Technical Finding The Right Steel

My lil Crosley do to brake upgraded/modifications i have to make new steering arm for the spindle.
The original had a threaded tapered end and i will be doing the same setup my buddy can machine the tapper and threads. I will be getting a 7/8 solid rod just not sure what type of metal to use?
This is going in a 4cyl small car maybe 2000lbs when done.

 

I'm not sure but am curious enough to give you a bump so our chassis builders can spot the thread.

 

4130 chrome moly

 

You want something strong that will bend in case of an accident, too hard and it will be brittle and just break.

There's a reason steering linkage is malleable iron...

 

because your life depends on it have a professional weld the stuff...
welding steel changes its molecular structure ... buddy has an old blacksmith weld his parts...
think the old guys heat treats them to get the strength back...

 

When I needed a spindle arm for the drag link on my Henry J, I happened to be working at a shop that had a flame cutting table. I made it from common A-36 hot rolled plate and it seems plenty strong.

Gary

 

Most steering components for automotive use are forged. Typical forging alloys are
4140 Steel, 4130 Steel, 4340 Steel, 5120 Steel and 8620 Steel. There are certainly others. After forging the parts are usually normalized to reduce stresses prior to machining. They usually do not heat treat suspension components to harden them unless it is a very specialized part. I think any of the alloys listed in bar stock would do just fine. I would take care to avoid sharp corners during marching to avoid stress risers.

 

Ok thanks that i was thinking was chromoly. I will not be welding it my neighbor will. He is a blacksmiths and also has a lathe. He also worked some on fuelie drag cars and has a lot of knowledge. Does anyone know where one could obtain chromoly other buying it new? Trying to keep things affordable. Was suggested that front struts from jeeps may be good metal to use? Thanks

 

McMaster Carr has a great selection of small pieces of lots of steel stock.

 

I am in the process of fabricating steering arms for my truck and had the same question about what type of steel to work with. After a lengthy search online, I ended up calling Jerry at Pete & Jakes. He said that they use 1018 cold rolled steel. I chose to use 1" plate and cut the steering arms out of it. Then heat, bend, grind, shape, drill, tap, polish and finally chrome.