Steering Linkage |
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I was hoping to use only two u-joints for this
car, but after mocking it up and finding that the
shaft is too close to the header, it'll have to
be three. I played around (see the next few pictures)
with extending the input shaft on the Mullins box,
but all that did was increase the angle on the
lower u-joint. We're using all aluminum joints
and shafts from Borgeson. These are amazingly light!
I forecast a 2hp gain over steel systems. Just
joking.
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| Now I had to decide where I wanted the shaft to
sit in relation to the frame. Since it's going to
be an open hood car, I decided to tuck the steering
in behind the header a bit. I think it will be less
noticeable than bringing it right over to the frame
rail from the column. We'll see... you decide. |
Measuring for the Support
Bearing
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| Since I'm using three joints, a support
bearing (or Rod End) is a necessity. Measure from
the rail to the center of the shaft where you want
the bearing. I'm going to put it right beside the
center u-joint, to hide the splines I was left with
on the lower shaft. If you're forced to use a three
joint system, buy the joints you'll need, then use
a broom handle or some 3/4" dowel to mock up
the shaft lengths. Or, you can use a double 'D' shaft
which you buy in either 18" or 36" lengths,
and cut it to fit. The splined shafts come in 2" increments
from 4 " to longer than you'll ever need. |
Making the Rod End Support
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| I didn't want any threads showing
on the rod end when it was installed, so I had to
do some measuring. I needed to know how long the
mounting tube I was going to make should be in order
to cover all the threads and keep the steering shaft
where I wanted it. So, I measured from the frame
to the near side of the shaft, and added 3/8" to
get a dimension to the center. Then I measured from
the center of the rod end bearing to the end of the
threads so I knew if I had to trim any of the threads
off. Conveniently, I didn't. Next, I measured from
the nut to where I knew the frame was based on my
first measurement. Make sure you measure to the far
side of any angle. Next, put a 1" tube in your
lathe and cut 3/4-16 threads! |
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| The rod end couldn't come straight off the frame
because the angle was too much for the bearing. So
I just ground a corner off the tube, and it will
be welded to the frame. |
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Oh yeah, I got the rad shell and the grille
insert installed. The front end will be down about
1-1/2" or 2", so don't you worry about
a thing.
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