Minimum Heim bore for steering?

[rjrobin2002]

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/34STEER.html

This kit is called a 3/4", but then mentions you need to bore your knuckles out 5/8". I think the bottom of a factory knuckle is larger than 5/8". The way I have it measured, the bottom of the knuckle is at least 3/4" and would require a 3/4-7/8" bolt and Heim. Am I confused or on the right track in thinking we would have to get the 7/8" kit?

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/78STEER.html

 

[78Scronco]

I used the kit in your second link. The heims are for use of a 3/4 bolt. I did have to drill the knuckle out to 3/4, but only a little more than about half of the knuckle needs drilling as the lower part is already3/4.

 

[rjrobin2002]

So you agree that the first link would not work.

 

[rjrobin2002]

I used the kit in your second link. The heims are for use of a 3/4 bolt. I did have to drill the knuckle out to 3/4, but only a little more than about half of the knuckle needs drilling as the lower part is already3/4.

That makes me think 3/4" is to small also, I would want the drill bit to bite the whole way through.

 

[fungus]

I drilled my knuckles out with a 3/4" bit and used the kit from Tom's (uses 3/4" grade 8 bolts). A 3/4" bit will bite the whole way through your stock knuckle and leave a nice smooth 3/4" hole all the way through. I think that addresses your concern.

 

[TN1776]

Mine uses 3/4" grade 9 bolts. My knuckles are drilled out to 3/4 and like fungus said its a smooth bore the whole way through.

 

[78Scronco]

Yes it does I guess, it's been awhile since I drilled them, but they probably was a little still at the end.

 

[strokers]

I drilled mine years ago and recently replaced with the ruffstuff 3/4 kit . When i had drilled them originally i had used a 1/16 or 1/32 under bit then used an adjustable reamer to size them so the bolt had to be lightly tapped in when i test fit the new steering they were still as tight as they were years ago.

 

[carolinaoffroad]

Never go under 3/4". Even some cheaper 3/4 heims are under rated and can break.

Jon

 

[bmc69]

I drilled mine years ago and recently replaced with the ruffstuff 3/4 kit . When i had drilled them originally i had used a 1/16 or 1/32 under bit then used an adjustable reamer to size them so the bolt had to be lightly tapped in when i test fit the new steering they were still as tight as they were years ago.

Exactly the right way to do it. Simply drilling to final size at 3/4" results in a loose fit where what you want is a close fit.