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"It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY

Posted By: S/ST 3040

"It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY - 08/21/10 06:22 AM

I get so sick of hearing that. This time I have to agree.

We took the car up to US-131 for Friday Test & Tune after
I fixed a leaking head last week. 1st pass off the trailer car
goes 9.9804 @ 130.9 MPH and I catch some flack picking
up my slip from the ET shack for not having a license. We're
there testing air pressures and shock setting for 60 ft. times
anyway so I start clicking it off at the 1000'

Burnout for the 3rd pass felt "weird".........I stage the car
and lift at the 1000' cone. Coming back the return road, I
notice my steering wheel is crooked. I knew immediately
something was wrong. Something was.

I was doing 123 MPH when I lifted. It could have been worse.

Anybody using this style of steering arm......Please inspect them thoroughly for cracks, etc.

Attached picture 6150957-Breakage08-20-10001.jpg
Posted By: PUNK

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 06:25 AM

That could have gotten real ugly!!
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 06:28 AM



Attached picture 6150964-Breakage08-20-10002.jpg
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 06:31 AM

Somebody loves you, He is looking after you
Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 06:35 AM

Agreed............you are one lucky man.
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 06:35 AM

I have to agree again. It's been a long day and another on
it's way.

I'll miss the $2000 race tomorrow but, can make my home
track Sunday. I have to get up early.
Posted By: The Shadow

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 12:39 PM

You dodged a bullet there.
IMO, Putting flimsy little pieces in your steering is nuts. Especially since it looks to be aluminum.
Posted By: 440Jim

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 01:07 PM

Good to hear you didn't crash, it could have been worse. LOL

What brand parts are those?
How many passes are on them? (ie age, use)

Curious what your car weighs.
Posted By: tboomer

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 01:15 PM

Wow!! You really dodged a bullet on that one..
Posted By: AAR-B4

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 01:28 PM

Is that steering arm a part that a manufacturer is selling?
It is not strong enough for the application.

Kinda scary.......
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 01:43 PM

Vic did you hit something to do that
Posted By: moparniac

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 01:53 PM

glad your safe and didnt get hurt...
Posted By: dc426

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 02:02 PM

wow, you got lucky....that's the good thing. Who's parts are those?
Posted By: 1Fast340

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 02:21 PM

that was close..
Posted By: all spooled up

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 02:43 PM

Quote:

wow, you got lucky....that's the good thing. Who's parts are those?

hint land of lincoln
Posted By: Dustedu

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 03:38 PM

Quote:




Posted By: BPE

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 04:19 PM

Just had breakfast with Vic, he is over at Jeff Allison's shop getiing it fixed. Just glad that's all that happened, he was lucky for sure.

Rod
Posted By: Dunnuck Racing

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 04:35 PM

So much for doing wheelstands,......
Posted By: Sport440

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 04:56 PM

The steering arm extention is plenty strong, but its attachment point to the spindle is Extremely weak!!

Is that what?? about 1/8 to 3/16,s thick Id want a 1/2" minimum.

Both of those steering arms need to be replaced with stronger, smarter versions before Id run that car again. Somebody focused on the strength of the steering arm extention and not its attachment points. Im sure they know that now, Get her fixed Vic! Im glad you missed the bullet on that one , mike
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 09:53 PM

Well, not going as planned. After complete disassembly of both
sides, it appears I was closer to disaster than I'd first thought.
The rear mount on the same side has cracks in that area all the
way around. It would not have held the car up one more pass.
The right side was cracked completely around the front mount
and about half way on the rear. I'm not going to make any further
attempt to fix, repair or otherwise try and use these again.

I forgot my camera but, took a few pictures with Jeff's. Maybe he will post them later.

I bought this front end used (LRT) and have no way of knowing it's age or
number of passes. I did not hit anything with the car. Weighs 2622 lbs.
Posted By: emarine01

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/21/10 10:56 PM

Man... close call does not describe something like that I am very glad your telling us about it, rather than reading about it tomorrow, maybe a good warning for all of us to take some time out and do a good inspection...
Posted By: Mrs.Hitman

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 01:57 AM

Hey, Vic here are the pics you took today. Hope I did this right!!!

Attached picture 6152013-Vic'ssteeringarm001.jpg
Posted By: Mrs.Hitman

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 02:01 AM

This problem will be resolved with the purchase of some new quality components from Bob's ProFab.

Attached picture 6152022-Vic'ssteeringarm002.jpg
Posted By: Mrs.Hitman

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 02:02 AM

Here is pic #3

Attached picture 6152028-Vic'ssteeringarm003.jpg
Posted By: Mrs.Hitman

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 02:04 AM

Last Pic.

