Steering gear ok?
 

Hi y'all and a happy new year, now it's time to get to work!

I have my steering gear in place but is not permanently installed. I drilled one hole to hold the gear in place and made access for a tab that will be welded into place. The problem I encountered is that the gear needs to be at least another 1" or so forward so that the adjustable drag link will adjust properly. I did go by the instructions! Right now I have the lock nuts off of the link and now it's where it's supposed to be, not really, but of course the pock nuts need to be put back on. Apart from having to drill another hole to relocate the gear more forward, is this looking correct?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...e/c5fae586.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...e/652dd04a.jpg
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Moved gear
 

Well, I move the gear forward 1.75" and that made a great difference. I'll weld the tab in place when welding everything else in the engine compartment. I'm pleased with how it turned out! I have plenty of clearance between the tire and gear as well. Now I can put the truck on tha ground and turn it around for other to do's! ; )
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Re: Steering gear ok?
 

I would make a plate on the backside of the frame to beef it up a bit. maybe with a couple gussets to the cross member if You have room. i have seen frames crack where the stress is concentrated just on the bolts.

And happy new year to you too Mark

Thanks Mark ; )
 

Gee I hate taking that gear back down, but I see you're point! The frame thickness doesn't seem to be very thick for the amount of stress that's going to be placed on it. I think I can get behind the frame well enough(maybe) I'll check it out tomorrow. Like 1/4" plate be thick enough~ actually I don't have any plate material around here what am I writing! lol I'll dig around and see what I have. I need to clean up behind the gear anyway and pretty it up. ;) Let's say around each hole, I could weld say as much metal to beef the area, then drill through that after it's welded?

ps; thanks for chiming in~ didn't think anyone read my post. ; )