Drag link rubbing on header pipe 360V8

[DMZ73]

Hey guys and gals,

I have a 73 Challenger w/360V8 and Cyclone headers. I noticed this weekend that I have a pretty sizeable wear mark fromt he drag link literally dragging across the top of the bottom tube of the header.
I'd like to clearance it, but hate to have to dismantle the header and pull the steering box...




Any ideas would be appreciated.

Dan

[HP_Cuda]

Pull the drag link push it upwards as far as possible.

Grab a pipe and lay it over the area that is getting wear, hit with heavy hammer to dimple.

Done.

[DMZ73]

Sounds like a plan..
The only issue is the pipe is pretty chewed up. I'm a little weary of breaking through and causing an exhaust leak.
I'll give it a shot.

Dan

[HP_Cuda]

The only other thing I can think of requires the removal of the header and take it down to an exhaust shop.

Good luck!
B

[jhaag]

What about shimming up the steering box? I think others on here have put a washer under the box and raised it a 1/16" or so.

[DMZ73]

It's not pretty.
Looking at the cause of the issue:
I think the  drivers side motor mount broke.
I also think some of  this  was previous wear.  I do have @ 1" of clearance.
Unfortunately there is not a heck of a lot of mat'l left to bang in..

Motor mounts are first.
Then the header fix.
Dan


dmz73

[Chryco Psycho]

I would replace it with a better header that  the steering link doesn't go through,  there are 3 header that are far better made that stay above the steering , TTI , Dougs & Hooker 5115

[DMZ73]

Money doesn't come easy. In an ideal world, yes I'd love some Doug's headers. I struggle with trying to get the car complete...lol


dmz73

[brads70]

You could move the drag link up till you could get better headers?

[Chryco Psycho]

Money doesn't come easy. In an ideal world, yes I'd love some Doug's headers. I struggle with trying to get the car complete...lol


dmz73

I know , I have been there my whole life

[HP2]

If it isn't leaking, perhaps the best approach now is to replace the  motor mount, then shim the box to alter location and leave the header in place as is.

[brads70]

How ironic Dan, I had mine up in the air doing a bolt check when I discovered my header is also rubbing the right side tie rod/drag link. (T/A fast ratio arms) Almost wore right through!    I used an air chisel with a homemade big radius  on a old punch tip. Took 5-10 minutes and I peened the gash shut and made the required clearances. Spray bomb of header paint to touch it up.  All good now.  Sad how poor fitting various Mopar parts are! 
I guess if we wanted "easy" we would have bought a Camaro/Mustang and delivered pizza's! 

[DMZ73]

I replaced the motor mount the other day. It was labor intensive to say the least.
I know the broken motor mount to be the cause of the interference.

Stupid headers make you use Stupid header bolts.

Had to use a mix of ARP bolts, hex head, and mini hex head just to be able to tighten the bolts !

Dan