Side / Cowl Steering Question - to Support Sector Shaft or Not - Pics Inside

So I am debating whether or not to mount a oil-lite bronze bushing out on the end of my sector shaft extension for stabilization. I am getting .010" maximum flex (forward and aft) while dry steering (not rolling). The extension is 6" measuring out to the center of the rod end.

As you can see in the photos the steering box mount has only been tacked in.

Thanks for any help.

 

How do you feel about suddenly losing your steering?

 

Is there anyone with a similar setup? What is your experience?

 

You would be fine w/o but since you are there add one anyway.

 

I agree with Tman here. it is a pretty short shaft but a pillow block would be pretty easy to add for piece of mind.

 

I have thought about a pillow block here but space is too limited. The od on that shaft is 2".

I was able to find a 2" id oil-lite bronze bushing. I was thinking about getting some tubing that fit snug with the OD of my bushing and set screwing the bushing inside.

How are other people doing this?

 

I lengthened the sector of a box by welding a chunk of another sector to the first. I am going to brace the sector with a bronze bushing pressed into a turned aluminum housing, which is bolted to the framework just inside my cowl skin. It has a zerk so I can squirt a little grease in the bushing now and then.

 

alchemy,

Do you have any photos of this? Sounds like your in the process...

 

I'd install a firewall after the steering is made safe. Bob

 

Probably not a fair comparison as I have a lot more room running a banger.

 

Here's one I did for my scratch built champ car replica. I felt I HAD to have an outboard bearing since my (early Ford pickup) box is centered in the car. I put a dial indicator on the end of the shaft extension and measured the runout (0.008"). Then I made a pillow block with an internal groove and zerk fitting. and welded it to the hoop. It works well when cycled through the steering wheel lock-to-lock but I have not driven the car yet. Good luck with your project.

 

Another thing:

I put a shim between the pillow block halves sos I can tighten up the clearance as the block wears. Sorry - this is the best pic I have.

 

Still in the process. There are pics on post #10 on this thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=582772&highlight=steering

But the bronze bushing is not installed yet, so no pics of it.

 

Wow, lots of nice work here, thanks for the tips guys!

Anyone else with first hand experience?

 

Great work,......but my vote is support it.

 

Ok to add to the questions at hand. How does this setup work with bumpsteer. I have done a cowl steering on my project and a buddy just said something that I hadn't thought of. and that is the bump steer. Is there any trick to eliminate the bumpsteer that will be a result of the incorrect steering rod alignment? Other than a longer pitman arm or lowering the box in the car?

 

i would, the one i did for a fed used a nylon block similar to The FRENCHTOWN Flyer made.