jusplainwacky

I just COMPLETELY rebuilt my steering box/column and followed the ST-12 procedure....finding the center (2 1/4 turns), adjusting the lash, etc...and put it back in my car.

According to the procedure, when the drag-link is set correctly, the 3rd arm should be straight (see picture below). The problem is, I ran out of adjustment on my link...and the drag-link needs to be "shorter". If you look closely, my 3rd arm is pointing slightly towards the drivers rear.

I would think that that drag-link would have allow plenty of adjustment around the center position of the 3rd arm...but that's not the case here.

Is this a unique problem to me or inherent in these cars? I'm thinking my only option maybe to cut down the drag-link.

Thoughts anyone?

AZDoug

Is the arm dropping down from the steering box on the roller shaft in the correct position?

I don't recall if those could only go on one way, or not.

Doug

jusplainwacky

The arm will only go on one way in the down position...so that's not it.

jusplainwacky

Here are some other pictures I took with the steering wheel centered. These show you were the positions are.

My only other question is could I have an incorrect drag-link...say off a passenger car....but I kind of doubt that. Or could my 3rd arm be bent...which doesn't look like it to me and not sure how one can tell.

AZDoug

From memory, I think the passenger car drag link center adjusting sleeve was longer than the Corvette adjusting sleeve; just as a thought.

Doug

rongold

Tom would know---TOM, WHERE ARE YOU ???? (SHOUTING) !!!

jimh_1962

I have a complete setup in my garage which is taken off of (third arm, bracket, drag link and pitman arm). I can do some measuring if you want. Just let me know...

jusplainwacky

Hey Jim...actually I'd like to know what is the total length of your Drag Link?

I'm not sure what measurements to look for to see what is off.

62corvette

What are the lengths of each end of the drag link? The Corvette has one long and one short, while the passenger car has two short ones.

62corvette

What are the lengths of each end of the drag link? ( unthreaded portion) The Corvette has one long and one short, while the passenger car has two short ones.

jusplainwacky

Long 5 1/8
Short 4 1/8
Middle 3

MrPbody

This is the one I took off my 62. the wheel was centered when going straight down the road. note that virtually all the adjustment is used up however.



Russ

K2

Here is one more thing to check. Check that the drag link internal components are assembled in the correct sequence and configuration. The ST12 shows how they should be correctly assembled.

Plasticman

My Drag link "center to center" (center of Pitman arm ball to center of 3rd arm ball) measures 9.25".

Plasticman

jusplainwacky

The drag-link is assembled correctly.

I'll check the center-to-center tomorrow.

I'm surprised that these drag links have to be pretty much "compressed" to get the alignment right...one would think there would be plenty of adjustment to the right/left center of the 3rd arm.

Can anyone think of a way to ensure my 3rd arm isn't bent? I have heard they can be bent, but mine "visually" looks fine. I would think it would be harder then hell to bend one...but what do I know.

Plasticman

As for a possibly bent 3rd arm, think visual comparison with a known good one would be the best way. They have "odd" bends that make measurement over the internet difficult. I might have one in storage, but I can't vouch that it is "pure" of untoward bends.

Plasticman

jusplainwacky

Maybe somehow make a template from one...but even that would be challenging.

mashinter

The overall length of my draglink is 13-1/8.

All original and undamaged parts on this car, installed and adjusted so that 3rd arm and steering wheel are on-center.

jusplainwacky

13 1/8"...as you can see from mine, I have 12 3/4" and I have to go even smaller to get the 3rd arm straight...perhaps 12 1/2".
This is very strange to me.

jusplainwacky

I have a "theory" on what might be going on...let me toss it out to you guys.

As I mentioned, I rebuilt my whole steering including a new worm gear and shaft.

There is a "peak" resistance point on the worm gear that is supposed to be maximum resistance when the wheel is centered. However, when I rebuilt mine, my peak resistance was not on center...it was about 1/4 turn to the RIGHT.

I talked to Joe Calcagno (wrote the instructions that corvette central supplies with their kits) and he said he was aware of the peak resistance not being "on center". However, I haven't spoken to him about this.

If I were to move my steering wheel to the point of "peak resistance"....my 3rd arm would be centered...in fact, the way I have the drag-link currently adjusted, I'd probably have to lengthen it.

When I set the center of the steering shaft...I moved the steering wheel all the way to the left, then to the right...counted 4 1/2 turns then backed of 2 1/4 turns and marked the shaft. I repeated this probably 3 times just to make sure I had the center correct.

So, could this have something to do with the worm gear??

I think the first thing to figure out is if my pitman arm is in the right spot (is it too far forward or back)....so maybe someone can give me a measurement from the ball to some reference point on the frame and I'll compare mine. I'm thinking the pitman arm maybe too far forward.