1951 ford F3, I de-nutted it and took 3 leaves out of rear springs and ditched the 17" suicide rims for 16" ford rims with 235/ 85 - 16 tires. Now , I noticed when it is turned all the way to.the left the tire rubs on the drag link ? I did put a new tie rod assembly on and did a diy front end alignment. What did I screw up and how do I fix it. Thanks guys.

 

Either get a shallower backset on the rims or add 1/2" spacers. I'd go for the spacers.

Later!
Mr. Ed

 

With the smaller tires the fat part is closer to the drag link and pittman arm . Did you measure all rods before you removed the tie rod end and put it back on the same amount of turns. Mine would rub but for a different reason. I put a 1/4" spacer on mine for now and it fixed the problem also I moved the axle up 1 1/4" (forward) and that caused the problem if I turn to the left hard it will still rub just a fraction also my wheels are 15".

 

The old tie rod had been welded on the end and was bent , so it was a little hard to count turns.

 

Is there a steering stop or limiter on the kingpin? it seems I've seen that on some Ford axles. If so, you could adjust it a bit stop before the tire rubs.


Personally I don't like wheel spacers. I'd try a different backspace on the wheels maybe.


Good luck


Bobby

 

I have to agree on the wheel spacers. I can't seem to get my mind around using them. I am going to take a look at the wheel stop to see if I can modify it a bit.

 

This is good to know. I bought a set of stock Ford 16" rims from an E350 after reading that they fit with 235/85R16 tires. Not once did I read anything stating the tires hit the drag link.

I'm still running stock brakes and 1948 Ford 16" innies but, got the later rims in case I had brake issues and converted to discs.

Is it because the lower stance?

 

I am thinking it could be something like it might be slightly toed out. It ain't rubbing much. I was going to have it checked at alignment shop before I loose my shirt over the deal. Worst case is I would make a better wheel stop for the left side to prevent it.

 

Sounds like a good plan. Let us know what you find.

 

Just don't pull the wheel all the way to the left where it is making contact. I've seen lots of old vehicles that would make contact if the wheels were turned all the way.

 

I aint that friggen smart to remember that when I am driving it. I just think. " How cool is this old truck". So I better make it fool proof and re wicker the steering stop. First things first though, I have my old ford 8n to finish.

 

The tires on those old Ns will hit the radius rods too if they are steered too far, especially if you lock up a steering brake.

 

I can definitely tell when I turn to sharp to the left but the only time you do that is parking on a normal drive you would more then likely never hit it. That being said I still do not like to have to worry about the problem.

 

Not familiar with the older F1s but the F100s have a stop that you can adjust.

 

Bobby - Long tme no laugh
When my truck was close to its maiden voyage I frantically half-a$$ed this 1/8" Pitman Arm Bumper. It actuallky works very well ugly as it is. A properly crafted 1/4" thick version with a threaded adjustable stop is on my "to-do" list