How much clearance between torsion bars and tie rods?

[HP2]

The torsion bars run parallel to the ground. The pitman and idler run at an oblique angle to the torsion bar, so lengthening them puts them closer to the t-bar, shortening them moves them away.


The simple answer to get some clearence is to shim the upper bolt of the steering box to move the tie rod away from the t-bar. This also lowers the center link on that side. This solves the interference problems and is recommended in the Chassis Manual for fixing slight differences but does not correct the issue that you have a significant difference in location between the pitman and idler, which should be very close to being in the same plane of operation.


Of course you may just be witnessing a tolerance stack up of any or all of the components. Ex; the steering mount was built a tad high, the ilder mount was built a tad low. The steering box mounting holes are a bit high, the right side motor mount is a bit short, one frame rail is at the end of the spec compared to the other side,etc.

[6packCuda]

Ok. I'll try shimming the gear box like you said and see what happens.

[6packCuda]

I shimmed the upper bolt of the steering box and now have about 1/2" clearance between the torsion bar and tie rod and between the center link and oil pan. I can live with that. Thanks for all the input guys.

[HP2]

Cool. That should put you with about a 1" variance from the pitman to idler. Might still want to look in to that further to understand why there is such a large variance. On my Challenger with the longer fast ratio arms, I've got about 1.5 inches clearence on both sides. I'd recommend making some measurements from the ground to the K frame bolts, ground to some frame locations, ground to motor mounts, things like that to see if things are all on the level. It could be your engine just sits lower than normal, your ppitman as a little high and your idler is a little low. After all, these were mass produced vehicles that are 30+ years old.

To alter the idler location to match the pitman is a much tougher job. You have to remove the idler, slot the mounting hole, then weld a washer to relocate the mounting position.  This is a pain with the engine out, so with the engine in place would be a major hassle.

[autoxcuda]

When I look at the idler it look far away from the T-bar but close to the header. I wonder if someone put another body style idler just to gain header clearance on the passenger side. What brand headers are those.

I was in a rush when I put a 73-76 steering setup in my 68 Baracuda. I grabbed the idler off my 71 Challenger and used it. It would align but the centerlink was not level, about the same as yours. Later I put the right idler on it and everything was fine.

The pitman looks stock length to me. Doesn't mean it the right one for your car though.

Did you buy the car this way??

Some of the Mopar pitmans and idlers are being discountinued. I can see people wanting to cut corners to sell a car or just lazy, substituting "like" parts to get their projects together. With these used hot rods you can't assume anything.

[6packCuda]

When I look at the idler it look far away from the T-bar but close to the header. I wonder if someone put another body style idler just to gain header clearance on the passenger side. What brand headers are those.

I was in a rush when I put a 73-76 steering setup in my 68 Baracuda. I grabbed the idler off my 71 Challenger and used it. It would align but the centerlink was not level, about the same as yours. Later I put the right idler on it and everything was fine.

The pitman looks stock length to me. Doesn't mean it the right one for your car though.

Did you buy the car this way??

Some of the Mopar pitmans and idlers are being discountinued. I can see people wanting to cut corners to sell a car or just lazy, substituting "like" parts to get their projects together. With these used hot rods you can't assume anything.

They're TTI headers and yes, i bought the car this way. I'm content with the clearance I've got now after shimming the box.

[Katfish]

Glad you got it fixed, got any pics of the shimmed box.  I'd like to see what it looks like.

[6packCuda]

My camera is getting repaired right now but it's not a spot that I can really get a pic. of anyway.