Brazed Steering Knuckle Stops

[RonJones]

I don’t know if this is a common issue or not, but someone, previous owner or factory, had brazed the steering stops on both sides. This wasn’t a problem with smaller tires, but when I went to 33” tires, the inner tires will run into the radius arms when steering is cranked over. After mulling it over for a bit, I fabbed some sleeves using the Tractor Supply parts house. These steering stop extensions have to be tapped into place, and I put an 8-32 set screw onto them for additional security. 3/8” fuel hose is glued in the ends to provide a soft stop. 1” length worked best, about 1/4” longer than the brazed stops.

Works great! View attachment 876810

 

[RonJones]

Here’s the other pic I couldn’t get to load.

 

[DirtDonk]

Nice, thanks for sharing.
Yes, the weld is a factory thing. As far as I've ever seen, they were all welded/brazed in place. They break free pretty easily though in most cases too.
I think most of us just put a longer bolt in, sometimes with a lock nut and call it good. Yours adds some support it seems to me.
For just a bolt, either a nut for locking in place (which is what I did) or some thread locker would do the trick.

What is your sleeve biting on to? Is that a longer bolt you're using and the set screw is biting into the bolt? Or something else?

Paul

 

[RonJones]

Hey, Paul - I simply pounded the sleeve over the existing bolt+nut, adding about a quarter inch to the overall length. The sleeve captures the existing nut at it’s base, and it’s bolt head at the top, with a press-fit. The set screw binds into the threads on the bolt, between the bolt head and the nut below, precluding backing out. I was afraid of armstronging the bolt; with my luck, I’d probably shear it off in the middle, then have to drill it out after first failing to back it out with a welded nut, and have to tap oversize and who knows what else.

 

[Glass Pony]

Good idea Ron!
When I couldn't adjust my steering stops and needed them to be just a little bit longer, I pulled out the Mig welder and put a little bead on the bolt head and grinded it to get the correct steering stop on the knuckle.

 

[bigmuddy]

Great idea!