Quick steering question, ATV spindles

[andy777bmx]

So I went the lazy route of using ATV spindles for my buggy. Everything is working well except that the angles on the spindles for the steering are at a bad angle. Here is a picture of a different buggy where this guy has the same issue. See where the steering rod connects to the spindle; it should be more vertical. At this angle it the rod ends bind at compression, even with high angle spacers. I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about.

My question is, what is the best way to make this mount more vertical? I don't think it's a good idea to drill out the hole at a different angle, this would be bad. Should I use a bolt running through with some sort of spacer and weld a mounting point off it that is at a different angle? I have access to a lathe, mill, etc so making something shouldn't be an issue.

Or should I put a bend in the steering rod? I think that would make the rod too weak..
Or, should I put the rod end vertical instead of horizontal and mount is somehow that way...

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Andy

[Gene]

The post below is a good idea.

[Gotted]

I cut them off and welded some round stock to the spindle taped new holes for the heims.
You have to install the heims on the arms and bolt them to the round stock so that you can shim the spindle so that the axel is level using a level and weld it up. I hope that makes since?

[andy777bmx]

Thanks for the information. I think it might be easiest to put a bend in the steering rod and maybe add a gusset for strength. I think it should work fine, thanks!

[minibajaman]

If you bend the steering tie rod, then you can't adjust it as easily. If that is not a concern, then maybe just weld a bung on the end at an angle instead of straight into the tube. That way the tube stays straight which is stronger, but the end is angled properly.

I'm assuming the ATV upright is like the one in the picture where the steering arm is not remove able? Maybe making a piece that bolts through the existing hole but then adapts to the proper angle for the rod end would be good, but it's hard to do that without changing the effective length of the steering arm, or it's lateral position which would affect Ackerman geometry.

I guess I don't really have a good solution for you, sorry. This is one of the reasons I stopped using ATV uprights and started making my own.

[andy777bmx]

Thanks for the ideas. I cut the steering rod and but an angle in it. I will gusset it up as well. Running it through the travel, everything works fine. I see what you mean though about harder to adjust. Because of the angle, it takes a lot more turns of the heim to get where I want it to go vs a straight steering rod. Thanks again!