Turning radius

[DartOS]

Got a '68 Dart in the shop today. Customer was complaining the left/right turning radius was not equal. It didn't take but a short drive to confirm his issues. It turns fine to the right but not near as much to the left. When I put it on the lift I noticed the k-frame was a '73 up item.
I checked the steering box center to center turns. It was fine.
Customer didn't know if PO changed just the k- frame and left the '68 pitman arm, idler arm and center link. If I remember correctly, when using the '73 up k-frame you need to use the '73 pitman arm, center link and idler arm. Is this correct?

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

Got a '68 Dart in the shop today. Customer was complaining the left/right turning radius was not equal. It didn't take but a short drive to confirm his issues. It turns fine to the right but not near as much to the left. When I put it on the lift I noticed the k-frame was a '73 up item.
I checked the steering box center to center turns. It was fine.
Customer didn't know if PO changed just the k- frame and left the '68 pitman arm, idler arm and center link. If I remember correctly, when using the '73 up k-frame you need to use the '73 pitman arm, center link and idler arm. Is this correct?

Does it look even underneath when the wheels are straight, center link and tie rods? Same steering box? Something hitting a header...

 

[DartOS]

Everything looks straight, with no binding or hitting oil pan or headers.

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

Pull the Pitman and rotate the steering wheel to the right and count how many times till it stops, then do the same going the other way and split the difference. Is the steering wheel straight after that?
Then grab the pass side wheel and see how far each way it goes with the idler still attached/bolted on

 

[DartOS]

Did that. Box is centered and steering wheel is straight.

 

[DartOS]

Guess I'm getting old and forgetful. I forgot to check if the spindles are hitting the stops. I'll look at that tomorrow.

 

[remytherat]

Tie rods same length?

If not coupler/steering wheel can be indexed wrong

 

[junkyardhero]

Guess I'm getting old and forgetful. I forgot to check if the spindles are hitting the stops. I'll look at that tomorrow.

^^^ this

spindles, balljoint stops, bent edge of a control arm, brake caliper hitting the sway bar.

 

[RustyRatRod]

When the wheel is centered, WHERE is the Pittman arm?

 

[DartOS]

I'm thinking the pitman arm may be the wrong one for that k-frame. And maybe the center link.

 

[DartOS]

When the wheel is centered, WHERE is the Pittman arm?

I'll have to look at it tomorrow. I can compare it to my '68 Dart but mine has the original k-frame. Seems that I read years ago that when using the '73 up frame you needed to use some of the matching '73 parts. I've slept since then!

 

[DartOS]

I don't think the customer knows much history of the car. He bought it, cleaned it up, had it aligned and started driving it.
Isn't there a difference in drum and disc spindles. I'm thinking he's got a mix of '68 and '73 steering parts that ain't compatible.

 

[72bluNblu]

The ‘73 K frame can be used with all of the other ‘68 steering parts.

The center link has to match the idler and the pitman, and the pitman needs the be small or large sector depending on the steering box. But if it all fits together then it’s either all ‘68-72 or all ‘73+

There is a difference between the drum and disk spindles, but they use the same steering parts except for the lower ball joints, but those don’t mix and match with the spindles.

 

[Bodyperson]

Did you check toe out on turns? Could be a bent steering arm.

 

[65TerrorCuda]

Guess I'm getting old and forgetful. I forgot to check if the spindles are hitting the stops. I'll look at that tomorrow.

That was my issue, mismatched lower ball joints. Grinder to the rescue

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Start with the box. Take the pitman arm off and turn the box lock to lock then turn it back half way. See where the coupler flat is located. should be straight up.

Put the steering shaft on with the flat on the steering wheel end straight up. Then install the steering wheel straight. Now when you apply the pitman arm on center, the wheels should be straight.

Many times I've seen this and it was the pitman arm not splined correctly or the wrong one installed. You can force the coupler or the wheel on at the wrong placement . This will screw the turn radius up and also the car will wonder due to the box not being on the high/tight spot on the sector shaft.

I am not saying this is what is wrong but just something to check and the procedure to do it.