quote:Originally posted by Edge:
Randy.
The reason I used a tie rod end rather than a ball joint is that I wanted the ¾” UNF male thread.
This is so I could set it up with our “quick turn” adjuster nuts of the same size.
So to adjust camber I don’t need to pull it apart & rotate the joint.
I just back off the lock nut, turn the adjuster nut & it cranks the top joint in & out.
(Can do a similar thing with the rear pivot point joint & obtain some caster adjustment without having to use shims).
The internal construction of an automotive ball joint & tie rod end is the same.
The only down side to reaming the top of the upright may be the hole may end up too big & the taper pin sits into the hole too far.
Not 100% sure on that as it was a while ago that I did the job.
Yes you’re right; there is at least a 1 degree taper difference.
Here is a picture of my new lower arms.
Dimensionally pretty much the same, just made out of tube & better quality material, as well as being a much stronger construction.
The only real difference is the sway bar mount point as my car is now running a race car type splined bar with alloy lever arms & drop links.
Regards,
Tony.
Hi Tony thanks for the reply, that's a great idea to use the tie rod end for adjust ability.....I was just concerned about durability. You might be right about the reaming causing the pin to be a little deeper in the upright. I think it would be a very small amount maybe .020 or so. Do you think that would have an adverse effect on strength or just range of motion? You mentioned in an earlier post making longer arms with an upright that has more KPI to obtain less scrub. I have been considering using the Wilwood Pro Spindle, it has 11 degrees of KPI vs 8 for the Pantera spindle and has a standard taper for ball joints. The Wilwood spindle is very close dimensionally to the Pantera and the steering arms are reversable to help with rack location. I have not purchased wheels yet so this is a clean sheet design as far as offset etc. Your steering rack and lower arms are awesome as well. I am looking into a custom rack also. I really appreciate your thoughts and input as well as others on this forum.
Thanks again, Randy