shoebox steering linkage setup

[JHFORD51]

I'm replacing the tie rods, idler, etc on my 50 Ford car. I have the factory manual but some of the process isn't clear to me. Should I center the steering wheel and then adjust the drag link to make the idler arm be in the same position as the pitman arm before hooking up and adjusting the tie rods?

 

[flatford8]

The way you described the process is how I’d do it.....Mark

 

[Frank Miller]

Are you doing a conversion? I do not believe the stock unit has an adjustment.

 

[flatford8]

I just went downstairs and looked at my 51. Frank is right, there’s no adjustment for the Pitman arm – Idler arm. The only adjustment is at the tire rod ends ......Mark

 

[JHFORD51]

Thanks. Yes I'm doing the AMC idler arm conversion deal. Kit came with with really no insturctions except how to locate the new center bar which was self evident since it only fits one way. Just seemed like I should get the idler and pitman as close to parallel as I could before setting up the tie rods to get the toe right.