[FrankR]

Ok, doesn't look like I'm going to get my questions answered on another thread so I'll ask it here in a suitable forum. I didn't have any luck with the FAQ so here goes.

I am using what I understand is called a drag link suspension. I have a t-bucket frame. I am using a reversed Corvair steering box. I have a bar connecting the two steering arms in front. I have a loop of 5/8" steering loop welded to a plate that bolts to the back of the spindle. I have a drag link connecting to the outer end of this loop to the steering. Very common. Right or wrong, been done many many times.

I recognize the (is it called a tie bar?) connecting the spindles is vulnerable out front like that. I could see hitting a piece of debri on the highway instantly tweaking my suspension to extreme toe-in. I recognize the danger.

What is a better way to do the steering? I don't want to do a rack and pinion. I would prefer to have a traditional look. I am on a budget. I don't know that I have a enough clearance to put the bar behind the axle.

It might look odd, but I thought about flipping spindles so that the steering arms are behind and running the tie bar above the suicide perch.

[Deuce]

Like you said....lots of folks run the same setup.

IF you hit something hard enough to bend the bar....you will most likely have hit something hard enough to damage more than the front bar.

I like the rod behind the axle.....like a 40 Ford....with cross steer...

[Henry Highrise]

I have side steering like that on my 30 Ford coupe, but I have the tie rod behind the axle.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

You can't flip the spindles over (upside down) because of the included angle of the spindle pin bore. But. you can fabricate arms to attach much like your present steering loop. These bolt to the upper spindle holes. Check with Speedway. Somebody used to make them for Chevy spindles, I fabricated my own out of heavy plate when building my daughters "T-bucket" (53 Chevy spindles,tube axle). maybe there are some for fords. The rear tie rod setup also corrects the terrible Ackerman that results from the front tie rod setup.

[Henry Highrise]

Why not just swap the spindles.....put the left on the right, and the right on the left? That should put your tie rod connection arms behind the axle.

[matt167]

probably 95% of all the T buckets I have seen have Suicide front ends ( drag link ). It is the same technology ( basicly ) as your Basic MTD lawn tractor ( with suspension tho ) , it is an old designe that has proven the test of time, and is very simple

[walt]

Originally Posted by BOBCRMAN@aol.com

You can't flip the spindles over (upside down) because of the included angle of the spindle pin bore. But. you can fabricate arms to attach much like your present steering loop. These bolt to the upper spindle holes. Check with Speedway. Somebody used to make them for Chevy spindles, I fabricated my own out of heavy plate when building my daughters "T-bucket" (53 Chevy spindles,tube axle). maybe there are some for fords. The rear tie rod setup also corrects the terrible Ackerman that results from the front tie rod setup.

Bob's right about creating a problem with Ackerman. You have to change the angle of the steering arms coming from the spindles if you want the car to turn correctly. Bad Ackerman will make the outside tire turn sharper than the inside tire which keeps either tire from actually making the car go around a corner. Or something like that.

The position of the pitman arm in relation to the pivot points of the radius rods are also very important to eliminate bump steer, whether you are running a drag link or cross steer.

[FrankR]

I'm not keeping the spindles I have. They have been chromed. I bought them at a swap meet years ago before I learned of the dangers of hydrogen embrittlement. I am open to using another kind of spindle of there are some suggestions.

[walt]

Originally Posted by FrankR

I'm not keeping the spindles I have. They have been chromed. I bought them at a swap meet years ago before I learned of the dangers of hydrogen embrittlement. I am open to using another kind of spindle of there are some suggestions.

Gee........Can I have the chrome ones????? I'm not afraid of hydrogen embrittlement.