Avanti Steering!

[mfg]

When all else fails, what is an acceptable way to gain clearance between power steering ram and crankshaft pulley on both Studebaker & Chevrolet V8 powered Studebaker framed Avantis?

[mfg]

No thoughts here?

[Footer]

Plasma cutter?

[mfg]

4 hours ago, Footer said:

Plasma cutter?

Ah ha!!….Well?…No!!!!!😧

[Stacey]

9 hours ago, Footer said:

Plasma cutter?

Now that is FUNNY!!

[Gunslinger]

I’ve seen Avanti frames with the front cross member dented in…so I’m saying it was acceptable to hammer the cross member in the right spot to make clearance.  Using a higher engine mount would cause interference with the hood so the alternative is to put a dent in the cross member.

[ronmanfredi]

I read somewhere where an owner replaced the end of the ram with a heim joint. Since I just lowered the engine in my 63, I'm sure I'm about to run into the same problem when I reinstall the bell crank and pivot.

[Guy]

I have a 63 with SBC, had to dimple oil pan to clear bell crank. Not much clearance even so, 4 or 5 mm

[mfg]

14 hours ago, Gunslinger said:

I’ve seen Avanti frames with the front cross member dented in…so I’m saying it was acceptable to hammer the cross member in the right spot to make clearance.  Using a higher engine mount would cause interference with the hood so the alternative is to put a dent in the cross member.

Not really looking to ‘massage’ the frame here… Something much simpler!

[mfg]

13 hours ago, ronmanfredi said:

I read somewhere where an owner replaced the end of the ram with a heim joint. Since I just lowered the engine in my 63, I'm sure I'm about to run into the same problem when I reinstall the bell crank and pivot.

That may work… however, as I mentioned to Gunslinger, this remedy is a bit easier. (no pricey parts to purchase)

[mfg]

12 hours ago, Guy said:

I have a 63 with SBC, had to dimple oil pan to clear bell crank. Not much clearance even so, 4 or 5 mm

Glad that worked for you… but not the answer here!

[mfg]

Uncle??

[psdenno]

Uncle.

[Michael Phillips]

I have a 1969 Avanti II with 350 SBC. There is about 3/8-inch clearance between the bell crank/ arm and the oil pan. What is the condition of your motor mounts? is the rubber deteriorated allowing the engine to drop lower than it should? During restoration I replaced the mounts with ones for a 69 Corvette. Carefully examine the crossmember for any prior collision damage I saw one many years ago that bottomed out into a drainage culvert and dimpled the crossmember in an upward position.