Steering question

[Tim...Ok]

Couple questions from a newb about steering.. Is there an advantage to running the tie rod in front of or behind the axle? I have a 56 ford pickup front axle I will be using, came with behind axle steering..I guess front would give more clearance for radius rods/bones? Ackerman issues maybe, I dunno..

Also, I've read terms like cross steer,cowl steer etc..I have no idea what is what..LOL Can someone enlighten me a little on that as well?

thanks,
Tim

 

[Gastrick]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

This is a typical cross-steer arrangement


This is a typical side steer, or traditional arrangement as it's sometimes refered to.


Cowl steering is basically the same as side steer except that the steering box is mounted inside the vehicle with a shaft and pitman arm exiting in the "cowl" area.

 

[donsrods]

If you can run the tie rod behind the axle, by all means do it. That does give much better Ackermann, but if you have to run it in front for clearance or whatever, it will not be the end of the world. I've had em both ways and see very little difference except when parking you get a little tire scrub with it in front.

Don

 

[Tim...Ok]

Thanks for the pics and info..that helps ALOT!!

Tim