Attached picture 6152030-Vic'ssteeringarm004.jpg
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 02:12 AM

Thanks Mrs. H

I was pretty close to piling that thing up. We did get some
video and made some headway on the tire/shocks.

I need to make something happen soon. Norwalk is getting closer.
Posted By: tubtar

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 02:38 AM

That is a bona fide YIKES !
Glad it wasn't what it could have been.
Posted By: BobsProFab

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 04:07 AM

glad they didnt come completely apart !
Posted By: Big_Fish

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 04:19 AM

Wow that's nuts. Glad all is well and you didn't get hurt. Someone upstairs was looking out for sure.
Posted By: B1Fish540

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 04:24 AM

glad you did'nt tumble, Vic. I had a ball joint fall out of the socket on my car once...happened on a back road and i wasn't going fast...thats when i switched to the good stuff!
Posted By: BobR

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 05:42 AM

Quote:

The steering arm extention is plenty strong, but its attachment point to the spindle is Extremely weak!!

Is that what?? about 1/8 to 3/16,s thick Id want a 1/2" minimum.

Both of those steering arms need to be replaced with stronger, smarter versions before Id run that car again. Somebody focused on the strength of the steering arm extention and not its attachment points. Im sure they know that now, Get her fixed Vic! Im glad you missed the bullet on that one , mike



Wow! do I ever agree with you. Lightweight is fine but that setup is suicidal. I would NEVER use aluminum for those parts.
Posted By: 72chrgrally

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 02:06 PM

I'll have to go and look at mine, I have an LRT k-member. I know mine is an older version and Rob was building a new design of steering arm, but has told me that he is not interested in making any more Mopar front end parts. If mine are a similar design I'll be oredering a set of Bob's.
Steve
Posted By: justinp61

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 03:01 PM

Quote:

Lightweight is fine but that setup is suicidal. I would NEVER use aluminum for those parts.



You need to buy a lottery ticket .
Posted By: BPE

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 03:30 PM

The steering arms shown in the above photos are not aluminum. They are just painted that color, same as the crossmember.
Posted By: 412 SB Duster

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 03:37 PM

Wow Vic, That sucks. Good luck on the fix!

Al
Posted By: BobsProFab

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 06:53 PM





Wow! do I ever agree with you. Lightweight is fine but that setup is suicidal. I would NEVER use aluminum for those parts.



my steering arms are 70-75 billet alum.

and i dont sell them seperately to use with other front ends.

Bob
Posted By: mafo

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 08:46 PM

i guess 2600 pounds come with a price...

glad you are still in one piece
Posted By: emarine01

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/22/10 11:27 PM

Hey Vic... maybe you should cool out a little on the go fast thing.... I still haven't figured out this whole csa, runner length , port velocity, reversion , over lap , duration & lift thing yet...
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 12:30 AM

As posted earlier, parts were not aluminum. I didn't mean for this to be
a "vendor bash". I am just extremely thankful I didn't crash the car.
Posted By: Hunted Duck

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 02:22 AM

Hope you get it fixed for Norwalk Vic. I wanna see this thing run
Posted By: Leigh

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 03:14 AM

What is your next move, as in replacements?
Posted By: SuperStocker

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 03:51 AM

And you said that you had no luck...get it fixed and back out there!
Posted By: Sport440

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 04:22 AM

Quote:

As posted earlier, parts were not aluminum. I didn't mean for this to be
a "vendor bash". I am just extremely thankful I didn't crash the car.





Whats More Important! "IS"

Is, to let people know that may be using these same steering arms is, that they may have some weak design flaw issues. I dont care who the vendor is. Its not about the "Vendor"

Its about a Weak design flaw, As is,IMO and from your own experience. I would want every possible Moparts user of same said parts to "Beware" and check for the same said structure cracks for their own safety.

I will add that the part as is could be reinforced to work safely, IMO. But taking fatigue into consideration, maybe it would be best to start from scratch/new. mike
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 12:40 PM

Quote:

Quote:

As posted earlier, parts were not aluminum. I didn't mean for this to be
a "vendor bash". I am just extremely thankful I didn't crash the car.





Whats More Important! "IS"

Is, to let people know that may be using these same steering arms is, that they may have some weak design flaw issues. I dont care who the vendor is. Its not about the "Vendor"

Its about a Weak design flaw, As is,IMO and from your own experience. I would want every possible Moparts user of same said parts to "Beware" and check for the same said structure cracks for their own safety.

I will add that the part as is could be reinforced to work safely, IMO. But taking fatigue into consideration, maybe it would be best to start from scratch/new. mike



Very good point Mike. As a matter of fact, my car has had an inherent
front end vibration that very well could have unduely stressed these
arms and expidited their breaking. I advise anybody using these to
take the time to thoroughly inspect their steering arms for cracks, etc.

