Pitman arm issue

[shempthebat]

I'm just starting on this project and noticed an alignment problem with the drag link. The pitman arm is contacting the torsion bar. Do I have a miss-matched combination of parts?

 

[Challenger RTA]

Of the top of my head. The tie rod ends from center to center are about 12". I see TA box. The original steering link did not have a equal length idler arm.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Go through this thread and read. steering center link challenge '73 Challenger Some info here.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Do you know the what year K frame you have? E body only , the steering box mount is different on B body cars

 

[shempthebat]

Thanks for the help. Mine is #52. The driver's side inner tie rod is rubbing on the torsion bar, and the drag link is not parallel to the ground.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Look at the rear torsion member mount. There know to give away when their rusted.

 

[Challenger RTA]

drag link is not parallel to the ground.

That helps to understand your problem. Back to my firs thought. Tie round ends should be about 12". Make all 4 tie rod ends equal count the threads and make equal. Check that might be the wrong sleeve. The center to center distance on the drag link is 21"

 

[Challenger RTA]

To close out this thread the problem has been resolved. It appears that the pitman arm was off one tooth. When i moved the pitman arm, the tie rod sleeves became even, the steering angle is now the same side to side. Furthermore, with the increased positive caster, the car now drives almost perfect.

thanks all who helped provide information to help me trouble shoot this installation!

Check this too.

 

[shempthebat]

After finding that someone assembled the ball joints without the dust boots installed, it would be wise for me to go over everything and start from scratch.