Steering Problems

gmclassic · Post by **gmclassic** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 10:20 pm

What is the go with replacement Drag link/steering connecting rod.
When my FB was rebuilt I installed a HR Disc front end with all the steering using the stock FB box/column fitted with the HR Pitman arm to HR steering parts. At the time I got a rebuilt drag link, (looks like they cut the bottom out replaced the ball joint & re welded) This was fine for a few years however now the steering has more play than is safe & on checking it is the ball joint directly connected to the pitman arm that has worn.
Maybe it was just a dud in the beginning. Is there another alternative or who else reconditions or sells drag links.

Trev · Post by **Trev** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:12 pm

I've got a hr front end but it still uses the ek tube drag link, no prob's 4 years down the track,
Trev

mrs ratbox · Post by **mrs ratbox** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 5:48 pm

not real sure of the setup in the van i bought, all i know is that it's got HKTG steering colum and box (never seen this before) and i'm guessing HD/HR steering components but it's by far the best steering FB/EK i've driven bar maybe the V8 ute we did with a rack

reddo · Post by **reddo** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:40 pm

Hi gmclassic

I have just gone through installing a disc brake front end in my EK ute. You cannot use the Hr drag links and pitman arm as the middle section of the hr links hits the grey motor sump before you get full lock on the steering.
HR drag link is offset forward. FB/EK tube is straight and clears the grey motor sump no worries. Can use HR links with red motor conversion with EH sump and oil pick up.
Some of the slop in the steering can be taken up by removing the split pin in the end of the drag link tube and tightening the crew in a turn of two to ad pressure on the spring that pushes on the pitman arm ball.

Dont try and take up slack steering by adjusting the screw in the steering box. it is probably already half worn out and you will only ad to wearing it out quicker by tightening it down further. OK ... you might get away with slight adjustment but dont try and solve wandering steering by winding the guts out of the screw.

hope this helps
Reddo

gmclassic · Post by **gmclassic** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 6:10 pm

Thanks Reddo My FB does have the Red Mtr conversion & your right I am also wary of over adjusting the steering box & have got hold of another so after I tighten the various steering nuts I will be pulling the whole front end out to re-paint & select the best box to hopefully eliminate the wandering.