Ok so we set up the model A with stock 46 type stub axels all geometry in alignment was perfect. Alas the powers that be down under require crack testing here , big fail so no real issues on the fail , so rather than spend more $ crack testing we fitted new stubs and bolt on super bell steering arm for Vega cross steer. Awsesome . Not. The bolt on super bell steering arms are 3/4” longer than stock 46 cast in arms . So tie rod ball joint hits pitman arm and drag link hits sump due to the longer arms measuring from backing plate CL to tie rod CL . What am I missing here. ????? Or does someone else make the correct OE length arms of 3 .375 “ measured from backing plate hole Cl to tie rod CL.
Just had a brain fart , now as drag link hits lower hair pin on LH side as we are RHD . Perhaps if we used the tie rod end with the extra eye cast in for drag link , it could ( just maybe) allow enough hair pin clearance and sneak in some sump clearance, though not enough to give 2” plus sump clearance I doubt. As the drag link goes closer to the sump as it goes left and right. Arrghh. Stock shallow drop steering arms with hair pins on a 4” so cal axle. We already have a rear sump Y block and everything fitted perfectly first go round, til super bell entered the picture.
It's always something...I hear your frustration and try to get a technical drawing of the part you are getting ready to buy..... looks like the crack testing paid potential dividends though....it is one thing to loose brakes....you can steer into something to stop......but loose steering....
Never had a problem with the Bell arms, used 100's of pairs in my chassis business? Check Ray at Roadster Supply. He has a lot of right hand steering stuff that I'm sure is cleared for use in your country. Much of it is manufactured by an ex Aussie.
Doesn’t matter LHD or RHD the problem would be the same. We set the car up with stock ford stub axles and all was good with a socal 4” axle . Maybe being naive assuming bolt on super bell steering we the same length as stock ford . If we had used super bell arms from the git go we would have had to either raise the engine up or set it back an inch. If it was remotely possible to get a drawing of the part we would be living the dream .
I'm not pushing Roadster Supply but at the bottom of the page showing each different arm is a drawing with dimensions
Well wow @krylon32 never knew that The actual measurements existed. I have visited the roadster supply folks a couple of times and always found them super helpful. And this proves it. Awesome thanks Gary, you sure know you way around old jalopies.
Allowing for human error the pictures prove it happened. 3.375 is the number that they ( the roadster supply company ) use ,not the incorrect super bell 4.09. I think we will be calling the roadster supply company today. Maybe get the bolt through ones so thread engagement can be easily verified. Probably what our engineers require.
The Jalopy Journal
