[Rick 5150 69]

Hi guys, have problem with steering, 37 ford coupe, super bell weed eater axle, purchased the car as such, the vega box is mounted in parallel line with the column, ? is, shouldn`t the box be mounted so that the pitman shaft is a 90 degree plane to the axle so that the pitman arm is 2 degrees plus or minus in parallel relationship to the drag link centerline, also the vega box came in two configurations a quick ratio used on the monzas and vega gt and standard ratio, any body out there know the part #, this also may be part of he problem I`m having if it has a quick ratio box. Rick

[trees]

Should be very easy to tell if it is a quick ratio. Just turn it from stop to stop. If it is near 3 turns, it's quick. 4+ turns would be more normal.

Trees

[Rick 5150 69]

Thanks Tree, never did realize that or give it much thought, now I need some insight on the first portion of the ? . The way they have mounted the box does not seem to give correct steering geometry or is it just my way of thinking? With the box mounted in line with the column, the pitman are was heated and bent upward, upon pitman shaft rotation will cause the pitman arm to swing in an arc as opposed to side to side as intended! Rick

[Deuce]

A lot of rodders have this problem because their tires are too large (wide) or more common...........they have way too much offset on the front rims.

Positive offset causes hard steering on non-power steering vehicles.

A small steering wheel also reduces the leverage.

There are a number of factors that can cause your problem......



.

[Rick 5150 69]

Ok, given the fact that it has 195/60-15 on it, probably has some to do with it, but it has neg offset wheels, Amer torq thrst, alignment has been done, I have put close to 8,000 mi this yr and no more than average tire wear, next I guess I`ll pull the box and check for wear and lube, and check for binding rod ends, if that is good then I will remount the steering box so that the pitman shaft will reside in a position 90 degrees to the axle so that the arm is not swinging in an arch, that will also open up room for block hugger headers! Rick