Steering linkage adjustment after reinforcement (1 Viewer)

[donnerpassing]

I just welded up my frame cracks, added the rampt customs reinforcing plates, and upgraded to a 105 shaft steering box. Definitely sticks out a bit further.

Now that it’s going back together, I’m wondering if I should add the width of the outer plate to the tie rod end measurement for the relay rod to keep everything in line?

Super excited to be back on the road, just crossing my t’s and dotting my i’s before I give it some test drives. Appreciate all the input as always

 

[ajax1]

Sounds like yes you will probably need to adjust the relay rod, maybe turn on each rod end on the relay, with everything centered.

 

[donnerpassing]

Bump for interest! Having a really hard time figuring out where to add length, it feels like I’m about to drive in two directions at once when I give it a test drive

 

[NeverFinis]

Ajax1 already gave the answer.

Yes, you will need to adjust the steering relay rod until your steering wheel is centered while your wheels are straight. It is like a 5 minute job.

Your tie rod shouldn't have to be touched, unless it was originally out of spec.

 

[donnerpassing]

So much was out of spec, tie rod ends were completely toast, different thread measurements on either side, and with the added variable of the outside plate under the box, it’s like throwing another variable into the mix and starting to align/get the wheels straight from scratch.

I’ll extend the pitman arm side tomorrow and see if it does the trick, I appreciate the pointers everyone

 

[CharlieS]

A pair of alignment plates and two measuring tapes makes it easy to set up the front suspension on the 80.

 

[NeverFinis]

I bought a set of TMR alignment plates: and it was really easy to set toe in correctly.

I took my truck to an alignment shop after, and toe-in was confirmed to be set perfectly by the alignment plates.

I’ll extend the pitman arm side tomorrow and see if it does the trick, I appreciate the pointers everyone

When you rotate the steering relay rod, both ends move, not just one end. Both tie rod ends on the steering relay rod should have equal threads showing.

One thread is right handed, and the other is left handed. Rotating the steering relay rod will either extend or shorten the entire steering relay rod assembly. You need to extend the length of the steering relay rod assembly by the thickness of the plate you added.

What I did was drive down a straight road, and marked the top of the steering wheel with tape. I used a piece of blue tape with a black line to do this.

Let's say you marked a spot that was at approximately 11 o'clock, but is now at 12 o'clock due to steering wheel not being centered.

Now you need to adjust the steering relay rod until that marked tape is back at 11 o'clock.

Repeat as necessary.

Whatever you do, do not pull the steering wheel to center the steering wheel.

 

[donnerpassing]

I bought a set of TMR alignment plates: and it was really easy to set toe in correctly.

I took my truck to an alignment shop after, and toe-in was confirmed to be set perfectly by the alignment plates.



When you rotate the steering relay rod, both ends move, not just one end. Both tie rod ends on the steering relay rod should have equal threads showing.

One thread is right handed, and the other is left handed. Rotating the steering relay rod will either extend or shorten the entire steering relay rod assembly. You need to extend the length of the steering relay rod assembly by the thickness of the plate you added.

What I did was drive down a straight road, and marked the top of the steering wheel with tape. I used a piece of blue tape with a black line to do this.

Let's say you marked a spot that was at approximately 11 o'clock, but is now at 12 o'clock due to steering wheel not being centered.

Now you need to adjust the steering relay rod until that marked tape is back at 11 o'clock.

Repeat as necessary.

Whatever you do, do not pull the steering wheel to center the steering wheel.

I appreciate the in depth explanation @NeverFinis , your explanation made it way easier to understand. I’ve been measuring each rod end by thread INDIVIDUALLY and didn't know the design spun them both out. Makes me feel like an idiot .

I think I’ll go snag some angle iron tomorrow on my way to my garage, give this all a try and report back, thank you! Mud prevails again

 

[bj70bc]

pipe wrench on the rod....

 

[mudgudgeon]

and with the added variable of the outside plate under the box, it’s like throwing another variable into the mix

It's really not though. Just ignore it. The steering system doesn't know you've added a plate to the frame, so no need for you to over think it

If you've replaced tie rod ends, start from the beginning and check/reset all of it.

- park it wheels pointing straight
- check pitman arm is centred ( if not, address this first).
- set toe in
- adjust drag link so you have wheels pointing straight ahead with pitman arm centred
- check steering wheel is centred. ( it should be, unless someone has previously shifted it on the splines to hide a misaligned steering system.

 

[donnerpassing]

Worked out great thanks to everyone’s suggestions. Honestly, I think I kind of psyched myself out.

Went 1/8” toe in, but still tracking a little funky so may go in a bit more before going in for an alignment. Thanks everyone

 

[mudgudgeon]

Worked out great thanks to everyone’s suggestions. Honestly, I think I kind of psyched myself out.

Went 1/8” toe in, but still tracking a little funky so may go in a bit more before going in for an alignment. Thanks everyone

An alignment is not going to do anything you didn't just do, except give you a read out.

 

[NeverFinis]

An alignment is not going to do anything you didn't just do, except give you a read out.

I agree with this. I also wanted to know my caster but the shop I went to didn't have that capability.

In the end, $129 flushed...it did confirm my toe-in was good, but then they put my steering wheel off center.

I asked them beforehand if they would center the steering wheel and they said yes. It was almost spot on, but why not have it perfect?

A very tall dude even showed me the tool they used. It hooks onto the steering wheel and sits on the driver's seat. He pulled it off a high shelf. The much shorter dude doing the alignment said, "oh, that is where that is.."

I assume he did the alignment without it...and he just estimated centering the steering wheel as he pulled the truck into the alignment bay.

I recentered the steering wheel the following day.

 

[bj70bc]

arent the pro's great.....