Thanks for the pictures. I've read though all your threads on your build and most of the pictures are gone. I assumed Marc made you take them down. I assumed you would know the effects of not keeping the rack and tie rods in line. Fortunately for you, you were able to place the steering on the same plane as the upper arm and maintain a straight tie rod.
With our build I would have to push the wheels forward (I already have enough wheel base) or the steering arms would have have to be pushed even deeper in the wheels. Did you have to run a 15" to clear your steering arm?
I will be running a centerload rack with a spreader bar. With the traditional swept back A arm it will be better to run the rack inside the frame rails with the pivots between the upper and lower a arm pivots. A replaceable spreader bar make it very easy to adjust bump steer without moving the rack.
Yeah, they're 15's. But we planned on running 15" wheels whether or not clearances mandated it. To keep the work in house, since we have no machining capabilities, I chose to use the stock spindles, and I swapped sides so I could use the robust factory steering knuckle as a foundation for the front steer conversion. I plan to add an album soon showing every step of the process. I already helped an Underground member out of a bind when, based on my exposing our build, he jumped head over heels into converting his Mav to a front steer. I couldn't leave poor Jim hanging since it was my postings that motivated him to take the leap.
Although Marc is never pleased when I openly share intimate details on our build, I can recall only twice in the past that I deleted a post or pic at his request. Just prior to this years Baja 500 (or there abouts), I became frustrated by the attacks from other members whom, I assume, were fed up with my boasting and bragging. The details about who, or what was said is not important. Suffice it to say that I felt alienated, so I deleted all of my albums and pics, and requested to Joey that he delete my account, or cancel my membership, or however the hell you get out of here! Joey convinced me to hang in there, convincing me that the attacks should be somewhat expected, based on the content of my postings. I deleted maybe 700 or so detailed and revealing pics of nearly every aspect of our car, since at that moment, I was intent to take my marbles elsewhere.
After our Baja victory, I decided that the best way to utilize the Underground to my advantage, and every one elses benefit, was to start a detailed journal on what it takes, at every level, to design, build, race, and maintain a winning UTE, hence, the birth of my "Chronicles" thread. After all, aside from the self worth my following here affords me, the biggest reason for my sharing is to help the less fortunate, or lesser experienced members sharpen their learning curve, at little or no cost to them, hoping that they will use the time and money saved and put it towards their family unit. Put more money aside for their kids college fund, or pay an extra mortgage payment every couple of years. Take in a movie, or go to Disneyland. I am disgusted by society, and its negative influence on the family unit. It tears apart 1 out of every two households in California, and perhaps the nation by now.
You can call me "Manifesto Joe". Sorry to have bled all over your thread, it happens quite often. Ha ha, so no, Marc didn't make me take down my posts.
Let me know if you would like details on any area of our car, and I'll repost the images. (so I can inadvertently piss off Marc)
