I'm just checking out some things on some of the parts sites, and one of things I have seen for year have been steering rack spacers. I never really thought about pick up a set, but I have been in lowered cars for 16 years now, and have not really had and type of axle problems until last year. I have BC coils, lowered pretty decently, and have been on them since 2016. Previously I was on Tein S-Tech Springs, which were on my base model Cobalt (with the stock struts and shocks) for a few years roughly 2008 to 2012, and then moved from the base model to my LNF (with the FE5 shocks and struts) from 2012 to 2016. Never had any axle problems then. Now fast forward 3 years on BC coils, lowered pretty good, I started to hear my axles clicking while turning at slow speeds, and only at slow speeds. I have inspected axle boots and they look fine, no tears. I'm assuming the axles are just plain worn out. I haven't been able to determine whether the clicking if from the is the driver or passenger side axle, so they are both being replaced.

On to the question. Who is using any type of steering rack spacer? OTTP has them, and offers 3 different variations? Anyone using OTTP spacers? What are your thoughts? I feel like it can't hurt, and they are only $20. I already have a bunch of things to install ont he car I figure I might as well add these to the list.

 

I have them i might have the smaller or middle set I think. It all depends on your drop. Since you say you're on coils and are pretty low I would say getting the biggest one would be ideal for you. At the end of the day they help you align everything so they won't be at an angle since you brought everything down from oem

 

Steering rack spacers have zero impact on your axles. They only change the angle of the steering arms.

What they do is raise the steering rack in an attempt to keep it in a stock-ish alignment with the steering knuckle (in stock form, I believe the steering arms will be horizontal, but honestly can't remember; they might be slightly angled down). This is to combat bump-steer. Being lowered with your steering rack in its stock location will put the steering arms at an upward angle (this is why you need an alignment after installing lowering springs), which then produces a LARGER amount of bump-steer, since the steering arms are already angled.

Demonstration of bump steer:



Notice how the wheels angle outward as the suspension compresses.