ballistic fab 7/8 heim steering question

[John D]

What is the issue with this steering? Goatman pointed out that the ends are adjusted all the way out, but what else is wrong? I am planning my steering setup and I am having trouble seeing the issue here.
Thanks

 

[xcm]

i think the dude has heard enough about his trackbar... get over it people.
he's heard you out before, get over it.

 

[jeepme]

Yeah, seems like a lot of work and expense to still have the tie rod under the knuckle. Looks like I need to put my money where my mouth is and come out with an easy to install and strong OTK steering design with good geometry, where the drag link ends aren't already near the end of their available travel.

 

[-96JeepSpeed-]

I drove mine like that for the last 2 years as a daily driver, and beat the crap out of it on the weekends, The steering was OK, better if you add a steering stabilizer. Sence the is a 44 hes working on yes there are better ways to go about this. If it were a 30, thats about the best setup, sence theres not a hole lot you can do with those, I had the wj crap on mine and it was OK.

 

[JeepAddict85]

would stacking the tierod/draglink above the knuckle be considered a bad practice? that would improve the angle on the draglink heims, but is it safe to do?

 

[Goatman]

What is the issue with this steering? Goatman pointed out that the ends are adjusted all the way out, but what else is wrong? I am planning my steering setup and I am having trouble seeing the issue here.
Thanks

The tie rod is lower than stock, so prone to trail damage. Yes, it's also stronger than stock, but since you're already doing the work and spending the money why not make it OTK. Also, like has been said, the angles on the joints on the drag link are already close to being maxed out, which will limit down travel and prematurely wear out the joints and put more strain on the pitman arm and sector shaft.

Yes, it will work, and without actually being there to test it I have no idea if the front actually drops far enough to bind the joints, but the potential is certainly there.

 

[Goatman]

would stacking the tierod/draglink above the knuckle be considered a bad practice? that would improve the angle on the draglink heims, but is it safe to do?

Yes, it would be much better since the tie rod clearance would be better and the drag link angles would be much better. All you need to do to make it strong and safe is weld a tab from the top of the bolt to the knuckle putting the bolt in double shear, then gusset from the tab to the knuckle. Pretty simple to do, you can do it with the parts you have, just requires doing a little welding to the knuckle. The knuckle is cast steel and will weld just fine with a MIG. I've done exactly what I just described on a friends D30 and it works well.

 

[Goatman]

Well hurry up then!
Need a tester? I'm getting close to re-doing mine

Well, I just signed the lease on the property, so we'll be open by mid to late July. I'm seriously thinking about making the steering setup that I think is ideal, and would be easy to install. We'll see.....

 

[JeepAddict85]

ok, thanks for the help goatman. i will probably do that, just so i have a better angle on the drag link heims.

 

[John D]

Thanks Goatman, the points you make are clear.

What are the products you are planning to start with?

 

[Goatman]

Thanks Goatman, the points you make are clear.

What are the products you are planning to start with?

Don't want to hijack this thread.....but briefly we are opening a local auto repair and full service off road shop. I really think I'm going to offer a steering setup that is what I think is ideal, and no one has done. It would be a complete kit to move the steering over the knuckle and relocate the track bar axle mount and sway bar link mounts, would have lot's of available travel with no binding, and no dead spot.

 

[jeeperjohn]

we are opening a local auto repair and full service off road shop.

Dude, you don't know how bad I wish I could do this

 

[Ghost]

When did I say i would drive this on the street? i said i was tired of hearing you knock my trackbar (when ive already said it will be fine for the trip), this thread was about the drag link an tie rod. and so what if i have to change a few heims after my trip? if i am unhappy with the steering, i will get the knuckle drilled and tapped (already have the flat tops), and run true high steer. thats only if i decide to keep the 44.

you may see a better way to do it, but you know what, this is my first major build with actual fabricating involved. im doing the best i can and learning as i go. i know its not perfect, but im trying. besides that, i have a deadline and am leaving on a trip, the jeep needs to be finished for it. i appreciate pointers, but theres no need to be an a-hole about it just cuz you can do something better, or have more experience. hell, 3 years ago i didnt know a damn thing about suspension.

You are doing fine. Most people redo there rigs multiple times before they get them where they want them. I have been runnign a "too short" TB for a few years now. It works fine on the trail. As for bump steer, I have yet to have it when I have driven it at any speed on the trails. The only time I ever had bumpsteer was when my angles were off. You are doing a good job for the first build.