Does anyone know of a pitman arm that will fit the stock Vega steering box that is shorter than the stock arm? After I changed the front springs on my coupe I lost the clearance between my pitman arm and drag link, there is less than 1/8" clearance. So, my easiest solution is a shorter pitman arm, I'm just not sure what arm might fit. Any help? Thanks!
I don't think so, it's chrome. I know I could get an offset arm that might give me enough clearance, but my first choice would be a straight arm. I was really hoping a different make/model arm would fit. Thanks! Jim
If you shorten the pitman arm it will change the steering ratio a tad bit.. I think you're talking about pitman arm to tierod clearence.. With front end jacked up, move the tires from lock to lock and see how much clearence you have.. If it is indeed 1/8", you could heat and bend the pitman arm a tad or possibly put a slight bow in the tierod(and recheck toe-in)...... Someone else may be able to offer a better solution......
I'm sorry, I said drag link, I meant tierod. Yes, I thought about bending the tierod or also bending the steering arms down. They are my least favorite choices. I thought the easiest/best solution would be a different pitman arm, so I was looking for a shorter than stock Vega arm. With the front end on the ground the there is about 1/32" clearance between the arm and the tierod. The picture below was taken BEFORE the front end was lowered, it was right on then. Thanks.
is the pitman arm you are using have an area that you can move back on it about an inch or so and redrill it and use a tapered reamer for tierod ends....... and bolt it back together.
I assume you can't move the box back [at least easily] so i suggest moving the axle forward..Take 1/2 steel plate, about 4"x4" and drill a hole the size of the center bolt head in the spring in the center of plate...Clamp plate to axle spring pad about a half a hole [or more] to the rear and redill axle..that will give you about 1/4" [or more], be enough? Can make a little wedge to take up the now oblong hole if you feel necessary..
had a'47 Ford Coupe that I bought 3 aftermarket Vega steering box mounting brackets because none would make it possible to not bend Vega pitman arm- found a stainless steel pitman arm and had it bent by a machine shop that worked with stainless steel-it worked
Seb, that sounds like the cheapest, easiest way out. I'll take a close look and that may be the way to go. Thanks! If not I will bend, or buy, an offset arm like a few of the guys have suggested. Thanks everyone! That's the great thing about the HAMB, plenty of brains to pick.
I had a like situation a few years ago and I called P&Js and had them make me a slightly shorter pitman arm. If I remember right it didn't take to long and it was chromed.
Thanks, everyone for your input. I went with Seb fontana's idea. Took me an afternoon and didn't cost a dime, just a couple drill bits. I moved the center pin hole about 1/2" forward..worked great!
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