Leigh, I am undecided on the method of repair or replacement.
Posted By: HardcoreB

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 01:01 PM

I'm glad you caught this before it turned real bad.
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 08/23/10 01:12 PM

Thanks. Every time I see somebody roll their car, scrape the
wall or shear off wheel studs and ruin a quarter, it makes me
sick. I know first hand, how much you can get wrapped up in
a drag car (monetarily, emotionally, time)

I'm thankful, I wasn't one of them Friday night.
Posted By: BobsProFab

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 09/02/10 01:04 AM

is it fixed yet

come on let's get
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 09/02/10 01:14 AM



Very good point Mike. As a matter of fact, my car has had an inherent
front end vibration that very well could have unduely stressed these
arms and expidited their breaking. I advise anybody using these to
take the time to thoroughly inspect their steering arms for cracks, etc.


OR and more likely... the weak design COULD have
been the vibration (wheels moving back and forth)


Posted By: gregsdart

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 09/02/10 01:29 AM

In the interest of safety, get some stock parts modified to work. The extra 1/2 pound is well worth it! These arms were cut off and welded back on at the right height and length.
They have proven to be extremely durable.

Attached picture 6172587-dartpics007.jpg
Posted By: HEMIFRED

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 09/02/10 01:47 AM

Quote:

In the interest of safety, get some stock parts modified to work. The extra 1/2 pound is well worth it! These arms were cut off and welded back on at the right height and length.
They have proven to be extremely durable.



or get lucky and just use a stock lower ball joint arm installed on the opposite side with no cutting and just a little bending

Posted By: BobsProFab

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 09/02/10 02:33 AM

Quote:

Quote:

In the interest of safety, get some stock parts modified to work. The extra 1/2 pound is well worth it! These arms were cut off and welded back on at the right height and length.
They have proven to be extremely durable.



or get lucky and just use a stock lower ball joint arm installed on the opposite side with no cutting and just a little bending




or put a set of billet ones on
Posted By: Chris'sBarracuda

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 09/02/10 03:21 AM

Quote:

Quote:

In the interest of safety, get some stock parts modified to work. The extra 1/2 pound is well worth it! These arms were cut off and welded back on at the right height and length.
They have proven to be extremely durable.



or get lucky and just use a stock lower ball joint arm installed on the opposite side with no cutting and just a little bending







That's exactly the way mine has been for 18 years now.
And it wheel stands quite a bit.


Chris..
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 09/02/10 01:20 PM

Quote:

Quote:

In the interest of safety, get some stock parts modified to work. The extra 1/2 pound is well worth it! These arms were cut off and welded back on at the right height and length.
They have proven to be extremely durable.



or get lucky and just use a stock lower ball joint arm installed on the opposite side with no cutting and just a little bending





I thought you were not supposed to heat front end components?
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY - 09/08/10 07:08 PM

I got my pictures loaded on to the computer for some side by side shots.

I want to thank Bondo Bob for building me a pair of billet 7075 arms to
get me back to racing. I still have some bump-steer to correct but, no
vibration my last time out. So, visions of barrel-rolling down the track
won't affect my concentration.

Attached picture 6184752-LRT-BobsProFab004.jpg
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY - 09/08/10 07:11 PM

2

Attached picture 6184759-LRT-BobsProFab002.jpg
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY - 09/08/10 07:22 PM

I had to do a little trimming to my OEM lower control arms.

Attached picture 6184780-LRT-BobsProFab008.jpg
Posted By: pittsburghracer

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY - 09/08/10 07:33 PM

Boy some of our members do some beautiful work. I'm glad their on our side.(mopar or no car)
Posted By: Oyvind Mopar

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY - 09/08/10 08:31 PM

If aluminum, the car manufacturers use forged aluminum steering parts, probably for the grain flow and fatigue strength.
If "steel" parts are made of steel forgings, they can be heated and bent without too much strength reduction, but if heat treated cast iron (aduser-ferrous) or nodular iron is used, it is advised not to heat, bend, weld or alter the shape of the piece. For drag-racing anything is done, but the safety factor is challenged every time. Maybe you are "better safe than sorry".
Thanks.
Posted By: Leigh

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" ADVISORY - 09/09/10 12:36 AM

Glad to hear you have it back together and racing again. That Bondo, whatta' guy.
Posted By: moparniac

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 01/03/11 02:21 AM

Quote:

Last Pic.



whos stuff was that?
Posted By: S/ST 3040

Re: "It Could Be Worse!" - 01/03/11 02:39 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Last Pic.



whos stuff was that?



LRT. Again, I wasn't throwing anybody under a bus.
I just wanted to inform other people with the same
stuff to check their's. My stuff was bought second
or third hand and maybe these parts were upgraded
it later kits.
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