Qs about SAS steering using Trail Gear flat arm

[Bobby B.]

Didn't want to keep threadjacking Chainsaw with this.

Have seen a few posts now about using the Trail gear flat steering arm with an SAS. When I get my SUA project rolling, I was planning on having Partsmike make up his steering link package using 1-ton TREs (used that on the Fronty with good results). Partsmike reamed out the stock pitman arm for the chevy taper.

Now, looking at the Trail gear page, since the arm comes tapered for an FJ80 tre already, and they have the TREs for only $20 and the threaded DOM for $69, any reasons come to mind why not just run that stuff? Seems like it would be easier and cheaper. (link -- http://www.trail-gear.com/highsteer.html )

Also, to those who've run the TG arms, why the flat one and not the dropped version?

Thoughts?

[Allen Cox]

The dropped arm will hit the spring when in the left side stuffs. I hit mine and I had a flat arm as well. If you use a bump stop to stop the axle from stuffing that far, you'd have to stop it sooner with a dropped arm. Although you'll get rid of the bump steer while driving, wheeling will be difficult with the left side hitting every time it stuffs.

But to add, the kit looks nice! No reason I see not to use it. One more option is always good.

[Bobby B.]

Thanks for the input.

Was planning on going partial high steer on pass side using a Chevy knuckle to keep things flat and the bump steer down. Planning on a bump stop of some sort; perhaps those trapezoidal shaped poly ones.

I like Partsmike alot, they have good stuff, good prices and great service. Good people there. But the TG prices are really cheap. Don't know about the strength factor on the FJ80 TREs, though.

On another note, I wonder if the threading on TREs is universal, meaning on that dom the FJ80 tre could be used on the pitman arm and a Chev TRE on the knuckle (though I suppose the high steer arm could be tapered as requested to fit anything).

Allen, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you please post a pic of where you positioned the front and rear frame to spring mounts on the Phoenix? Was trying to find them but wasn't able to. Have been trying to visualize some reference points. If not, no biggee.

[Allen Cox]

Lemme see if I still have some of those pics.

Can you get me the year and model of the TRE's that you're thinking of using? I can get the thread size and pitch for you.

[bogof]

Here's a pic I took a while ago.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/bogof777/Misc/102_0093.jpg

I used the ballistic steering setup BTW.
http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Steering-Kit-Chevy-Tie-Rod-Ends_p_1338.html

[Allen Cox]

Thanks Bogof! I don't have much any more, get all veklempt when I see pics of her any more. I miss her.

[Bobby B.]

Schweet! That's one of the pics I remember.

Allen, thanks for checking. Probably easier this way, link to the setup we used before:

http://www.partsmike.com/store/store.php?crn=204&rn=1419&action=show_detail

I'm liking the idea of using the TG arm, since I have to get another one anyway. (The one I'm using is an SLR, which is drilled straight through and will go away when I sell that package.)

Going to try and keep the costs down on this project due to these trying economic times (read: unemployed). This is going to be the
"el cheapo SASpecial."

[tbecktold]

veklempt

Rev'rund.

You got a picture of stuffing and hitting that arm? I haven't noticed my SUA SAS doing it but I haven't driven/wheeled it much either.

[Allen Cox]

I'll look through the pics that I have left. I tried to build a bumpstop that stopped it, but I kept destroying the type of stop I was using. I ended up with a nice 'smiley' where the output shaft of the steering gearbox kept hitting my spring.

Pics are probably on my other computer, I'll look there this evening. I have class until 8:30 tonight, then I have to work out for a bit (or I'll stay fat!).

I'll check out those TRE's as well, get the specs on 'em.