Borgeson steering upgrade
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
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From: San Jose CA
Borgeson steering upgrade
I am going to start in on a Borgeson steering upgrade on my '77. The instructions that come with the kit and also on their website are not illustrated, I remember seeing somewhere a detailed set of instructions with photos, but I can't find it anywhere. Does anyone know where it might be?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
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From: San Jose CA
Ahh I think I found it: http://tinyurl.com/mk9l635
But another question, after doing this does the front end need to be re-aligned?
But another question, after doing this does the front end need to be re-aligned?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 295
Likes: 18
From: Easton Massachusetts
Ahh I think I found it: http://tinyurl.com/mk9l635
But another question, after doing this does the front end need to be re-aligned?
But another question, after doing this does the front end need to be re-aligned?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Ahh I think I found it: http://tinyurl.com/mk9l635
But another question, after doing this does the front end need to be re-aligned?
But another question, after doing this does the front end need to be re-aligned?
It won't affect how the car tracks, but your steering wheel will no longer be straight and your box won't be at the center point of the shaft when going straight. So if that happens to you as well, yes, you'll need a realignment to basically shift both tie rods equally in the direction the center link was off.
I'm sure if you did some good measurements you could avoid it.
Luckily, it will only impact toe settings and most shops can do this without blinking.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Just a heads up, first I am happy with the Borgeson steering box but last week my alternator belt came apart taking the A/C and power steering belt with it. Yes it made a bang but the worst part is there is no steering when the pump is out of action. Fortunately it happened 200 meters from home and with the car moving I could barley steer it. Now when the car is not rolling there is no steering it. The stock system and even with a rack you can steer even if the power is out.
Just keep that in mind.
Just keep that in mind.
Last edited by Bangkok Dean; Feb 19, 2015 at 02:20 AM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: Pequannock NJ
I'm just finishing up the installation on the Borgeson in my '80. I'm planning on getting an alignment done simply because the instructions state that it should be done once the new system is in place.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
Likes: 82
From: San Jose CA
Just a heads up, first I am happy with the Borgeson steering box but last week my alternator belt cam apart taking the A/C and power steering belt with it. Yes it made a bang but the worst part is there is no steering when the pump is out of action. Fortunately it happened 200 meters from home and with the car moving I could barley steer it. Now when the car is not rolling there is no steering it. The stock system and even with a rack you can steer even if the power is out.
Just keep that in mind.
Just keep that in mind.
Samdjr74: right you are it does say that at the end of the instruction page, dohh!
Last edited by Jim__H; Feb 16, 2015 at 10:56 AM.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Didn't it say in the instructions to change the Caster to a -5 degrees, or was that a plus? Yes, it will wear the tires faster, But man does it handle in the curves. Love the new feeling, of the Borg. ( old non power trucks were almost impossible to turn, when they were not moving, back in the forties & fifties.) I hate to be able to remember that far back. LOL Gene
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
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From: San Jose CA
Didn't it say in the instructions to change the Caster to a -5 degrees, or was that a plus? Yes, it will wear the tires faster, But man does it handle in the curves. Love the new feeling, of the Borg. ( old non power trucks were almost impossible to turn, when they were not moving, back in the forties & fifties.) I hate to be able to remember that far back. LOL Gene
It is recommended to get a complete alignment. We recommend increasing caster to 3-4 degrees positive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Maybe someone could try turning the wheel with the motor off and see if they can turn the wheel in the stationary position?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 295
Likes: 18
From: Easton Massachusetts
Like I said if the car is rolling you can manhandle it but stopped it is like it is locked up. Where the stock system or a rack and pinion you are able to turn the wheel when stopped.Note I have 255/45/18 front tires.
Maybe someone could try turning the wheel with the motor off and see if they can turn the wheel in the stationary position?
Maybe someone could try turning the wheel with the motor off and see if they can turn the wheel in the stationary position?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
Likes: 82
From: San Jose CA
Like I said if the car is rolling you can manhandle it but stopped it is like it is locked up. Where the stock system or a rack and pinion you are able to turn the wheel when stopped.Note I have 255/45/18 front tires.
Maybe someone could try turning the wheel with the motor off and see if they can turn the wheel in the stationary position?
Maybe someone could try turning the wheel with the motor off and see if they can turn the wheel in the stationary position?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
I remember my stock system being a bear to turn when the engine was off. The Borg box feels pretty similar.
The Borg Box will naturally be a bit heavier because there's less gear advantage between the box and the linkage. You're going from 16:1 to 12.7:1. This is why it offers the heavier feel. You may be able to get a box setup for 14:1 if the 12.7:1 is too heavy.
The Borg Box will naturally be a bit heavier because there's less gear advantage between the box and the linkage. You're going from 16:1 to 12.7:1. This is why it offers the heavier feel. You may be able to get a box setup for 14:1 if the 12.7:1 is too heavy.