Steering linkage geometry

[Matt_50]

Ok guys I need some help. From the search results found I'm thinking you guys are the ones to ask. I have a 1950 truck. But I took the front suspension off a 1984 c10. Search results found that you guys like to update to the c10 front suspension. Am I right?

Problem is setting up linkage. I made templates off donor, marked my frame, installed the goodies... But I think I made a mistake. The pitman arm will contact the frame.

I need some advice on setting up the steering...

[mongocanfly]

got any pics?

[Matt_50]

Im gonna need to remove fenders for this I think. Only a few bolts though. So pictures arnt great, gear is hanging a lol.

You can see idler, it'll hit but it is a tad lower than the pitman arm the pitman arm is a lot higher.

Anyways, I'm thinking I maybe got templates to high. I used 1/4 board, and matched the crossmember holes to the the new holes drilled and marked from there. So I'm not sure how I managed it but I'm hoping maybe I can just go lower.

I really want to get angles and stuff right though... and what distance from what should drag link be, should it be parallel with the ground perfectly..

[Matt_50]

Thread got moved. Now I know about this little subcategory though.

Ok this is what I got at the moment. I still have donor frame... I got it level and checked a couple of things. When level the idler arm should be at about a 55 degree angle... you guys agree? So i checked my truck, took fenders off to get in there better, I got 53-54 degrees. So I'm thinking maybe I'm just too high? Perhaps I can keep the angle but just go down far enough for clearance?

[Matt_50]

I asked the same question to the 73-87 c10 guys and I forgot to update here.

My concern is just how close is the linkage supposed to be to the crossmember itself. With some small adjustments my pitman arm will clear. I went off the holes on the donor frame... But I just seem real close. Is this normal or should I pull the linkage forward? I'm one pic you can see the tip of my finger... it's a tight fit.