Steering issues (Clearing Headers)

Looking for some fresh ideas from anyone who has some experience running a steering arm. Here is the pedigree information.
1. Flaming River 32" Tilt column, 1" DD (some room to move in and out of the cab)
2. Mustang 2 Power Rack
3. Borgeson Steering Joints (1" DD- 3/4"DD, 3/4" 36 spline- 3/4"DD) Normal 30 Degree Joints.

The problem.....
Not only will the top joint hit my SBC Hugger headers, but the is almost no clearance for the bottom joint on the rack. I cannot even put the bottom header flange on. I was prepared for this in my head but i am looking for some insight from you guys.

My possible solutions...
1.Cut and make my own header.
2.Maybe a Ram horn Manifold will fit? (Like this idea)
3. Go to a 70 degree double joint and run 3 joints total with a support.

 

I would try the ram horns first and if that doesn't work then make your own headers. ram horns are cheap enough and if they don't work you can just sell them to someone else.

 

I think the bigger problem is your upper A arm mount angle. What's the deal with that? I've never seen one kicked forwards like that and I've been to 2 Worlds Fairs and a Goat Pull. Me thinks once you figure out that steering, you ain't gonna like what happens when you drive it.

 

The wheel is turned a little bit to the right in these pics if that is what you mean.

 

holy cow I didnt even see that at first! what is up with that? your upper A arm should not move when the wheel moves....it should be solid to the frame so it shouldn't matter if its turned or not. I'm confused at your answer I guess

 

Now i am a little worried myself, this is my first build. I had a professional shop install the front clip, it is out of an AMC pacer. This was the guys 50th one he has installed.
Hope its not a bigger issue.

 

I didn't think there were 50 Pacers left to rob. Seriously, post a couple more pics, like maybe an overhead view. I don't know AMCs, but something looks WAY wrong, by any other suspension I've ever seen or installed.

 

some of the mid to late 70s mid size to full size chevys had a rear exit exhaust manifold ,let me know if you need one i may have it or i can find it . i own a muffler shop , ive got a big stack of manifolds thanks Montie

 

Try a different header. Like a chevelle or el co mid length. I would put your collector closer to your oil filter and give you all the steering clearance you need. Headman pt #68600

 

Well I am going to leave the A-arm alone, but as for the top u-joint, you can cut the column and the shaft closer to the firewall to get the clearance you need for the top.

I had to cut the column to get the clearance I needed on mine.

I hesitate to post this here, not exactly traditional, but I am anyway.

I cut at least 6" off the end of the column to make things work here.

 

I think that front end looks about right - for a Pacer.

 

I googled, not much out there but a HAMB search showed another Pacer clip and they are angled forward. So, as long as stuff isn't moving when you turn the wheels that may be a non-issue. Sorry to scare you! Just looks weird.

 

Thanks for the heart attack! hahaha I guess i have never payed it much attention. Bad on my part, and nothing is moving.

 

Fenderwell headers if you can make it work. Wish I wouldve done it myself.

 

I tried the truram horns and that's right about where I ended up. I tried Summit block huggers and they put the collector too close to the block. I finally went with hooker block hugger headers with speedway tight tubes and that setup worked great.

 

Yeah, I feel ya on the rams horns. Got a new set on my shelf now I was sure would fit, had to go with s-10 swap headers instead and still not the best fit.

 

If you can use a double U-joint at the rack all you require is a support bearing on the frame, to clear the headers and collector, and support the intermediate shaft. 15 degree maximum on each joint recommended.

 

Here's some pics of my AMC Pacer front end that was in my 46 chevy truck. I was going to keep it but then decided to throw it in the shit pile with the rest of the stuff the previous owner buggered up. you want an extra one for a spare? I also have a new, complete rebuild kit for the front end if your interested.

 

I forgot to mention....I was using Ram Horns on this truck and it was still reallllll close to the steering linkage!!!!!!!

 

Hello. I know that this is an old post, but I have an old build . Looks like I have the same front end configuration (AMC front suspension and Mustang II rack/pinion). Can you tell me what year your AMC front suspension is and what year the Mustang II steering is? You can see the double knuckle and single knuckle needed to wrap the steering column around my big block .

 

My Gord, hope this is on a fenderless Model A

 

HAHA, nope . 1940 Nash


Although I do run it open wheel too:

 

Nice ride you have, by the way

 

I know this is an old post, but any chance that you still have the complete rebuild kit? If not, can you share where you bought it/ordered it?