Steering - Contol Arm Issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**70cst** · 05-14-2021, 10:52 PM

As I slowly tweak the Circuit Rider ... the carb and timing as just been fine tuned and it runs like new. Now is my steering issue.

When I turn right I have about a 1/4" clearance with no issues but ... when I turn to the left the control arm end rubs the tire. It has 2 1/2" drop springs with factory settings on the Rally Wheels.

Is the best solution to grind off the interference from the end of the control arm? Thanks

**Boog** · 05-14-2021, 11:59 PM

A few would argue it's not the best cure but grinding off some around the ball joint area is what many of us do. You might get enough room by installing a 1/4" spacer to put between the wheel and hub.

**70cst** · 05-15-2021, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

A few would argue it's not the best cure but grinding off some around the ball joint area is what many of us do. You might get enough room by installing a 1/4" spacer to put between the wheel and hub.

Thanks

Im taking the truck in to Grillots Alignment Shop - old shop but a solid front end shop and going to have it looked at.

**lolife99** · 05-15-2021, 09:25 AM

Control arm rubs the TIRE or the WHEEL?
The problem is usually a 15” wheel with MORE than 3-5/8” backspace,... along with drop spindles.
There are several threads on here about “clearancing” the metal around the lower ball joint.
I lowered my first truck in the 80’s and have been doing this mod ever since,... even if my wheels don’t rub.
You never know when you might have to install a different wheel or spare to get home.

**70cst** · 05-15-2021, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Control arm rubs the TIRE or the WHEEL?
The problem is usually a 15” wheel with MORE than 3-5/8” backspace,... along with drop spindles.
There are several threads on here about “clearancing” the metal around the lower ball joint.
I lowered my first truck in the 80’s and have been doing this mod ever since,... even if my wheels don’t rub.
You never know when you might have to install a different wheel or spare to get home.

Only the left (Driver side) tire rubs ...

I did a search and grinding and adding a back space sems to be the two thoughts but ... I dont like either so I am going to see what options. Maybe buy two new front rims.
Thanks

**lolife99** · 05-15-2021, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

Only the left (Driver side) tire rubs ...

I did a search and grinding and adding a back space sems to be the two thoughts but ... I dont like either so I am going to see what options. Maybe buy two new front rims.
Thanks

You want less backspacing.
Not more.

RustyPile · 05-15-2021, 01:49 PM

I may be totally off base with this but it sounds like the steering turns sharper to the left than to the right.. Probably because the left tie rod is adjusted to a longer length than the right side.. This can happen when the tie rods are adjusted to an unequal length in order to center the steering wheel..

**70cst** · 05-15-2021, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

You want less backspacing.
Not more.

Thanks

05-14-2021, 10:52 PM	#1
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Steering - Contol Arm Issue As I slowly tweak the Circuit Rider ... the carb and timing as just been fine tuned and it runs like new. Now is my steering issue. When I turn right I have about a 1/4" clearance with no issues but ... when I turn to the left the control arm end rubs the tire. It has 2 1/2" drop springs with factory settings on the Rally Wheels. Is the best solution to grind off the interference from the end of the control arm? Thanks Attached Images __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

05-14-2021, 11:59 PM	#2
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,957	Re: Steering - Contol Arm Issue A few would argue it's not the best cure but grinding off some around the ball joint area is what many of us do. You might get enough room by installing a 1/4" spacer to put between the wheel and hub. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

05-15-2021, 09:25 AM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,681	Re: Steering - Contol Arm Issue Control arm rubs the TIRE or the WHEEL? The problem is usually a 15” wheel with MORE than 3-5/8” backspace,... along with drop spindles. There are several threads on here about “clearancing” the metal around the lower ball joint. I lowered my first truck in the 80’s and have been doing this mod ever since,... even if my wheels don’t rub. You never know when you might have to install a different wheel or spare to get home. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

05-15-2021, 01:49 PM	#7
RustyPile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Elkhart, Texas Posts: 1,531	Re: Steering - Contol Arm Issue I may be totally off base with this but it sounds like the steering turns sharper to the left than to the right.. Probably because the left tie rod is adjusted to a longer length than the right side.. This can happen when the tie rods are adjusted to an unequal length in order to center the steering wheel..



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