[Fot] Spitfire and GT6 steering rack question

[Scott Janzen]

I found a bit of play in the inner ball joint and adjusted it by adding shims.  I can get it to a zero play setting, but when I then re-assemble it with the spring behind the cup, the thing binds. It takes a decent amount of pressure on the disconnected tie rod to move it - it’s about the same length as a 3/8” ratchet wrench and it feels like I have to put 10+ ft-lb on it to get it to move. 

The inner ball joints have steel, not nylon, cups.  Question is, do I want this bind?  What purpose does the spring really serve if the thing is adjusted properly?

I have confirmed that I can push the spring fully into the rack - i.e., it is not protruding when fully compressed which would have the effect of acting like additional shims.

Or, have I missed something?  There’s not much to this mechanism, but maybe I’m missing something obvious.

Last minute stuff before the K Cup!
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