TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun May 01, 2005 4:39 pm

Anyone know if the stock length Warrior beam allows you to use the stock steering gearbox? I think I might just go with that and longer arms.

Sun May 01, 2005 11:14 pm

Nicksan:
I think you will run into the same problem that I discovered today. There are 2 support tubes near the middle of the beam that force you to shift your box about 2" towards the left wheel, which takes you out of alignment with the steering column. SHMO says you can re-route the steering column, but I'm hoping he'll elaborate on what he did (I don't think any of his gallary photos show it). I'm guessing he used u-joints like you would with a center steer rack.
-Mike

Sun May 01, 2005 11:50 pm

you can modify a super beetle u-jointed shaft to work on a budget

Mon May 02, 2005 12:13 am

i think what we need here is just how you would go about modifying things, not just the fact that you can do it.
if you want to post that this or that can be done please tell us HOW TO GO ABOUT IT!!!
that would be good info to have.

not to be an ass, i also know you can go to the moon on a solid fuel rocket.......but i cant tell you how to go about it.

BTW...SHMO this was not directed at you.

Mon May 02, 2005 9:08 am

not many people use the stock width warrior beam, therefore there arent many people with enough experience with them to effectively communicate their construction.

Mon May 02, 2005 4:05 pm

To modify my steering column, I had to basically do the same thing you would for a rack and pinion setup. I used U-joints and shaft to make the connection. In my personal car, I also modified the stock column by shortening it and adding mounting supports. I wanted to retain the stock column, but the majority of bajas like this seem to use a buggy type steering column. There are really 100 different ways to do it.

The original question was regarding a Warrior beam intall. This is the reason I didn't go too far into detail about the steering column. It was just a small piece in the puzzle so I thought I would at least touch on it just to make aware of the issue. If you would like me to go into more detail, I can.

SHMO

Mon May 02, 2005 5:09 pm

I have not bought the beam yet, I may still go with the 6" extra long but wanted to try and stick with the stock steering box for now to minimize costs but I dont thing that will happen with this new information. I guess I will just have to go ahead with the 6" extended warrior beam if there is no way to use the stock box with either one.
Ft. Irwin, If I ever get around to do this, I will post exactly what I did with pics and all. :) Thanks guys.

Mon May 02, 2005 5:35 pm

i used the stock box with my 6" beam for a while, but i switched to the rack before i ever took it in the dirt

Mon May 02, 2005 5:53 pm

HamburgerBrad wrote: i used the stock box with my 6" beam for a while, but i switched to the rack before i ever took it in the dirt

I was under the impression that the stock box does not work with the 6" warrior beam?

Mon May 02, 2005 6:21 pm

they'll work. you just need to customize a few things. you'll need to lengthen the tie rods and create something to keep the box from moving around on the beam tube

Mon May 02, 2005 8:36 pm

I think pacific customs or moore sell long tie rods for the 6" warrior and I would have to extend the steering shaft cuz the linkpin beam is not as tall as the balljoint making the shaft shorter. Thanks. :)

Mon May 02, 2005 10:38 pm

those tie rods are for use with rack and pinioin steering

Tue May 03, 2005 4:47 pm

Hmmmm? Well I might have to do the rack and pinion install.

Tue May 03, 2005 4:56 pm

get a welder and some tubing. presto, you have extended tie rods

Tue May 03, 2005 6:51 pm

Ive got a welder, I just need some practice so I dont make anymore welds that look like a moon crater. :cry:

Tue May 03, 2005 10:14 pm

my welder was the single best buy i have made since i started on my baja. see if you can check out books from your library, or even buy the course book for the welding program at your local community college.
you wouldnt believe the stuff i have welded up around the house.

Wed May 04, 2005 10:50 am

You can use a stock steering box with a 6-inch wider warrior beam. That is what I have on my car. There is a lot of info going around on other threads right now regarding this stuff.

To use a stock box in a Baja you will need to do more than install longer tie rods. You will also have issues with the frame horn interferring with the tie rods, so that will need to be clearanced. Also, the steering box will need to be mounted off center from it's original location, so you will need to fabricated supports for the steering column and use additional steering rods with U-joints to make the connection.

SHMO

Wed May 04, 2005 3:40 pm

Ive got a couple welding books, I just need to whip out the welder and actually learn.:)
Yea, I was thinking about ditching the whole stock steering setup except the box and go with those aftermarket rods they sell with the ujoints and have to carve a path for the tie rods. Either way I will have to weld customize something. Thanks.