You don't need to remove the steering rack to replace the bushings so counting threads is moot.

Alistair

> On Sep 12, 2014, at 7:20 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
>  You don't need to get an alignment when you do the steering rack, if you
> keep track of where the treads are on the tie rods.
> 
>   I did those purple urethane ones (steering rack only) in my van a few
> years ago and it really did help...I live in the Columbia River Gorge,
> where frequent and random 50mph gusts from all directions is the Rule, not
> the exception.  While it didn't make windy day driving an easy thing...it
> helped a lot..Heck, I see fully loaded semi tractor trailer rigs being
> blown around on I-84...
> 
> On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 5:18 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> So, at what point in replacing bushings do you take it in for an alignment?
>> All of them?  30 year old rubber should be all shot.
>> 
>> Tires are expensive!
>> 
>> Stuart
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>> Alistair Bell
>> Sent: Friday, September 12, 2014 12:18 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Front suspension bushing replacement
>> 
>> The stock bushings have flats on them, to be oriented so they are vertical"
>> that would seem to allow more lateral movement. I guess VW wanted to reduce
>> steering feedback?
>> 
>> The coupling, yeah, one more thing to replace :)
>> 
>> Alistair
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Sep 12, 2014, at 12:13 PM, Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>>> ..... My rack moved, but not as much as
>>>> yours. Even so, the new bushings were an upgrade.
>>> 
>>> At the time, I wondered if it was a quality of rubber issue (OEM vs ?
>> make).
>>> 
>>> And good catch on that coupling disc. I would suggest that the cracks
>>> may not easily be seen with the part still installed:
>>> 
>>> https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/steeringcouplingdiscfrom%2781
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Neil n
>>> 
>>> Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca
>>> 
>>> '88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p
>>> 
>>> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>>> 
>>> Vanagon VAG *Gas* inline-VR Engine Swap Group:
>>> 
>>> http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej
>>