Steering cable or cables 2003xb
- Thread starter JR2003xb
- Start date
David Lanham
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- Joined
- Mar 23, 2005
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If your rig has the original dualcable merc ride-guide steering system then you're SOL. Merc stopped making them long ago. Guess you know that.
There is an option though vs going hydraulic:
Guy on S&F developed a process to adapt the UFLEX steering cable to the Merc Ride-Guide rack under the helm.
https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?303739-Ride-guide-cable-conversion&highlight=cable conversion
Understandably, this individual does not sale the parts. He just shared his development process.
I just completed this mod on my year 2000, Prosport. I replaced just one cable. I purchased the 18 foot UFLEX with rack off e-bay, think it was $120 ish. You don't use the UFLEX rack.
The UFLEX is sure butter smooth.
The only CON is that the UFLEX cable has about 5/8 inch less travel/throw compared to the ride-guide cable. In other words, has less full left/right steer length throw. Really can't tell it though on the water.
There is an option though vs going hydraulic:
Guy on S&F developed a process to adapt the UFLEX steering cable to the Merc Ride-Guide rack under the helm.
https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?303739-Ride-guide-cable-conversion&highlight=cable conversion
Understandably, this individual does not sale the parts. He just shared his development process.
I just completed this mod on my year 2000, Prosport. I replaced just one cable. I purchased the 18 foot UFLEX with rack off e-bay, think it was $120 ish. You don't use the UFLEX rack.
The UFLEX is sure butter smooth.
The only CON is that the UFLEX cable has about 5/8 inch less travel/throw compared to the ride-guide cable. In other words, has less full left/right steer length throw. Really can't tell it though on the water.
Last edited:
David Lanham
Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2005
- Messages
- 302
- Points
- 18
I had a local machine shop make the modified bolt to extend the length two inches. The cable "bung" also requires modification, had the machine shop do that as well.
Word of note: On older Ride-Guide racks, the cable adapter bung is secured to the rack by two pass through bolts. Newer racks, like the one I have, the bung is actually staked to the rack. Luckily, I had an older style rack to use for this mod.
One can still use the staked bung but will require additional machine work.
Word of note: On older Ride-Guide racks, the cable adapter bung is secured to the rack by two pass through bolts. Newer racks, like the one I have, the bung is actually staked to the rack. Luckily, I had an older style rack to use for this mod.
One can still use the staked bung but will require additional machine work.
Freebird
Active Member
I hate to dangle a carrot, but I have a complete, dual RideGuide steering system out of a XB2003 where the owner went to hydraulic. I have everything from the wheel to the steering arms. Only problem is, I'm not sure if I'm going to sell it just yet until I get my motor situation settled once and for all on my XST18. It's smooth as silk and in perfect condition.