'35 Hudson drag link

Geoff
Geoff Senior Contributor
edited May 2013 in HUDSON
I'm working on a '35 H8 cp, s.w.b. and the tyre rubs on the drag link on full turn. The drag link is straight, and I suspect it should have a kink in it so it doesn't contact the tyre. Tyres are standard 600.16. Can anyone confirm this for me please. thanks,
Geoff

Comments

  • bob ward
    bob ward Senior Contributor
    Looks like the tyre rub is a factory feature Geoff, this drag link, the top item in the picture, is off my 35 H8 roadster project.

    I haven't investigated my front end properly yet, what is supposed to act as the steering stops?

    I can see two ways of dealing with the problem, one of course is to put a bend in the drag link. The other would be to install a 37/8/9 pitman arm, bottom item in the picture, which will put the steering box end of the drag link about 2" closer to the chassis rail.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    When I first bought my '37, back in 1971, I discovered that the drag link had a bend in it. Thinking that this represented a mishap, I instructed my mechanic to straighten it! So of course, now it rubs one of the front tires.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Bob, I can't see any external provision for end-movement stops, so it must be in the steering box itself. What length is your drag link? i don't know that the later arm would do the job, as this would cause the arm to conflict with the spring shackle end. I not on the lube page for '36 that the drag link has a kink in it, but I don't ahve a '25 book to see id this should be the same.
    Geoff
  • bob ward
    bob ward Senior Contributor
    Geoff, I think the little bumps on the steering arms are meant to be the steering stops.

    As to drag link lengths the '35H is 910mm. I also have a 36T drag link, length 805mm which has a 25mm bend in it and no tyre rub marks. The bend is 400mm from the front end of the drag link.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Thanks Bob, I think I have found the main cause - the springs have been installed backwards, with the long end to the front!!! This locates the axle too far back, and the drop arm is facing about 30 deg rearward at the straight ahead position. So on right hand turns, the wheel turns much more inwards at the rear. With the pitman arm disconnected there seems to be no limit to the amount the wheels can turn.
    Geoff
  • bob ward
    bob ward Senior Contributor
    Serious negative caster eh? Would not have been fun to drive.
  • Trevor J
    Trevor J Expert Adviser
    Gee Jeff you get some interesting jobs to do. I have spoken to Tony Mallard this evening and he is going to check the bend in his 34 8 tomorrow and let me know how much it has. His feeling was that it was similar to what I discussed with you last evening. Hmmm!!!! the springs have been assembled backwards. Great.
    Regards Trevor
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Watch this space Trevor!!! Mother's memorial service tomorrow. Died on Sunday aged 97 after a great innings.
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