Crossover Steering clearance.

[ripperoo187]

So I just installed crossover steering. Works fine, I did notice my tie rod is really close to my engine cross-member. As in less than an inch, the tie rod is straight. Can I clearance the cross member with a grinder or is that an unsafe practice. I know of the other solutions, bigger lift, bent tie rod and such. I just wanted to know others opinions on the matter. Right now I am running 4 inches up front.

 

[rebelgregory]

I'd get a bent drag link from ORD. don't know if they sell them separately, but I bet they would. How much clearance you need is a function of how hard you're going to flex it.

I say buy a bent drag link. It's the easier/more correct solution.

 

[dremu]

Assuming it's a stock crossmember, go to one of the aftermarket high-clearance units for this very purpose.

I thought Kert had or was going to have one but I don't see it on his web page http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?route=product/category&path=34

ORD has one, this I know 'cuz I bought one: http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/enginecrossmember.htm

Also, while it's down, do the poly motor mounts from either vendor. It's easy peasy while you're there are nets you SOOO much more room to work on stuff.

The thing with the bent draglink is you don't get hyper accurate adjustment -- you can only turn in 360* increments, full turns, since the bend has to face a certain way.

-- A

 

[496truck]

You can also disco one of the drag link ends and give just the end a full turn. That would net you the same result as half turn of the link tube. If you needed to get that accurate with it. Just throwin that out there.