Topic: Hairpin, pan hard and drag link question

[hotwheels]

Aight, I didn't build this front end, but I need to make it right. I need to know how much spacing needs to be between the hairpin, pan hard and drag link for cross steering. Here are some pics of what I have to work with:

[dcacjc]

that is very similar to mine, can't you put the drag link on top of the steering arms?  that is what I am planning to do on mine for the added clearance.

[obama]

You gonna need more room dan whatcha got.  Drag link above the arms would help, can also bend the arms some .

[miraclepieco]

Is that the frame rail above the tie rod?  Not much room up or down.

Heck, just turn those steering arms around and put the tie rod out front. Be sure to correct for proper Ackerman if you do.

[hotwheels]

That's part of the problem. The owner wants to stay with cross steering, so I will still have the steering rod in there.

[miraclepieco]

That's a problem with hairpins - they take up lots of vertical space   

How about dropped steering arms that go below the radius rods?

[hotwheels]

I sat and looked at it today. I'm thinking I am gonna build some spacers and mount the drag link under the hair pins. If I put the hymes on top, they'll hit the frame.

[miraclepieco]

Here's a different idea: dropped tie rod ends:

[just old]

Doug I have a question . could you use a clevis type connection instead of the heim which would raise it up about half the thickness of the heim speedway has one that can be drilled out to 1/2 in ? . just a question

[hotwheels]

I don't think a clevis pin has enough up and down motion sitting sideways. Gonna try a spacer this afternoon. Just got back from the eye doctor so my eyes are all dilated right now. Can't hardly see.

[just old]

it was just and idea . I only get 1 a week and that was it .

art

[hotwheels]

LOL, well it was/is a good idea. I didn't get time this week to re look at it, but i'm going to try bushings. Not sure if the draglink will still hit even placed under the hairpins......Just have to mess around and see what happens.

[miraclepieco]

Yet another lame-brained idea: Reconfigure hairpins.  The shafts don't necessarily have to be straight. Cut a section out of the hairpin and weld in a dog-leg that clears the drag link & pitman arm. Might look kinda custom too (at least that's what I'd tell the customer!). I think strength reduction would be negligible.

See attached diagram: