I have a 40 Ford with a 53 Flathead. When I 1st bought the car it had a straight pitman arm as shown in the photos. I could only get 14 degrees turn angle LH and Rh on the steering wheel. The drag link was rubbing on the front of the oil pan. I soon changed to a 3/4" dropped pitman arm and increase the wheel turn angle to 21 degrees. If my memory serves me correctly it s/b 25 degrees. I wish to increase the steering wheel turn angle to 25 degrees. I thinking of notching the oil pan or offsetting the drag link at the center.
Install a drag link with a bend to clear the pan, as long as it also clears the axle as it moves up and down.. easier than modifying the pan
21* to 25* ? That 4* more. Can you lift the engine a little ? Four degrees worth? Offset tie rod ends maybe http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/universal_outer_tie_rod_ends.asp
I did think about lifting the engine. Then the motor mounts will require some attention. Thx, I see if there are offset tie rod ends.
A bend in the drag link at the tie rod that is on the pitman arm will provide the necessary clearance. Be aware that putting a bend in shortens the effective length, so you might have to make a longer one.
Thx guys, some good ideas here. Looks like the offset rod end is on the top of the list for now. I'll just one, on the pitman arm side 1st.
In the old days people used to regularly make "Dropped Drag links" from the stock part. Cut out the center. Weld on some supports. Weld center to supports, now lower by what ever you need. I know that today most don't want to do anything like that. But you can. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/hurst-dropped-drag-link-kit.221931/
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