Performance steering
04-11-2017, 09:11 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Performance steering
So... my front end is a bit twitchy and wanders... I think it's time to rebuild the steering parts. I just made a set of tie rods . I'm looking at the all star performance center link. Also looking for a good idler arm. Any suggestions? Or info? Does anyone have the measurements of the center link?
http://pitstopusa.com/i-5070615-alls...aro-70-81.html
http://pitstopusa.com/i-5070615-alls...aro-70-81.html
04-11-2017, 10:10 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Haslett, MI
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Car: 1984 Trans Am WS6
Engine: Minirammed 385, 396 RWHP
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Moser 12-bolt
Re: Performance steering
Does the part you referenced also fit a third-gen? I never knew!
04-11-2017, 10:16 AM
#3
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Car: '89 Formula
Engine: LS2
Transmission: 4L65E
Axle/Gears: MW 3.42 12 Bolt
Re: Performance steering
Morrow,
I never looked at upgrading, but did look into fitment/placement adjustments.
With your wider track and spacers, I would look at wheel bearings, first.
One of my previous posts:
Smart chassis builders & racers pay attention to the thrust load rating on the outer bearing of the front hubs. This smaller bearing is the weak link. When you drive a heavy full size car deep into the corner, brake hard & corner at high g loads … the weakest link is the small outside front hub bearing … and you know what happens to the weakest link.
Bearings used in the hubs on 3500# cars won’t have failure problems unless run too long, but will have wear issues & need to be checked on a regular basis. They may need to be replaced more often than expected.
Just for reference, here are the thrust load ratings for other outer hub bearings:
• Pinto/Mustang II/Granada/Willwood Pro Spindle use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• Most GM mid-size cars (A, F & X Body) from 60’s & 70’s use LM11949 Bearing rated at 917#
• GM ‘79-‘81 G & F-Bodies use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• GM ‘82-‘88 G-Bodies use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• GM 70’s Impala & C10 Pickup use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• Oval Track 5x5 hubs (many brands) use 368A Bearing rated at 2540#
• Oval Track Wide 5 Hubs (many brands) use 18690 Bearing rated at 1800#
Kore3 7075 aluminum hubs use a SET3 outer wheel bearing!
Just another thing to look at. Of course, I could be off track, and have lost my bearings, haha.
I never looked at upgrading, but did look into fitment/placement adjustments.
With your wider track and spacers, I would look at wheel bearings, first.
One of my previous posts:
Smart chassis builders & racers pay attention to the thrust load rating on the outer bearing of the front hubs. This smaller bearing is the weak link. When you drive a heavy full size car deep into the corner, brake hard & corner at high g loads … the weakest link is the small outside front hub bearing … and you know what happens to the weakest link.
Bearings used in the hubs on 3500# cars won’t have failure problems unless run too long, but will have wear issues & need to be checked on a regular basis. They may need to be replaced more often than expected.
Just for reference, here are the thrust load ratings for other outer hub bearings:
• Pinto/Mustang II/Granada/Willwood Pro Spindle use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• Most GM mid-size cars (A, F & X Body) from 60’s & 70’s use LM11949 Bearing rated at 917#
• GM ‘79-‘81 G & F-Bodies use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• GM ‘82-‘88 G-Bodies use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• GM 70’s Impala & C10 Pickup use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• Oval Track 5x5 hubs (many brands) use 368A Bearing rated at 2540#
• Oval Track Wide 5 Hubs (many brands) use 18690 Bearing rated at 1800#
Kore3 7075 aluminum hubs use a SET3 outer wheel bearing!
Just another thing to look at. Of course, I could be off track, and have lost my bearings, haha.
04-11-2017, 12:44 PM
#5
Re: Performance steering
Morrow,
I never looked at upgrading, but did look into fitment/placement adjustments.
With your wider track and spacers, I would look at wheel bearings, first.
One of my previous posts:
Smart chassis builders & racers pay attention to the thrust load rating on the outer bearing of the front hubs. This smaller bearing is the weak link. When you drive a heavy full size car deep into the corner, brake hard & corner at high g loads … the weakest link is the small outside front hub bearing … and you know what happens to the weakest link.
Bearings used in the hubs on 3500# cars won’t have failure problems unless run too long, but will have wear issues & need to be checked on a regular basis. They may need to be replaced more often than expected.
