Youngster said:ted is correct, the heims should be at a 90degree angle to the bolt holding them. when you cycle the steering lock to lock, the angle dose change somewhat. if you use the coned washers, you eliminate the chance of putting them in a bind. be sure to include the safety washer.
Yes you are correct if you are using heim type frame mounting ends. But, the axle swings up and down in a circle around that mounting point... So, if you weld your mounting plates at an angle, and say you were able to swing the axle up to say a 90 degree angle, what would you have then?? All wrong at that point, as far as correct goes, but, with long radius Rods and not that much up and down movement, it is not that critical, as there will be enough flex in the rod ends used to lessen the strain on the bolt and bracket.. Sorry for the long answer, just that it is hard to say this is the way to do someting and then not to do it myself, so, why?? :lol: I have made the mistake of "telling" someone else that it was wrong, when it was OK to do it in that case anyway... With these cars being so light and not being drivin off road, and needing a ton of wheel travel, We all can get by with pretty much whatever we do, as long as it is strong enough. Make it look great to YOU... as it is your ride.all-world1 said:An interesting discussion. Would it then be best to weld your radius rod frame mounting brackets in-line with the radius rods?
Track T-4 said:All,
VERY helpful information. Thanks alot! Both stores did not have the 1/4" thick locknuts but I'm working on the other sources.
Ron,
Still not sure I understand how the cone spacers work. For example, do they go under the heim and on top of the steering arm? And how do they eliminate the binding?
Bruce
Track T-4 said:Youngster,
You are an amazing wealth of information! I called and the diameter is the same as the heim and the hole in the spindle is in fact tapered. The parts are ordered.
I've been "retrofitting" all kinds of stuff on this T since buying it. The previous owner installed 1/2" bolts and they were very loose in the tapered spindles....this will be an improvement to the steering and the other tips in this thread will be an improvement to safety (orgiinal owner had standard nuts on the tie rods/steering and no washers). It's amazing what I've been able to re-do - with the help of people on this site like yourself.
I love this site, can't get enough. It is a super benefit to T-newbies like myself.
THANKS!!!!