How-To Set Up The Steering

Fitting steering column and linkages to the Model A Bucket

The previous tech article on the disc brake adaption for the Model A bucket re-creation project also detailed the work involved in fitting steering arms that would clear the Gary Page dropped I-beam axle. Essentially I used forged steering arms that are designed to fit down under the lower boss on the stub axles, the only way I could successfully achieve clearance between steering arm and dropped axle end as the steering is turned through its full arc of operation. Even then I had to have the tapers for the tie rod ends reversed to position the tie-rod above the steering arms rather than below, in order to clear the hairpin radius rods. That also meant a change to the height of the front spring perch, but as described in that previous article it all works now.

Having solved those clearance mysteries, it is time to move on with the rest of the steering system for the Model A bucket. The forged steering arms that I used are only available in left-hand drive versions so the extra tie-rod end hole was on the wrong side for our RHD requirements. The extra hole was cut off the right side steering arm and I used a double-eye tie-rod end on the left side to gain the required outer mounting position for a cross-steer drag link. That means a slightly shorter drag link tube that will compensate for the longer double-eye tie-rod end.