Pacer Spindles for Racers?

Lucas660, as long as the tie rod end to the steering arm is outside of the steering knuckle vertical center by 1/2" to 3/4" there will be Ackerman angle. I assumed that the angle of the arm would be a good indication, but it is possible (not having my original components any more) that the arm mounting on the upright may fit towards the wheel than behind or at the knuckle vertical center line.

Some older pre 80's cars can't have proper steering arm locations with racks, because of wheel and brake systems interference. And for anti-Ackerman angle, there are references on old school theory, which seems to work, but in some ways it's an engineering challange to find the best method that works, when looking a which route is available when obstacles become a challenge.

It would be interesting to see an oem Pacer arm compared to the Argo.



Edited by 304-dude - Nov/05/2019 at 5:23am

It might be hard to see in the picture but the AMC arm is offset, the ARGO arm is perfectly straight.
I am thinking of ways to fix this, either heat and press or mill and re-bore the holes.
I think I need to go back to my concepts at the start of my build and make a mock up with the front wheels unloaded to figure out how to achieve the correct angles.

304-dude wrote: Lucas660, as long as the tie rod end to the steering arm is outside of the steering knuckle vertical center by 1/2" to 3/4" there will be Ackerman angle. I assumed that the angle of the arm would be a good indication, but it is possible (not having my original components any more) that the arm mounting on the upright may fit towards the wheel than behind or at the knuckle vertical center line. Some older pre 80's cars can't have proper steering arm locations with racks, because of wheel and brake systems interference. And for anti-Ackerman angle, there are references on old school theory, which seems to work, but in some ways it's an engineering challange to find the best method that works, when looking a which route is available when obstacles become a challenge. It would be interesting to see an oem Pacer arm compared to the Argo.

A wee side note to lack of Ackerman angle with straight or inboard arms... toe in can compensate, not too much mind you.

As long as what ever methods you take does not effect driving adversely, don't shy away from what most tend to refrain from in standardized rack concepts.

Example... since the Argo arm looks a wee longer than 5" (going by my MII spindle arm length), it may allow the rack more back set, which is good, if your mounting has limitations in back set placement, or is already mounted. If too far back set, at least shimming can be done, before any rework is needed.

Falling back to longer arm to allow for lost Ackerman, may help, but with all things being give and take, loosing some turning radius may not be an issue with smaller bodied cars. Though the option would require just a wee more negative camber, and zero toe in, with the a slightly longer arm (if it fits the brake system, and wheels used). It may work out, if finding limitations with setting parameters within the standards for your rack setup.

Though it's your setup, and all the details are in front of you, for your best judgement. Just bringing thought for those following alon

Sorry, if I seem to bounce away from your method of correction... just that's how I think... many angles at once at times. Looking at the simplest option that will produce results. Though once I get the plan sorted as to how things go, I tend to work at optimizing and taking things a bit further in tidying things up. It makes for some ideas to pop up spare of the moment, which can annoy the bajeebus out of peeps, but my actions are a lot more methodical so to speak.

Stock Pacer steering arms have a plate that acts as  a steering stop. I didn't know this till I got this picture. Notice the top mounting position the steering arm is thinner than say a Javelin steering arm that has the steering stop cast into the arm