Steering help, was drunk rednecked together

[Batonveck]

So to start this all off, hello again forum.

And into my issue, I just Pulled the chevota from the field and started the wiring rewire and engine tuning. Now she runs like a top. However the steering arm was bent bad enough that she wouldn't turn far to the left.

I buy the new part, use the vin as refrence and install the arm. However now it doesn't steer at all. I call up the p.o. and he tells me he replaced steering parts.......
But doesn't remember what he replaced. So I come to the experts.
First photo compares the arms, next is full right, then full left and finnally with the steering centered. I am hoping someone with a 71 fj40 can give me measurements from ball joint to ball joint so I can do this right the first time, safely.
Thanks ahead of time.

 

[thebigredrocker]

This pic is on Coolerman's site

My 71 drag link measures 33 3/4" from center of steering gear arm to center of ball joint on "center arm"

Here's what I'm calling center of the steering gear arm

Relay rod measures 33 1/4" center ball to center ball

Looking down on steering arm, tires pointed straight ahead

The tie rod(not pictured) on mine is 47 1/2" from the ball joint centers

 

[thebigredrocker]

I'll call this the steering damper

A good search of center arm info and how to diagnose/rebuild/adjust would be of stuff Mark's Offroad has posted.

Like this

 

[thebigredrocker]

Now get to work

 

[bwalker16527]

Now get to work

Thebigredrocker are you a Sammy Hagar fan? Everytime I see a post from you I want to ask.

 

[Downey]

Since we're talking Chevota, we're not talking purist- - -soooo I smell a Saginaw power conversion in the pipe-line.

 

[thebigredrocker]

@bwalker16527 my handle is sorta meaningless, I was listening to a "live at Red Rock's" album when I joined Woody's Mud Pit.

 

[Batonveck]

Since we're talking Chevota, we're not talking purist- - -soooo I smell a Saginaw power conversion in the pipe-line.

Well, in response to the chvota comment, no no power steering anytime aoon, and I will probably go the fj60 power steering conversion route.

Now onto the issue I found while measuing.....
Steering arm is dead nuts same measurement, sadly I was hoping it was off.
Next was the relay arm, was 3/4 inch off. Not really enough to jump on so I figured I would measure the tie rod and low and behold it was bent. And it was a woping 44 inch's, and thank you big red your photo of the center arm at tires centered. Because the center arm on my truck is 3 inches off. There is the steering mess up right there. And hopefully I can straighten it out enough to use till I can find another

 

[thebigredrocker]

Wow 3 inches different on the tie rods. I'll double check that I didn't screw up that measurement.

 

[Batonveck]

Mine has a nasty bow in it, I mean really bad

 

[Batonveck]

I'll get a photo after work

 

[Batonveck]

wow does time fly, been awhile since i was able to work on the 40 since i started my new job
here's what we found so far,

the tie rod end that connects the relay to tie rod was the wrong style, the p.o. said he changed it for one from a fj55. i ordered the "right" one and received a new rod end that was considerably shorter. i used the receiver hitch on the front of the cruiser to straighten the tie rod out. now however that did not solve all my problems. i did however end up getting a member on here sending me a new tie rod(thanks archie 73)

now the system almost functions but there are issues.

was able to center steering almost well enought to turn left, but still have the not turning as far issue(i belive i just need to remeasure and reassemble a little more to get it right)
the new tierod end dosent seem to sit in the steering arm on the passenger side. i.e. there is some slop or play like it is the wrong size or taper.

and mr archie sent me the measurement of the phsycal rod, his for a 73 is 42.5". whereas the one on my truck is 38
so i am at a loss here are the new measurements and some photos
didnt get a photo of the slop in the tre on the passenger side knuckle. however this truck does have the front disc upgrade and the power brake upgrade if that might help

 

[Batonveck]

here is a pic of the two diffrent tie rod ends, the rusty one i was told was from a fj55
the silver one is the one napa gave me that has the wrong taper? or size?

View attachment 1545300

 

[Batonveck]

rusty one

 

[65swb45]

The one you got from Napa looks a LOT more correct. And it explains why your old rod was so much shorter. You just need to purchase a new lower relay end from a reputable vendor that knows the difference from a lower drag link end.

RULE OF THUMB for adjustment: the trailing end of the center arm (going down to the tires) should be parallel to the frame when A. the tires are pointing straight ahead and B. The steering box is centered. Disconnect both rods from center arm and adjust accordingly.

Best

Mark

www.marksoffroad.net

 

[Batonveck]

BIG THANKS TO ARCHIE73, AND TAPRACKNGO!!!!!!!!

Archie shipped me an old tie rod and the correct tie rod end. now the weird part. here we go.........
on the bright side the rod is 4 inchs longer so i can get some adjustment going!

the truck has a disc brake conversion. and the previous owner remembers nothing about the swap. so flying blind.(can not be mad about the 4 wheel disc brakes and the s10 power brake booster)
the tie rods that fit are about half again bigger then the one i got from archie, conversely napa gave the one that matches.

any help i.d.ing the A) old tie rod and ends, FJ60-62? FJ80? and B) should i find the right arm and go back to stock or should i go ahead and find the right tie rod? only marking on the arm was a L5, on the drivers side, and a L5, maybe a L6

on the passenger side

And my man tap, flat out hooked me up! literal godsend.

he sold me a mint fj40 kayline soft top, and a mint set of soft doors(one zipper is broke but a extremly easy fix. cannot wait to get'er on

 

[65swb45]

If you're saying that the holes in your steering knuckle arms are too big for your tie rod ends, SOR sells a tapered sleeve insert for just that purpose.

 

[Batonveck]

thanks 65swb, that is the next part going on the list. steering is fixed and just took her for a quick toodle around the yard, threw some flattned stapples in next to the tierod end in the steering arm and took the truck to the store and back(except for one spot where i hit ahem, 85 ahem, i kept it under 35 and enjoyed the truck driving for the first time in 10 years