IML: Drag link modifications - advice?

[Kenyon Wills <imperialist1960@xxxxxxxxx>]

This is a pair of photos of my car's drag-link:

http://imperialclub.com/temp/Kenyon/1972%20coupe/steering%20linkage1.jpg

http://imperialclub.com/temp/Kenyon/1972%20coupe/steering%20linkage%202.jpg


The link is interfering with the aftermarket oil pan,
or vice-versa.

The oil pan was a mistake as far as I'm concerned, but
at this point I'm committed for reasons that I don't
want to get into, so I'd rather not hear guff about it
or suggestions to change it.  I'm just not there yet.

I am interested in quicker-ratio steering. 

The call to Firm Feel dispelled my thoughts of a
"quick ratio box", and precluded longer arms, since
they aren't made.

I have this problem, and I think that an obvious
solution would be to have a drag-link fabricated that
simultaneously moves the arm back so that it clears
the pan, and also extends the reach of the arms so
that the steering is faster.

I have two used drag-links that are disposable.  

I am planning to lop off the portion of one drag link
where the pitman/idler arms connect to it, and will
also lop off the end that the tie rods go into,
essentially making a 2" or so part that looks like "
-O ".  The section of the lopped link that has holes
that work for the arms would be pointed to the arms
and the sawed section would point to the other drag
link that wasn't cut up.

The question is:  If I have a welder connect these two
lopped-off pieces to the drag link at a 90-degree
angle and reinforce them with buttressing plates or
whatever, do you suppose that this will be strong
enough?
  
This is a horrible drawing, but the "o" and "I" parts
that stick up here would be the new parts.  They are
not to scale and would be shorter and have triangular
plates put on to buttress the 90 degree angle of the
extensions. 

    o          o
    I          I
 o--o----------o--o

I'm probably going to try this no matter what, as I
think that I can lay enough metal in there to prevent
deflection or failure,  but any constructive advice or
ideas to SOLVE the problem would be appreciated.

I want to clear the pan and suspect that I might get
quicker ratio steering as a bonus.


Your thoughts?

Kenyon Wills
 
 





















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