Firm Feel sector support kit.
#1274755
07/27/12 02:24 AM
07/27/12 02:24 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168 Vancouver, WA
MoparMarq
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168
Vancouver, WA
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Had to take my box to Dick to fix a leaky seal on the sector (cross) shaft. Since the pitman nut had to come off, might as well get the kit. Pick up my box (manual) and the rest of the kit.
Directions are sparse, but plain enough. They do state to check EVERYTHING else on your steering system to assure that this isn't simply to cover some other problem up. 'Nuff said.
First thing is to mock it up and see where to drill the holes in the K-frame rail. Now, I don't know about your K-frame, but mine apparently is not a factory-perfect example, even though I had Firm Feel gusset and weld it up and check it. The k-frame does curve and the bracket is flat. Additionally, the k-frame flanges are not super-wide, so positioning the bracket to fit best is limited. This pic shows how the holes ended up where mine fit best, and even then the bracket required some massaging. Enough meat on the one near the edge, and the other one has barely enough on the other side for the washer on the bolt.
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Firm Feel sector support kit.
[Re: MoparMarq]
#1274760
07/27/12 02:48 AM
07/27/12 02:48 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168 Vancouver, WA
MoparMarq
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168
Vancouver, WA
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Done and car back on its wheels. (Cotter pins have been installed where they were missing in earlier pics.) The support is slightly lower than the oil pan, about even with the small aftermarket skid plate on the k-frame. Not as low as the headers, but not nearly as far back either, so shouldn't be a worry. Set screws are facing aft to avoid being boogered up by rocks.
How does it drive? I don't know. About this time, my 6 year old fell off her scooter and was having a meltdown about needing a band-aid on a scrape that wasn't even bleeding. Another reason this car is 8 years in restoration... (I've got an 8 year old, too.)
Sorry, should have mentioned before: '72 Road Runner.
Last edited by MoparMarq; 07/27/12 02:53 AM.
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Re: Firm Feel sector support kit.
[Re: MoparMarq]
#1274762
07/27/12 11:12 AM
07/27/12 11:12 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,162 Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,162
Mesa, Arizona
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Quote:
Done and car back on its wheels. (Cotter pins have been installed where they were missing in earlier pics.) The support is slightly lower than the oil pan, about even with the small aftermarket skid plate on the k-frame. Not as low as the headers, but not nearly as far back either, so shouldn't be a worry. Set screws are facing aft to avoid being boogered up by rocks.
How does it drive? I don't know. About this time, my 6 year old fell off her scooter and was having a meltdown about needing a band-aid on a scrape that wasn't even bleeding. Another reason this car is 8 years in restoration... (I've got an 8 year old, too.)
Sorry, should have mentioned before: '72 Road Runner.
I feel your pain. I too have a 71 RR and installed mine several months ago. Not a simple bolt on. The car didn't feel any different.
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Re: Firm Feel sector support kit.
[Re: dart4forte]
#1274763
07/27/12 05:28 PM
07/27/12 05:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,394 Pikes Peak Country
TC@HP2
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,394
Pikes Peak Country
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Quote:
The car didn't feel any different.
I think even Eburg said this wasn't a mod that was going to get a big "seat of the pants" improvement thumbs up, but rather would help minimize other deflection problems when pushed to the limit with big tire and aggressive alignments.
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Re: Firm Feel sector support kit.
[Re: MoparMarq]
#1274766
08/17/12 10:27 AM
08/17/12 10:27 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,688 Marlboro, NY, USA
Rick_Ehrenberg
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,688
Marlboro, NY, USA
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This whole deal was my idea / design so I guess I should take any barbs. OK!
If you look at how far the sector shaft is cantilevered below the lower bearing, the stock setup basically has to impart lots of stress on the chuck mount. Of course, you can reduce this with gusseting, but even the shaft itself has some flex. The new 3rd bearing cuts that to near zero.
As far as fitment, the K isn't a precision piece, esp. at the pinch-weld area. But a few flatwashers under one or the other end of the bracket (sandwiched) will get everything where it needs to be. The pillow-block-style bearing will self-align - no binding.
The 2 cars I installed the prototypes on went from very visible chuck movement (PS, engine at idle, wheels on ground, turning s/ wheel to and fro about 6") to virtually zero. And it bolts on in 15 minutes.
Rick
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Re: Firm Feel sector support kit.
[Re: jcc]
#1274773
08/18/12 02:36 AM
08/18/12 02:36 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 168 Washington State, USA
Winchester 73
member
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member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 168
Washington State, USA
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Quote:
This is the first i have heard of bearing slop and that it needs to be corrected. I'll wait and see what others say about this iisue that rick neglected to mention.
wow man theres a lot to getting a mopar to handle!after all the money spnt why not just use a rack and pinion with a custom bar to mount it from frame rail to frame rail ?less lbs less rod ends no idler arm no pitman arm no hollow tie rods.sure seems to me the suspension companies like selling treatment instead of cure under the guise of keeping our cars mor origional and making instals "bolt in"
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