Hi All,
I have just gone to fit my standard steering coupling with my WXCM and discovered an issue where by it fouls with the engine mount support; its a Burtons item.
 
From what i have read, all i need is to use a GRP 4 steering coupling and that will get me out of trouble. Is this correct/has anyone else had this problem and found another solution, potentially modifying the standard coupling in some way?
 
Thanks,
Kieran

the group 4 one will help.
i found the bolts still fowled even with the grp4 one. had to use some real low profile bolts.

Thanks Gazz. Appreciate the help

Another thing to check before you buy a GRP4 steering coupling.
There are two inner steering column lengths, 96cm & 100cm, you'll need a long coupling for the shorter column, or a short coupling for the longer column.
If your WCXM has a lower steering rack mount (the GRP4 Fabrications version does, although it's not mentioned in the specs when you buy it), you'll most likely need the longer coupling even if you have the 100cm long inner steering coulumn. . . which I recently found out for myself.
 
Cheers,
Jason. 

Hi Jason,
So just slide in the inner rod out and measure it and that will determine what i need?
I am sure mine isnt the lower steering rack mount, but I will confirm that.
To double check, ill slide the steering colum in and measure the distance required to fill the gap.
 
Thanks for your help,
Kieran
 

A majority of escorts are 100cm except for the years approximately 1976/early 77 which are the shorter 96cm version.
You can tell this by just looking at your orig flex coupling (guessing length here) , the short coupling (long column) will be around the 75-85mm and the long coupling (short column) 120+mm . Hope this helps

Thanks Marty. So a MK1 should fall into the 100cm version? I'll check this on the weekend though and Thanks for the help.

Like Marty says, you'll most likely have the longer column. If everything else is fitted to the car (steering column, engine crossmember, steering rack, etc.), can't you just hold the steering coupling you have next to the steering column & rack stem, to see if the flats & groove line up with the bolt holes for the coupling? That'd tell you what length coupling you need.
 
Cheers, Jason.