Has anyone done a Vega Cross Steering install in a Model A? I am in the process of aligning the box on the frame. I have just installed a panhard bar in the front of the axle. I need to get the box in a parallel height with the panhard bar. Looking for some pictures and measurements if you have them. This is an AV8 project by the way. Thank you
I have their book but it doesn`t get into the geometry as to whether the the panhard bar and the drag link need to be on the same or not.
Panhard bar and drag link should both be parallel to the ground at ride height, but don't need to be on the same plane. Some guys get all weird about making the pitman arm parallel to the ground too, but I think a little down in front angle should be fine, and might make it easier to hook up the shaft to the column.
Pete & Jakes has their instructions online https://www.peteandjakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1019.pdf
Panhard bar has nothing to do with your steering geometry. Make sure when you setup your vega box the motor and column are set so all linkage is viable. I use a big C clamp to hold the vega box and bracket in place while everything gets sorted, then weld away.
I had an after market Vegas box in my model A. It was very hard steering and needed constant adjustment. Go with the unisteer mavel unit, its far superior in my opinion, and the kit takes about an hour to install.
Misunderstood by a lot of folks, model a's are ideal for a vega box, I install them about an inch and a half higher than the tie rod, so when the weight is finally in the car the pitman arm is paralell with the tie rod. If done right, the car should steer like it has power steering.
IMO... use 3/4" outside diameter plastic pvc pipes as steering shafts, tierod and draglink, cut to fine tune, grab another and move on if you cut one too short... get it right in plastic, transfer to steel... ... HIH.
make sure you put the bracket on with the gussets welded in...it will flex the frame if you don't when the car is stationary and you are turning the wheels
In an ideal world the panhard and the tie rod would be at the exact same angle and very close to the same length. This is common knowledge to guys who build long travel 4x4 stuff.
Just finishing the '29 RPU with a Unisteer R&P. Very easy steering but not much travel. If it pisses me off enough I'll yank it.
Vega box with cross steering setup is not bad geometry by any means, but the problem with the box is the 20 to 1 ratio, this is what makes it feel like power steering, but driving response is slow. Flaming River and surely others offer a 16:1 vega box, but at $650 a pop it's not easy to justify.