Just for reference, here are the thrust load ratings for other outer hub bearings:
• Pinto/Mustang II/Granada/Willwood Pro Spindle use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• Most GM mid-size cars (A, F & X Body) from 60’s & 70’s use LM11949 Bearing rated at 917#
• GM ‘79-‘81 G & F-Bodies use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• GM ‘82-‘88 G-Bodies use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• GM 70’s Impala & C10 Pickup use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• Oval Track 5x5 hubs (many brands) use 368A Bearing rated at 2540#
• Oval Track Wide 5 Hubs (many brands) use 18690 Bearing rated at 1800#
Kore3 7075 aluminum hubs use a SET3 outer wheel bearing!
Just another thing to look at. Of course, I could be off track, and have lost my bearings, haha.
I never looked at upgrading, but did look into fitment/placement adjustments.
With your wider track and spacers, I would look at wheel bearings, first.
One of my previous posts:
Smart chassis builders & racers pay attention to the thrust load rating on the outer bearing of the front hubs. This smaller bearing is the weak link. When you drive a heavy full size car deep into the corner, brake hard & corner at high g loads … the weakest link is the small outside front hub bearing … and you know what happens to the weakest link.
Bearings used in the hubs on 3500# cars won’t have failure problems unless run too long, but will have wear issues & need to be checked on a regular basis. They may need to be replaced more often than expected.
Just for reference, here are the thrust load ratings for other outer hub bearings:
• Pinto/Mustang II/Granada/Willwood Pro Spindle use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• Most GM mid-size cars (A, F & X Body) from 60’s & 70’s use LM11949 Bearing rated at 917#
• GM ‘79-‘81 G & F-Bodies use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• GM ‘82-‘88 G-Bodies use LM12749 Bearing rated at 921#
• GM 70’s Impala & C10 Pickup use M12649 Bearing rated at 1130#
• Oval Track 5x5 hubs (many brands) use 368A Bearing rated at 2540#
• Oval Track Wide 5 Hubs (many brands) use 18690 Bearing rated at 1800#
Kore3 7075 aluminum hubs use a SET3 outer wheel bearing!
Just another thing to look at. Of course, I could be off track, and have lost my bearings, haha.
I was looking into that Allstar centerlink 15 years ago when I was messing with my steering. The bumpsteer kit from Baer worked fine for my needs so I never pursued researching it any further. I actually forgot about those. One of them would fit but I forget which of the 3 applications it was. I do not think it was the 2nd gen f-body one those. Can;t remember that long ago.
04-11-2017, 10:19 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Performance steering
Well I want to overhaul the steering anyway. But hubs sound like a good idea too. I have custom chromoly tie rods I never finished with heims on each end. So hubs and idler arm and a center link is where I'm headed instead of a rack and pinion I think
04-13-2017, 09:59 PM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Performance steering
Just got a set of Johnny joins that need rebuilding and a set of threaded chromoly tubes .. going to rebuild the joints and make some rear lower arms ����
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04-14-2017, 04:45 AM
#8
Member
Re: Performance steering
Found these online with measurements, unfortunately I'm not home to check the stock ones dimensions. I've thought of this as well, just never checked them to see which one would fit. Would be sweet if one worked!
04-14-2017, 09:14 AM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Performance steering
I think the 22inch one would fit but not positive. If you can get measrments that would be awesome!!!
04-14-2017, 10:01 AM
#10
Member
Re: Performance steering
Unfortunately it'll be 3 weeks before I can
04-14-2017, 08:11 PM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Performance steering
I made the tie rods today. And ordered a mas motorsports center link. I might need to fly cut the Heun joint mounting surface to clear the new tie lods
04-15-2017, 12:33 AM
#13
Member
Re: Performance steering
What center link is it that your ordered? I am not seeing a MAS Motorsports center link in a search, maybe a website link?
04-15-2017, 01:51 AM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Performance steering
Sorry it's a mas industries center link... performance oem replacement. I chose it because I got a deal on it and the surface that the tie rods mount to have more clearance and more material in that mounting area so I can fly cut the center link if I need to for more clearance
04-20-2017, 07:36 PM
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Performance steering
So here is my update so far.. took a replacement center link and set it up in the mill and fly cut the ends smooth to gain clearance for the tie rods.
