1949-50 3100

[dwcsr]

just make sure you leave enough clearance for the belt to pass over the inner fender. On the 5.3 with Holley brackets the belt goes over the alt pulley and down under the PS pulley and back up over the water pump so it needs some room to get past the inner fender

[cruzinthecoast]

Great work. I'm getting ready to install a Danforth crossmember could you tell me what year camaro tie rod ends you used.

[dwcsr]

The Camaro ends are ES3238RL and need to be tapped to 9/16-18 The taper is 1.6 so check the taper on the spindle your using to make sure its the same if not you will need an insert of some sort. I'd wait to see where your tie rod ends up top or bottom before doing an insert. Either way the insert fixes the rod alignment and the correct taper.

Search google for "tie rod flip insert" and you will see a bunch of different ways to do it.
Tie rod should be as level as possible at ride height so you don't get a wander left or right when you hit a bump (bump steer)

[cruzinthecoast]

Thank you so much for the great info

[AZDavid]

Dave absolutely phenomenal job on this truck! I hope my 48/3600 comes out half as nice. I am also using Scott's cross member so I was very interested in how this turned out. I used a set of Belltech 2" drop spindles and the 96' Camaro rack I had intended to use is too long. Center to center on my spindles is +- 47". I saw some shortened Mustang II racks on Flaming River's website but I really don't want to spend ~$400 for a new rack. Any suggestions on a rack?

Thanks Dave

[dwcsr]

Thanks

We used a Mark 8 rack on the final version but the customer complained it was way to sensitive ( 2.5 turn)so we have a 1988 FORD THUNDERBIRD 5.0L 302cid V8
ATSCO 6406 ( 3 turn) Rack and Pinion Complete Unit $ 72.79 unit from rock auto that's suppose to cure that. We plan on installing in the next two weeks so I'll let you know

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Thanks

We used a Mark 8 rack on the final version but the customer complained it was way to sensitive ( 2.5 turn)so we have a 1988 FORD THUNDERBIRD 5.0L 302cid V8
ATSCO 6406 ( 3 turn) Rack and Pinion Complete Unit $ 72.79 unit from rock auto that's suppose to cure that. We plan on installing in the next two weeks so I'll let you know

Thanks for the info Dave.

[ptc]

Nice build- lots of great info in this thread.

[dwcsr]

Thanks it was an interesting build, its nice to be able to stretch and grow your talents on builds like this instead of a stock restoration. Its also nice to see my helper grow his talents from the beginning to the end of this build.

[AZDavid]

Thanks Dave I'll be looking forward to hear how the Thuderbird Rack works out.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by AZDavid

Thanks Dave I'll be looking forward to hear how the Thuderbird Rack works out.

Same here..........

[Donnie Lee]

Fantastic build, my son has '50 model needing front ifs, I like Scott's crossmember as well, wish you were in N.C. so we could let you install one for us.

I've got a couple questions, in your post #138 you wire brush & sprayed Ospho, install a couple of braces & the boxing plates, how did you prime/paint inside behind the boxing plate, & what gauge is the boxing plate?

Thank You

I

[dwcsr]

The Ospho converts the metal very top layer to an oxide so painting isn't really necessary. The paint would all burn off during welding anyway and probably collect water and dirt to start the rust process. We have used a long wand bug sprayer with Ospho to get into small tight areas such as that. The plates were 10 gage (.102" Cold rolled steel).

[Donnie Lee]

I thought about the weld burnoff 30 seconds after I posted the question, ten ga. plate will definitely do the job.

[Elder Rogue]

Originally Posted by AZDavid

Thanks Dave I'll be looking forward to hear how the Thuderbird Rack works out.

Any updates on this?

Been watching this closely as I have a the same cross-member for my trunk.

[kameltoes2015]

I will be bringing my '49 to you guys to work your magic...cant wait

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Elder Rogue

Any updates on this?

Been watching this closely as I have a the same cross-member for my trunk.

Not yet, the customer has not been able to get it back to us. A lot of our customers work out of state or country for extended periods of time per year so fixes are some times slow. As soon as he's in town I'll get the new rack in it and report back.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by kameltoes2015

I will be bringing my '49 to you guys to work your magic...cant wait

We have you penciled in on the job board.

[918733]

Dave does awesome work I can vouch for that

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by 918733

Dave does awesome work I can vouch for that

Have you made any progress on yours?

[Cautrell05]

What steering gear did you finally settle with and how was the turning radius?

Nick

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Cautrell05

What steering gear did you finally settle with and how was the turning radius?

Nick

We have a ATSCO 6406 ( 3 turn) Rack and Pinion Complete Unit to put in it when it come back to us. for a Mark 8

[dwcsr]

Last update. We finally got the truck back in and changed the rack. Major difference, its not twitchy any more so a 3 turn rack is what's needed on this swap. I'm really happy with this swap now that its figured out. You wouldn't think a half turn makes that much difference but it does. The ford 3 turn is the NON sport steering. 2.5 turn is sport steering

[Elder Rogue]

Thanks for updating us. I had already decided to use the same rack but this confirms my decision.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Elder Rogue

Thanks for updating us. I had already decided to use the same rack but this confirms my decision.

I think you'll be happy with the results.

FYI our setup is
The 3 turn Ford rack
Type II Power steering pump with the Borgeson pressure reducer.
If you use a type 1 (old style) you need the reducer for that pump.