The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 5 lug disc brake conversion on a TF

I could use some help. I bought an axle with the 5 lug disc brake conversion that was set up for power steering. I'll be running the 250 cu.in. six for a while and am not ready to go with power steering. So I went to swap the steering arm from the old axle and ran in to my first question:

1) bolts that hold the steering arm to the hub are supposed to be 7/16 but the hole through the caliper mount is only 3/8. Has anyone else had to drill out the hole in the caliper bracket to fit the proper bolt? Did you have trouble finding a shim the right size to keep everything aligned? Or, is the grade 8 bolt at 3/8 that I found in there gonna work?

I left the driver side hub disassembled and figured I could bolt a wheel up to the other side to check fit. The 7 inch wide wheel is within 3/16 inch of the steering cross link and I'm afraid the tire might actually rub when it is on the ground. So, question 2:

2) Do you need to space the steering link out from the hub to gain clearance for wheels and tires?

Let me know if pictures are needed. Any help would be much appreciated.

I bought a new kit for mine some years ago, and had to drill out the holes.

I no longer remember the sizes, but what you say sounds right. I used grade 8 bolts purchased at my local hardware store. I've put about 10,000 miles on the conversion with no problems.

I shimmed with some washers and had no trouble getting it right.

I've had 8 inch wheels on mine, and currently have 7 inch wheels on it. I've not had any rubbing problems.

Now the bad news, mine is an AD not a TF so my experience drilling holes, and buying bolts and spacers is similar, but with the different cab and frame I have no idea if my steering clearance means anything to you or not.

Thanks Steve, I think the bracket needs to be drilled to fit the hub bolts. It is always nice to hear you are not the first to have a problem with someone elses design.

I think I'll make a point of crawling under a few AD models sometime (Carlisle is coming up!) to see what they look like. Sure are a lot of you guys here on the bolt.

I have several here, including a couple you would not need to crawl under to see the axle, spindles and hubs. Might not be as close as Carlisle though...