Ackerman Angle with Aftermarket Steering Arms

Im working on getting the front end of my Model A set up. Running an original A axle thats been dropped, split A bones, and 37-41 spindles. I scooped up a set of Super Bell dropped steering arms to clear the bones. My question is... How do you properly account for and set Ackerman angle when using aftermarket steering arms?

Thanks

 

The acerman angle is set by running a line fron the center of the king pin to the center of the rear diff. your steering arms need to run in the center of that line.

 

Yes sir. I definitely have the understanding of Ackerman. I apologize if I was unclear with my question. Im wondering what I would do with the aftermarket steering arms if the Ackerman angle wasnt correct when I bolt them on. For example shimming them or heating and bending them in or out so that I could correct Ackerman if need be. I would rather ask questions now before I go screw something up.

Thanks again

 

Any good FORGED steering arms I dont see a problem in heating and bending them. But cast ,wich would be stupid for a steering arm anyway, is a big no for bending.

 

Most of the good aftermarket arms have reasonably close ackermann designed in, so you bolt them on and go. I've never seen the need to heat and bend them, except down to give some wishbone clearance, and they heat and bend pretty well.

I think you could potentially do more harm by heating and bending them than by just leaving them alone and going with the preset ackermann. I say "potentially" for fear they are heated and cooled incorrectly.

Don

 

If all you need is a minor adjustment to get the ackerman right, you might be able to grind a little meat off one of the threaded bosses to change the angle of the dangle.

 

Most of the bolt-on arms that I've installed seem to be designed for a longer (115" or so) wheelbase. On a car with a shorter wheelbase,such as a Model A, I simply shim the arms inward. Just make sure your bolts are long enough if you need to add more than an 1/8" shim.

 

Close enough is good enough, for Ackerman.
As long as the tie rod is on back, no problems.

 

Here is a good example of bad acermanhttps://video.search.yahoo.com/sear...=9b7db54239e01a20bb678cb42ab4e318&action=view notice the black marks in the turn.

 

Fine example of crap/rat rod engineering!

 

That is awful !!

 

I can't even begin to imagine how crap to drive that truck must feel. Shocking understeer at any speed!

Chris