1968 steering arm

[james Kekeisen]

I recently replaced a damaged steering arm on my 68 with a refurbished part, which I was told was a 68. It looks identical to the previous one but I didn't actually line them up side by side, well anyway the front end is all back together and the left tie rod end rubs against the tire?? I haven't set my camber yet and it looks to be quite positive (about 5%), but could the camber cause the tire to rub the tierod end? What should the approximate distance be between the tie rod and the tire (the right side has over an inch)? I have standard 7" wheels. If the steering arm is off a later model could that be my problem?

Thanks, Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 steering arm

James-----

First off, do you have the forging number from the refurbished steering arm? If it's for a 68, it will have the same forging number as the replaced arm (or 1 digit difference from the one on the other side).

Nothwithstanding the above, it does not even matter if you have an arm from a later model. The 69+ arms were catalogued by GM to SERVICE 1968 applications, so I'm certain that they should work with no problem. For something as critical as a steering part, if GM had any reservations, whatsoever, about the use of a later model part as a SERVICE part on an earlier model, they'd NEVER catalog it as a replacement. They'd just discontinue the earlier part and that would be the end of it.

As I may have mentioned previously, the 69+ arms are much stouter and stronger than the 68 arms, so, from that standpoint, they're preferable if durability and increased safety are a priority for you (note: I am NOT saying that the 68 arms are unsafe). The 69 to about 76 arms will carry the forging numbers "3948871" and "3948872". These are STOUT arms. The about 1976 to 1982 arms will carry the forging numbers "465071" and "465072". These are REALLY STOUT arms. Either should work just fine for your 68.

I think that your problem with the tire interference is a result of something else. The camber being way off is a good possibility. But, it may be something else, too. Actually, though, I cannot understand how the tie rod could rub the tire under just about any circumstances. Once the tie rod is connected to the steering arm, its position is "fixed".

[John H.]

Re: 1968 steering arm

James -

I know you don't want to hear this, but someone has apparently given you the wrong steering arm; caster/camber adjustment won't affect the rub condition you have, as the steering arm is fixed in position to the spindle, so they move as a unit (along with the tire).