Posted by ken (32.102.155.191) on April 30, 2001 at 01:35:45:
In Reply to: headers and power steering posted by Skippy on April 29, 2001 at 19:47:14:
Anyone been thru this ?? Also-the rubber bushing that goes on that bracket, are they available new anywhere?? Thanks for any help !!
Skip,I just took my long tube Hedmons off and the fabricated bracket. There should not be a problem lowering the cylinder the extra amount.
If you take a look at the cylinder mounting you can see that the steering linkage connecting to the steering box and to the spindles willnot be altered
by dropping the end of the cylinder. Just as always one should never overdo these changes.
I made my bracket to accept a female rod end that screws onto the end of the cylinder shaft with lock nut, and bolts to the frame mount.
The dropping mount is fabbed oversize from 2x2x 1/4 angle,5" long so extra mounting bolts could be used. The drop part is from flame cut 1/4" flat stock.
Have the dropping mount fabbed at a metal shop so the welding is first rate and fitted so there is no unintended angles etc.
Use at least grade 5 fine thread bolts with lock washers and self holding nuts.
My mount has never given a problem in the five years of use. Remeber that a dropped mount for this purpose will have a lot of extra push & pull on it due to the extra length so the extra mounting area
on the frame will hold better without flex.
The rod end will add some firmness over rubber mounting as the control valve ball is mounted between two springs in order to signal the cylinder weather to extend or retract
when the steering wheel is turned and this in itself causes a soft feeling and delayed response. So the firm mounting in place of rubber helps.
The rod end can be found in the Summit catalog on page 200.
Do these mods with material and saftey in mind.
Hope your question is answered.
Good luck.
Ken