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Borgeson Steering control arm clearance issues

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Old Mar 11, 2019 | 08:02 PM
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Default Borgeson Steering control arm clearance issues

I am hoping for some help here. Recently installed a Borgeson conversion in a 72 Corvette with no issues.
Helping with another install resulted in a lack of clearance between the inner tie rod ends and lower control arms.
We reinstalled the stock box and had plenty of clearance. Borgeson has not been much help. I've done some searching but have not been able to find a viable answer.

Any help, PLEASE



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Old Mar 11, 2019 | 08:25 PM
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Almost looks like the Borgeson is tilted up in the front. Are the shafts aligning straight on the steering
Shaft and the box. Borgeson should step up here if you send them photos.
Keep us posted and good luck.
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Old Mar 12, 2019 | 12:46 PM
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The shafts do not line up as they should but based on what I've read that doesn't appear to be unusual. It was also the case with the first car. I failed to mention in the original post that the clearance issue is also on the right side, not as severe but enough to likely cause problems. That problem also goes away when the stock box is reinstalled
I did contact Borgeson and sent them the pictures. Their response was anything but helpful,
We have seen this from time to time and suggest the following:
1. Remove zerk,
2. Massage the control arms for clearance etc.
3. The problem is with your car not our box.
4. You're check cleared go away
The person I spoke to was an arrogant, irritating individual that acted as though he could care less.
I refuse to butcher up a car to make their box fit leaving a mess for someone else to figure out down the road.
At this point unless someone here can suggest another solution I am leaning towards returning to the factory PS setup as much as I hate to. I could pull the box out of the first car but that is a lot of effort and time to prove what appears to be apparent.
Anybody else ???

Last edited by TJP440; Mar 12, 2019 at 01:16 PM.
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Old Mar 12, 2019 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by TJP440
Their response was anything but helpul
What was their response?
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Old Mar 12, 2019 | 01:01 PM
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Been a few years since I put one on my 75 but I think I had to slightly oversize a couple of holes in the box. If it is easy (and I know it is no fun), pull the Borgeson, trace the mount and holes on cardboard, cut it out and compare to the stock box holes. At least you would have something to compare and send photos to Borgeson. I don't think this is the first time they have screwed up mount plates. Not bad mouthing but chit happens.
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Old Mar 12, 2019 | 02:09 PM
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I agree with Stumpshot, the 2nd pic shows the Borgeson position more on an angle which helps the fitment. I would look at those holes to see why the Borgeson sits more vertical in the 1st pic.

I have a 1980 and installed the Borgeson and had no issues.

Richard
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Old Mar 12, 2019 | 06:26 PM
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Here's a drawing Jim Shea provided a long time ago that you can use to check hole locations. This is the stock Vette box.



Last edited by Kid Vette; Mar 12, 2019 at 06:56 PM.
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Old Mar 12, 2019 | 07:32 PM
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Is the car on the ground, suspension loaded?
I don"t think of it as butchering a car if you are reaming a couple of holes.
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Old Mar 12, 2019 | 08:08 PM
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I will be checking the box tomorrow and will report back. The car is on a lift with the suspension loaded
Thanks to all for the responses

Last edited by TJP440; Mar 12, 2019 at 08:11 PM. Reason: changes
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 04:11 PM
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Sorry it took me a while to get back
By loosening the pitman arm bolts allowing us to reposition it slightly and opening the holes on the borgeson mount a bit we were able to obtain what I feel is adequate clearance. I also wanted to mention we had to use a u-joint to accommodate the shaft misalignment that resulted.
It would be nice if borgeson's support was a bit more helpful.
I do want to thank all that responded.
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