Thread: '23 bucket with bump steer

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Hey guys---I helped a friend put a rack and pinion steering on a model A pickup last year. The rack mounts to the rear of the axle, and yes there is a splined coupler between the shaft going into the rack and the shaft coming down from the steering wheel. As the axle moves up and down, the splined shaft slides in and out of the coupler. It really don't move very much---a maximum total travel "in and out" of less than 3/16". The shaft coming out of the rack is tipped up about 10 degrees, and the shaft that leads up to it and the splined coupler is angled down at the front about the same amount, with the end closest to the car passing thru a support bearing., then two universal joints and intermediate shafts up to the steering wheel.

One thing that Total Performance does that I don't trust is the "thread cutting bolts" they use to fasten key items like coil over brackets. A couple of years ago I had Mickey deliver a T bucket kit to Daytona for me, and he and I talked about these bolts. I realize he is using them so he can market the T kit to guys who can build it without welding equipment, but these things are downright dangerous in my opinion. I really like Mickey, and he took the time to explain to me how these bolts cut special threads into the frame rails and secure very well, but we took one look at them and have to disagree with him. After all, the wall thickness of his frames is only 1/8 inch, and even if it were 3/16 like my frame, there just isn't enough thread area to hold these critical items on securely.

My Son tells me he has seen posts on other forums about these bolts coming loose, and I am not surprised. But like I said, Mickey is trying to build a T bucket for the masses, and feels this bolt together system allows anyone to construct a rod.

Every time I look at the bolts I threw in my bolt box, I wonder why I am keeping them because they will never go on any car I build. Maybe I'll use them to fasten the rear view mirror.


Don

My ''T'' has a tube axle with the spring behind the axle. Does anybody have a plan on how to build a panhead bar???? Also where do you place it?? Or where to buy one @????Does anybody have pictures of one on A ''T'' . Sounds like that is what I need.............Thank You.........

Originally Posted by DennyW

Yeah Don. On my 34 Chevy (ford powered) truck, I want to keep it pretty much stock working in the steering department. I want to keep the side link look. The stock one of course was mounted on the frame, but with the motor situation now, I was planning on redesigning a s10 type steering box on a plate setup, and still keeping the side link. I have a 3 bolt, and a 4 bolt box. Suggestions maybe on that ?

Denny: I'm sorry I missed this post. You and I must have been typing at the same time.

Does your Chevy truck have the two parallel springs like stock? I'm not sure if the Vega style box can be mounted to run the side drag link. I just have never played with one. Can you post a picture of your set up, and maybe we or someone else on here will be able to come up with something for you.


Don

Sorry Denny, I never have. Sounds like you have it sorted out though.


Don

My dad's T did this. I suspect it was beause the REAR panhard bar (on the rear axle) was connected to the opposite rail the steering box was on. I understand this is a no-no. He sold the car before changing it, so well never know...

Originally Posted by DennyW

Yeah Don. On my 34 Chevy (ford powered) truck, I want to keep it pretty much stock working in the steering department. I want to keep the side link look. The stock one of course was mounted on the frame, but with the motor situation now, I was planning on redesigning a s10 type steering box on a plate setup, and still keeping the side link. I have a 3 bolt, and a 4 bolt box. Suggestions maybe on that ?

Take a look at the Borgeson site.

They have photos of a lot of different steering boxes.

More than likely you'll see something you can use.