) I was rubbing the factory crash bars before full steering lock was achieved. I looked into aftermarket crash bars for 5g rangers but wasn’t thrilled with non-OEM spec bars should I ever be in an accident or the labor involved to remove the factory crash bars.

When researching an alternative, I discovered what are known as steering rack limiters. Various vehicles (Mustangs / BRZs / Etc) have kits for this to not rub fender liners when running wide front tires. I found that new Mustangs run a similar electronic steering rack like our Rangers do, and that Steeda made a kit for 15-21 Mustangs that want to run wider S550 front wheels.

So I took the plunge to see if this product would work on our trucks and I’m happy to report that they do! Install is super easy and no alignment needed afterwards. The loss in steering radius at full steering rack lock is not that noticeable and no more rubbing on factory crash bars, plus I get to keep factory crash bars in place (which I wanted) vs aftermarket. Below are install pics with everything you need to know. The kit came with 8 spacers total and I used 6 (3 per side).

Hope this helps others as an alternative to new crash bars if so desired. Thanks for reading!

This is new to me and a cool option.

 

[Blmpkn]

Not a mod I'd want on my offroad vehicle.. where a half degree of steering angle could make alllllllllllllll the difference lol.

 

[Frenchy]

Hi fellow 5gers! I recently upgraded my factory +55 offset steel wheels to some 0 offset steel wagon wheels with 265/75/16 tires (32” tire). Love the stance and handling, but with no leveling kit (and I don’t plan on getting one) I was rubbing the factory crash bars before full steering lock was achieved. I looked into aftermarket crash bars for 5g rangers but wasn’t thrilled with non-OEM spec bars should I ever be in an accident or the labor involved to remove the factory crash bars.

When researching an alternative, I discovered what are known as steering rack limiters. Various vehicles (Mustangs / BRZs / Etc) have kits for this to not rub fender liners when running wide front tires. I found that new Mustangs run a similar electronic steering rack like our Rangers do, and that Steeda made a kit for 15-21 Mustangs that want to run wider S550 front wheels.

So I took the plunge to see if this product would work on our trucks and I’m happy to report that they do! Install is super easy and no alignment needed afterwards. The loss in steering radius at full steering rack lock is not that noticeable and no more rubbing on factory crash bars, plus I get to keep factory crash bars in place (which I wanted) vs aftermarket. Below are install pics with everything you need to know. The kit came with 8 spacers total and I used 6 (3 per side).

Hope this helps others as an alternative to new crash bars if so desired. Thanks for reading!

Assuming that you have the offroad gauges in your dash what is the max steering angle you can get at either direction?

 

[importfighter01]

Assuming that you have the offroad gauges in your dash what is the max steering angle you can get at either direction?

Sorry Frenchy, I have a base model 2wd XL. Unfortunately no fancy gauges for me to get the steering angle, but limiters are working great so far.

 

[Frenchy]

Sorry Frenchy, I have a base model 2wd XL. Unfortunately no fancy gauges for me to get the steering angle, but limiters are working great so far.

Perhaps you can answer in a different way. Can you get pictures of the steering wheel at lock on both left and right? That may help

 

[Glocker]

Sub'ed because I'm curious about how much it limits the steering angle. I can't see doing this myself, but it's an interesting work around!

 

[importfighter01]

I’ll get some pics of the steering wheel today, no problem.

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