Steering Linkage rubs on new 33 inch tyres
Submitted: Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 19:48
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62Cruza
Hi All,
Tried searching for an answer but couldn't find one. I have just put a set of 33 inch M/T's on 8" Steel rims on my FJ62 Cruiser, and have found that a part of the steering is gently rubbing on the sidewall at full lock to the right. It doesn't appear to be making a grove in the tyre YET, but I don't want to continue with this and weaken the sidewall to a potential nasty blowout.
My current plan of attack is to take both front wheels off and put a washer on each of the studs to give the wheel an extra few mm of clearance from the steering components.
However before I do this, I am racking my brains out to think what could be unsafe about this setup, and would appreciate your advice. At best the only drawback I can think of is corrosion, by setting up an anode/cathode situation with the washer if I use the wrong material.
So if anyone else has had this issue, or can offer some advise on if the washer would be safe and if so what metal to use would be greatly appreciated. (As for a material, I am leaning toward brass at this stage.
Cheers,
62Cruiser.
Reply By: Shaker - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 19:54
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 19:54
Maybe a purpose made wheel spacer might be just a little bit safer.
It does worry me that I'm driving on the same roads as people with some of these
home grown mods!
AnswerID:
159564
Follow Up By: 62Cruza - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:07
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:07
If there is such a thing as this than I would more happily use it. If you can provide details that would be great.
Which is the reason for my asking these questions before just going "That'll Do" and seeing what happens.
So I'd like to make if very clear that I am not looking for a shonky fix!! I want a safe and proper fix, and I'm not afraid to pay for one.
FollowupID:
414193
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:05
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:05
Perhaps you are going overboard turning the Cruiser into a Tractor.
AnswerID:
159566
Reply By: Peter 2 - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:24
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:24
Wheel spacers of any sort are illegal for road use.
The safest way to prevent the tyre rubbing on the drag link (I'm guessing that is what it is rubbing on) is to adjust the steering stops on the front knuckles to reduce the steering lock enough to stop the tyre rubbing.
Look at the swivel housing/knuckle and you will see a bolt that hits the metal stop on the diff housing on full lock. Loosen the locknut and adjust the bolt out until the tyre just misses rubbing, allow another 1/4" for
suspension flex.
then do the front bolt on the passengers side so that the stops touch on both sides at the same time or you may bend a tie rod.
Best to put the front end up on jack stands so you can fiddle around without the tyres on the ground.
AnswerID:
159570
Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:32
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:32
I guess as tyre
services fit illegal tyres, that would be reason that they stock wheel spacers.
FollowupID:
414202
Follow Up By: 62Cruza - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:32
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:32
Thanks Peter,
I wasn't aware there was an adjustment for steering lock. (Mind you now I think of it, it's pretty obvious.)
But that will definantly be the way to go, I wasn't too keen on the idea of spacers.
Also I agree that it's not a good idea to drive at full lock, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
Once again. Thanks.
FollowupID:
414203
Reply By: roofscooter2 - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:25
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 20:25
Cruza, just don't turn on full lock, as that can also shorten the life of power steering pump as told by some mechanics. Also sure you would not drive too far with it on hard lock anyway. My $2 bucks worth. Bob.
AnswerID:
159571
Reply By: 3F62 - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 21:22
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 21:22
G'day 62Cruza I have same vehicle and about to do same as you but in 33x10.5x15 BFG M/T on 8" wheels with toyota off-set are yours 12.5" or other.
Ta
3F62
AnswerID:
159584
Follow Up By: 62Cruza - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 22:12
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 22:12
Hi 3F62,
Yes, the my tyres are 33x12.5xR15. And as far as I'm aware, i'm using toyota offset also.
The clearance everywhere else seems fine, and I only have the standard height
suspension.
Good luck with it.
Cheers,
Adam.
FollowupID:
414235