Centering steering, 39 Coupe
 

After rebuilding my front suspension, spindles, bushings, tie rods, etc., I turned my steering wheel lock to lock to find the center. The pitman arm points off to the right a few degrees. Shouldn't it point straight ahead?

Re: Centering steering, 39 Coupe
 

Yes,straight ahead

Re: Centering steering, 39 Coupe
 

Yes, but no.

If the lock is determined by the long stop nuts on the kingpin bolts, and the drag link length is wrong, half way between the stops will be straight ahead for the vehicle but the steering box may not be straight ahead.

You would do better to disconnect the drag link, find the rough dead centre of the steering box by going half way between the limits of the steering box, then find the sweet spot by playing with the adjustment. Double check this against the position of the steering wheel. With the box centred at the sweet spot, the pitman arm should be straight ahead. Adjust the drag link length so it drops into place with both the steering box and the wheels in the straight ahead position.

No matter how carefully you set it up you will probably find a slight adjustment of drag link length is necessary to get the steering wheel nice and straight when going down a straight piece of road.

Mart.

Re: Centering steering, 39 Coupe
 

Good info Mart, thanks! I'll throw her back on the lift and play with it.