Kerry,
Have you installed your shocks yet? I believe this problem has come up
before, and it turned out that the shocks need to be installed, because
they control the pressure that the spring exerts on the vertical link
assembly. Basically, if the shock isn't in, then the full pressure of
the spring is being exerted on the vertical link assembly, which is why
you are having a devil of a time turning the thing. When you install
the shock, the shock takes the spring pressure, rather than the
vertical link assembly, and everything should turn smoothly. Try
popping your shocks in and see how it works then.
Also, make sure you have put some gear oil into each trunnion before
you thread the vertical link in, as this is needed to lubrication. If
you don't do this, your link will seize into the threads of the
trunnion over time, and your steering will get unbearably tight. Ask
me how I know...
Tim Holbrook
1971 TR6
--- Riveting Images <kerry@riveting-images.com> wrote:
> Good Morning listers,
>
> I've been rebuilding the front suspension on my '74 TR6. This has
> included all
> new poly bushings, new lower control arms, new right side vertical
> link, new
> lower trunnions, new steering rack bushes, etc.
>
> Last night I connected the vertical link to the lower trunion/spring
> pan, as
> well as the upper ball joint. When done, it took tremendous effort to
> turn the
> vertical link by pulling on the arm the tie-rod mounts to. The lower
> trunnion
> moved freely on the vertical link before being assembled to the lower
> control
> arms. The upper ball joint also moved freely. With the tie rod
> connected only
> to the driver's side, and the fromn of the car up on jack stands, it
> takes
> nearly as much effort to turn just the driver's side with the
> steering wheel
> as it does to turn the wheel of the caar when it's on tires but not
> moving.
>
> The passenger side can almost not be moved by hand (the tie rod is
> not
> connected) and when it does move, there is a metal-metal sound but I
> can't
> tell if it's coming from the top or bottom.
>
> I've checked everything 5 times. Everything is where it should be.
> left is
> left, front is front, top is top, etc. I'm a t a loss right now, but
> am
> wondering if the suspension geometry, with the springs installed but
> no
> wheel/tire weight hanging on it and everything under the tension of
> the
> springs is causing this? I'm hoping I'm chasing a problem ui don't
> have.
>
> The worst part is I have to get the car buttoned up tonight so I can
> get it
> aligned tomorrow, so I can take it to Michigan on Friday! HELP!
>
> Many thanks in advance for your experienced advice!
>
> Blue Skies....
>
> Kerry
>
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