I'm thinking of making my own steering arm for a cowl steering set up. Just wondering if folks were using solid round stock and then drilling and tapping the threaded ends or using tubing. Any advise on bending or in general would be appreciated. Pics would be nice too!
Which piece are you talking about? From your questions it sounds like the drag link (connects pitman arm on box to steering arm. The steering arm is the piece that bolts to the back of the spindle.
post a pic of what you are working on would help get good answers. have you looked at Speedway and others for ideas on what you want to end up with?
Yes I'm talking about the arm that bolts onto the back of the spindles. I bought the long arm from speedway but because of my tall front tires the drag link will rub during a tight turn. Also wondering if there might be any problems with making the arm extra long, I know it will affect the steering ratio. Thanks for the replys.
This type? I'd look at whether it would be more beneficial to up or in to clear the tire. Just like going up, the more you deviate from the angle the bone runs at, the more bump steer you will be dealing with. As far as building it, I'd just go with solid bar to keep it simple... It'll be tough to get tubing into that tight of a bend without flattening it out anyway.
If you want the threads inside the tubing, I used 3/4" O.D. x 0.156" wall DOM steel it's about the right size for 1/2" threads. the tapered bung is 2.5" o.d. steel round bar with a hole drilled in it then tapered for a ford tie rod, radius the edges with a grinder. Then braced to your liking and lots of welding.
The Jalopy Journal
