Steering Arms

[racephotoman]

This may be premature, but I just installed the steering arms. I have the steering column installed and basically turned the steering (wheel) to be in the middle for an approx. maximum 1 1/2 turns to the left and right (to establish the steering rack's center?). So the steering rack is approx. in the middle. I then eyeballed the front spindles, again eyeballed, believed pretty straight, and finally installed the steering arms. The problem for me is that one arm is further threaded in the steering rack than the other arm (see photos). Again, assuming all my "by eye" setups are pretty close to center, I would think both arms would be in the steering rack's threaded portion close to even. Is this a problem, normal? I'm concerned since the passenger side's threading rod is probably only 3/4" into the steering arm, and I worried about the steering loads. Maybe this is normal and just don't worry, or are longer (better) arms are available to work around this problem. Again, I'm far from a real alignment, but my eyes again have always been pretty good in spotting mis-alignments. Any and all advise is truly appreciated.
Despite several issues popping up, having a ball building the car up! And the forum is great tool-thanks!

8270582706

Walter

[JimLev]

Have you read this, the part about the front suspension. The starting dimensions are different that what's in the manual.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?3339-Do-it-yourself-alignment

Mine are pretty close to even after using the info in the link.

[myjones]

You need to back up the shots so we can see all the parts in place. You may have some of the bushing barrels flipped which
will move their center to center pivot dimensions. There are a few things like that we can look at in those bigger pics.
HTH
Dale

[racephotoman]

Here are several more images - I hope they help point out something I did wrong (or right). This is a manual rack, but sort of remember adding longer threaded end rods to the power steering rack I purchased when building my Mk4 - Is it also possibly the same deal, just swap out the ends even though nothing is mentioned to do so. Everyone thank you so far!

Walter
828378283882839828408284182842

[myjones]

Walter
Nothing jumped at me from those pics but they don't show what I thought might be the cause.
For clarity;
Where the arms attach to the frame tabs there are bushings, those bushing brackets have an ear on them.
The bushing brackets have a long end and a short end so the bolt hole is slightly off-center. If they are not all turned
the proper way per the pics in the manual they center to center distance for those bolts will vary and that might
be causing the difference in thread engagement. Take a look at that area.
Dale

[AJT '33]

This may be premature, but I just installed the steering arms. I have the steering column installed and basically turned the steering (wheel) to be in the middle for an approx. maximum 1 1/2 turns to the left and right (to establish the steering rack's center?). So the steering rack is approx. in the middle. I then eyeballed the front spindles, again eyeballed, believed pretty straight, and finally installed the steering arms. The problem for me is that one arm is further threaded in the steering rack than the other arm (see photos). Again, assuming all my "by eye" setups are pretty close to center, I would think both arms would be in the steering rack's threaded portion close to even. Is this a problem, normal? I'm concerned since the passenger side's threading rod is probably only 3/4" into the steering arm, and I worried about the steering loads. Maybe this is normal and just don't worry, or are longer (better) arms are available to work around this problem. Again, I'm far from a real alignment, but my eyes again have always been pretty good in spotting mis-alignments. Any and all advise is truly appreciated.
Despite several issues popping up, having a ball building the car up! And the forum is great tool-thanks!

8270582706

Walter

We measured ours and both measure approximately 2-1/4", I will try and remember to take pics tonight and post them for your reference.

[Arrowhead]

I wouldn't do anything with your tie rods until you have the fully weighted car on the ground at ride height and your caster and camber adjusted first. Only then will will everything be lined up to adjust your tie rods.

[HVACMAN]

Here are several more images - I hope they help point out something I did wrong (or right). This is a manual rack, but sort of remember adding longer threaded end rods to the power steering rack I purchased when building my Mk4 - Is it also possibly the same deal, just swap out the ends even though nothing is mentioned to do so. Everyone thank you so far!

Walter
828378283882839828408284182842

Arrowhead is right. I did a rough alignment on mine a couple of months ago. Here is what they look like after the alignment. 8286882869 Looks familiar doesn't it.