Is this too dangerous to keep as is?

[TBones12]

The tie rod is about 1/8 to 1/4 at the most from the wishbone. I would think that over time it would bend or break.

The only solution I see is taking the steel steering shaft to my welder and having him extend the shaft about an inch.

Do any of you know what to do or think it is too dangerous to let go.

This is a 1912 torpedo restoration.

Thank you in advanced, Bob

[Scott_Conger]

Bob

that is a drag link.

If that is as close as it gets, why is it going to bend or break? There are no sprung components which will close that gap during operation that I can fathom. If you have that described gap when the wheel is turned hard to the left, I think you're OK.

My guess is that your steering arm on the spindle may be tweeked just a tad, bringing things close. Yours is not the first car that I've seen close clearances on.

[david_dewey]

I would be far more concerned that you don't have an under the axle accessory wishbone on that front end. Especially on a speedster.

[Rich Bingham]

Not a speedster - a ‘12 torpedo.

[david_dewey]

Sorry, I misread that part of your posting. Still, I stand by my statement, both for your safety and the car's. They are period correct and the original design DOES have a flaw in it.

[Chris Barker]

It will get closer when the body rises relative to the axle - over a sharp rise for example.
I would jack the chassis until the front axle is off the ground. If it's still clear then it's OK.

[Scott_Conger]

Compare pitman arm lengths vs year, in this link: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/82 ... 1528302899

there is some chance that you have a '26-27 pitman arm, which is shorter, and will raise the drag link "up", reducing clearance. It is a quick easy measurement and will settle your mind about this or will spur you to install the correct part.

[pete eastwood]

Looks like there is no engine or radiator in the car .
As you add the weight of all the components , the car will settle & that clearance will improve .

[TBones12]

Drag Link - thank you - I often confuse the two.

Measure the pitman arm - good to know!

I was afraid road bumps would bend the drag link. Guess not.

I put an accessary wishbone on my 12 touring. I plan on putting one on this torpedo too. Thanks for the advice!

Hmmm, hopefully the engine will setting things out. Good point!

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

In your second photo, when I enlarge it, I believe I'm seeing a gap between the shoulder of your wishbone and the spring perch. There should be no such gap. Makes it look as if your wishbone is not fully seated against the back of the spring perch. It's very important that it is.

[AndyClary]

I agree Jerry, something's amiss in the wishbone at the perch. Also the nut is not on far enough to get a cotter pin in.

Andy

[Dennis Fleming]

Plus the wishbone looks to be installed upside down. If it is ,flipping it would change the gap on the drag link and set the proper caster on the spindles. It appears the spindles are straight up and down or slightly leaning forward on top. Just something to think about.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Plus the wishbone looks to be installed upside down. If it is ,flipping it would change the gap on the drag link and set the proper caster on the spindles. It appears the spindles are straight up and down or slightly leaning forward on top. Just something to think about.

I believe you're correct Dennis.

[Scott_Conger]

Dennis

that's a very astute observation. I think the seam on the wishbone being up so high is also another clue...all of which I missed.

[TBones12]

Thank you again!!

[Original Smith]

I wonder if all the early wish bones had a visible seam? Some do and some don't I believe. Also, Ford beefed them up in later years, and they are considerably stronger than the earlier ones. I admire the correct dust covers and rim nuts on your car.

[Allan]

Early wishbones I have had varied considerably in weight. I put it down to internal rust. Some do have seams, but the majority are bronzed up. Sometime later in production, the tubes were shortened and the later ball end Y forging with the longer legs was used. I do not know when this change was made, but I fitted a new old stock one to my 1917 shooting brake, just because I could.

Allan from down under.

[pete eastwood]

Wow !
Did anyone read my earlier post ?
Just skip over the obvious . . .

[fschrope]

Wow !
Did anyone read my earlier post ?
Just skip over the obvious . . .

I did, and you are correct - 100%.
Why no one else mentions it is beyond me.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Wow !
Did anyone read my earlier post ?
Just skip over the obvious . . .

I did, and you are correct - 100%.
Why no one else mentions it is beyond me.

While it's definitely a factor in this conversation, it's not the only issue. Such as the apparent gap between the wishbone ends and the spring perches. In addition, after what's becoming an extended string of postings here, is it possible that folks could be forgiven for not memorizing every comment from every well meaning participant?

[Dennis Fleming]

If the wishbone orientation is incorrect and not installed correctly then the answer to the tittle and question of this thread is absolutely YES!!
The gap between the drag link and wishbone is far less worrisome period!
Please be safe.