Steeroids Users, Help

[Sky65]

I just intsalled a Steeroids set up on the 65. I am still in the adjustment stage but it is completly intalled as a manual rack. I have a 6 qt oil pan and made a couple of 3/16" spacers, put them under the rack mounts and it clears the "big" pan fine. My problem is the tie rod inner mount bolt heads hit the lower control arms. Happens on both sides when turned to that side. Is this normal?

I wouldn't think so.

 

[stepinwolf]

You might not like the solution

Sky65, I had the exact same problem with the present 1963 Corvette I have in the garage. The customer informed me that he had a regular 5 quart oil pan, so I proceeded to install the " Steeroids " conversion kit, thinking that I had all the proper components.

However the pan was the 6 quart version, and did not offer the needed clearance for the center R+P bracket. There are two way out of the dilemma, and both are time consuming. For starters I feel obliged to inform you that a disagree with your clearance solution of shimming the R+P forward 3/16" because it completely screws up the steering geometry.

The easiest and safest solution would be to replace the pan with a 5 quart version, be it original ( hard to find one in good condition ) or better yet, go with an affordable replacement ( check pic ).

If this is not an option, the only other modification is to remove the center bracket, and have a more pronounced bend made to it's center section.

Before removing it, measure the clearance from the rear bolt mounting flange, to the rubber accordion. Then have the angle in the center bracket increased up to the point where it almost touches the rubber seal. It's quite possible that it might just give you enough space to clear the tie-rod , lower A-arm issue.

Which ever you choose, rest assured that once installed, you will be thrilled with the new steering system, I know I am.

Stepinwolf

 

[BADBIRDCAGE]

Tom:

I knew someone would step forward and I remember Stepinwolf having previously posted his experience with the Steeroids installation on the other forum.

Good luck and happy wrenching.

Rich

 

[Sky65]

Sky65, I had the exact same problem with the present 1963 Corvette I have in the garage. The customer informed me that he had a regular 5 quart oil pan, so I proceeded to install the " Steeroids " conversion kit, thinking that I had all the proper components.

However the pan was the 6 quart version, and did not offer the needed clearance for the center R+P bracket. There are two way out of the dilemma, and both are time consuming. For starters I feel obliged to inform you that a disagree with your clearance solution of shimming the R+P forward 3/16" because it completely screws up the steering geometry.

The easiest and safest solution would be to replace the pan with a 5 quart version, be it original ( hard to find one in good condition ) or better yet, go with an affordable replacement ( check pic ).

If this is not an option, the only other modification is to remove the center bracket, and have a more pronounced bend made to it's center section.

Before removing it, measure the clearance from the rear bolt mounting flange, to the rubber accordion. Then have the angle in the center bracket increased up to the point where it almost touches the rubber seal. It's quite possible that it might just give you enough space to clear the tie-rod , lower A-arm issue.

Which ever you choose, rest assured that once installed, you will be thrilled with the new steering system, I know I am.

Stepinwolf

Thanks. I was hoping you would see the post. I know you have allot of experiance with this set up.

I didn't think the 3/16" would make that much differance. I thought the geometry could very that much car to car. I have also have VBP 460 front springs and have cut them to lower the front end. I am not sure how much that affects the situation.

I am going to look at bending the center bracket. If it will clear to roll back 3/16" all should be good, correct?

Thanks again.
Tom

 

[stepinwolf]

Tom,

I don't think you will have much luck in trying to bend the bracket. Normally a 200 ton hydraulic press will do the trick.

Stepinwolf

 

[Sky65]

Stepinwolf
Hmmmmmm. That does create a problem. I will just let my grandkids play with the bracket for an hour. It doesn't have a chance.

Well. I guess I will have to figure something else out. I have a long weekend coming and would like to spend some of it in the car.

Thanks
Tom