Hi guys Im building a 1928 2 dr sedan Model A it has a 32 boxed frame. My question is I’m at the point of mounting the Vega steering box does the car have to be on the ground to properly mount it in the proper place? This is my first hot rod so I’m learning as I go! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
You should have all the engine stuff (including headers/manifolds) in so you know your clearance on that side, and the front axle should be in and at ride height so you can get your pitman arm to be at the same height as the tie rod. If you think you can fake all this stufff, or do extra measuring, good luck. Personally I would prefer to have the real parts in place.
As close to level with and parallel with the tie rod is going to go a long way in preventing bump steer. It's going to take some prior planning because with a lot of engines the left motor mount goes right where the box or shaft wants go to. It may be simpler to mount the box and then build the mount than build the motor mount and hope things clear. You don't want it looking like this mess I saw the other day. Not the worst engineering I ever saw but it makes you shake your head a bit and the guy was actually driving it around town.
Right now the car is on jack stands with the drivetrain installed I am just mocking up the steering box. It seems that the pitman arm is sitting about about 2.5-3 higher than the tie rod! Is that because the suspension is not on the ground? I don’t want to weld the bracket on yet till I’m sure it’s right! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Are the jackstands under the axles, or the frame? There are offset pitman arms if needed. Sent from my SM-G900P using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
That's good. Check out the thread I posted, and the diagrams from Pete and Jakes site. As mentioned earlier, the tie rod should be parallel to the drag link, and close to and/or parallel in height as well. If your box sets up higher because of other restraints, motor mounts, U joint clearances, they do make pitman arms with offsets.
I guess it doesn’t matter that I have a 4 inch dropped front axle? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Thanks for all the info I will put it to good use and fix my issue! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
My Vega box is mounted below the rails, but my car is not super low. That is not a tapped bung for the top bolt, it is a heavy wall tube welded to the boxing plate and the frame rail.)
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