Are These Steering Arms Timed Correctly?

Tom Bowman · May 28, 2014

I tried to follow the instructions in the Shop Manual, and I have both sides in this position (looks pretty close to the photo on the Manual):

If this is correct, then my drag links/steering tubes are too long: with the ends screwed all the way in, so the tubes are as short as possible, my front wheels are still "toed-out", rather than "toed-in."

Before I rebuilt the front end, I blamed the problem on worn out pivot pin/bushing, front spindles/bushings, etc., all of which I replaced.

Now I think a Previous Owner may have replaced the tubes with ones that are too long - mine are about 34 7/8", and I think I may need the 32 3/4" length.

Has anyone else run into this?

Tom H. · May 29, 2014

Your steering position looks correct. I just measured my tie
rod tube and it is 34 1/4. In. You may be able to cut some of
yours off to make them work. Also there are some listed on
flea bay.

maxwell99 · May 29, 2014

these pictures are from a TO-35, so they may be a little different.

I would say based on these pictures your steering box arms need to be adjusted farther back!!

note amount of adjustment threads left on steering rods, wheels are straight forward at this point.

*****do not get those steering box gears too tight!!!!!

miner09 · May 29, 2014

Did you remove the axles? When you say toe-out is it very much? If axle is on wrong side the top arms will be off.

Dan S (NY) · May 29, 2014

I assume you have the spindles on the correct sides or you would have massive amounts of toe-out. How much toe out do you have? If its only a little, I would do as Tom suggested and cut a small amount off each end of the tubes assuming you already have the draglink ends screwed in so far that no threads are showing. The threads go pretty deep into the tube so it shouldn't be a problem to lose a half inch or less. I have had to cut some length off a new draglink end because it was longer than the original and I couldn't get the threads in the tube cleaned that far down to screw it in far enough to set the correct toe-in.

Dan

Tom Bowman · May 29, 2014

Thanks, guys.

I had the spindles and axles off, and everything is back on the correct side. (The casting numbers on the axle extensions even include "LH" and "RH" - thanks, Harry!)

Steve@Advance · May 29, 2014

According to the IT Shop Manual, the pittman arms
are in the correct position. Said with the steering
centered, the ends of the arms should line up with
the trunion arm ball socket, just as they appear in
the picture.

Looks like the drag links are from another model
and need to be cut down a little. I would cut some
out of the middle, stay away from the threaded
ends.

Tom Bowman · May 30, 2014

Thanks, Steve.

I ordered a pair of the shorter drag link tubes - if I like the way they fit, I'll keep them, and sell the too-long pair.

If the new ones aren't right, I'll send 'em back, and have my Welder Guy cut down the old, too-long pair.

Are These Steering Arms Timed Correctly?

Tom Bowman

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Tom H.

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maxwell99

Well-known Member

miner09

Well-known Member

Dan S (NY)

Well-known Member

Tom Bowman

Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Tom Bowman

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