Fast ratio pitman and idler arms and headers

[usraptr]

Okay, first of all I'm sorry for digging up an old subject.  However, I did a search and couldn't find a definitive answer. Some posts say they will work while others say they wont'.  Most posts are in regards to PS, if that makes a deference.  "Fern" had an old post in Feb of 2015 in which he said he was going to run 2" TTI headers with fast ratio arms in the Spring, but I couldn't find a f/u as to how it went.  Anyway, I'm in the middle of rebuilding my front suspension/steering components.  '70 'Cuda with MANUAL steering and 440 engine.  I recently bought the 16.1 ratio manual steering box that Year One sells .  I'm considering buying the  Proforged Fast Ratio Pitman and Idler Arm Kits (116-10026) that Summit sells.  Before I pay almost $200 for this set up, I'd like to know if they will work with 2" TTI, Dougs or any other brand headers for that matter??  It seems, from old posts, that some say they won't work with the 1 7/8" headers but may work with the 2" because they are routed differently.  Any feedback from those who have tried these combinations with manual steering, or knows somebody who has, would be greatly appreciated.

[Fern]

I did a lot of research on this subject and never got a straight answer. The only thing I found is that 2" TTI headers might work, but TTI says it wont. I never got an answer,  so not sure if anyone ever tried this set up.
I ended up keeping the original manifolds.
Good luck.

[usraptr]

Thanks Fern.  It's much appreciated   Anybody else have any experience with headers and fast ratio arms?   

[HP_Cuda]

Brad and I both went with Hedman headers because with FF arms the TTI's won't work.

But then someone will come along and say it will work, and I keep telling them go ahead and tell me how it goes.

They never reply.

 

[usraptr]

How do the Headman headers fit?  I've heard some headers require modification to get them to fit properly. 

[HP_Cuda]

None at all for the Ff arms but sometimes u need to slightly dimple for your steeringbox clearance

[usraptr]

Thank you 

[WildJones]

Brad and I both went with Hedman headers because with FF arms the TTI's won't work.

But then someone will come along and say it will work, and I keep telling them go ahead and tell me how it goes.

They never reply.

 

I haveTTI  2" headers. Soon I will have the motor in the car. If someone has quick ratio arms that they want to send me I will test fit them. I went with a Borgeson Steering Box so I don't need fast ratio arms so I'm not going to buy a set just to put the discussion to rest.

[HP2]

...and the assembly tolerances on these cars are such that two identical set ups can run into differing fitment problems.

[Fern]

I haveTTI  2" headers. Soon I will have the motor in the car. If someone has quick ratio arms that they want to send me I will test fit them. I went with a Borgeson Steering Box so I don't need fast ratio arms so I'm not going to buy a set just to put the discussion to rest.

When the headers are installed, if you measure the distance from the stock arm that will give a good idea if the ff arms will work.

[WildJones]

When the headers are installed, if you measure the distance from the stock arm that will give a good idea if the ff arms will work.

Great idea. FF fast ratio are what,  3/4 inch longer?

I spoke with the guy who designed the 2" headers and he said that they would work with an E Body. I'd love to know and put this to rest. HP2 however made a good point about variance between our cars. Should be interesting.

[WildJones]

Here you guys go. I can get more from other angles if there is a better angle than from the driver side. I did not check from the passenger side.

[HP_Cuda]

Mike

I more than anyone want this to work but take a look at this pic, I don't think it will.

I could take some measurements and compare eh?

B

[WildJones]

Mike

I more than anyone want this to work but take a look at this pic, I don't think it will.

I could take some measurements and compare eh?

B

Bryan,

No doubt -  it would just be great to have more options for headers that are compatible with fast ratio arms.

I have been looking at your picture for the past week or so, but without having the the car in front of me it's hard to say. That angle is throwing me off.

I talked with Dick at Firm Feel last week while I was placing an order for new shock plates and u bolts and casually mentioned this topic. He said that the fast ratio arms are ~ <= 1.5" longer than the standard arms. Looking at the pictures on the driver side, it looks like there's at least 1.75" (if not closer to 2" -  more if you don't mind denting the tubes) of clearance before maybe having issues with the height of the arms and the headers. Dick said he hasn't heard one way or the other if the TTI's would work,  but mentioned that his site had some fitment notes posted on it on the FR arm product page (again,  doesn't help with the setup we are discussing).

Still just speculation at this point

[Mopar Mitch]

In case you aren't aware, the longer idler arm is simply a ~'70 C-body idler arm... realistically, there is no such thing as a "fast ratio idler arm"... its only called that so to match up with the longer "Fast Ratio Pitman arm".... the factory overlooked the required longer length idler arm during its introduction... and by the time they realized it, the production offerings were being ended (mid-70-models T/A-AAR, and early 71 E-body cars with the 340 engine), so, they didn't bother to correct the issue (as well as to get the cars re-aligned).... I was told that by a Chrysler engineer back in the late '70s who knew all about the issue.... nor was there ever any factory bulletin issued.. and that should've been done, but.. was never created.