How to Drop Early Ford Steering Arms - Ford Free-T - Ep. 24

In this episode we show the "old school" way to drop the steering arms on an original set of Ford spindles. The Free-T is using a set of square back 1942-1948 front spindles and when you install a drop axle and lowering spring your tie rod will interfere with the wishbones. This process is basically the same for any straight axle vehicle and is the traditional way to overcome this issue when lowering a car or truck of this era. Thanks for watching! Be sure to like and subscribe to keep track of all of our builds and adventures.
- Tools Used -
- Victor Oxy-Acetylene torch set
- Eastwood MIG 175 Welder- www.eastwood.c...
- Biggest Adjustable Wrench in the toolbox

[@timothynewkirk2654]

I'm 67 years old. Have built 3 model As and one T...plus many other rods. But frankly I'm learning a bunch from you guys. Great build...keep up the good work! Newk from Kentucky

[@IronTrapGarage]

Building cars is such a cool experience, very little hobbies allow new comers and the “old guys” to learn from each other. Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!! -Mike/ITG

[@vaioskaliakoudas6388]

*So easy, so good.* Everybody can do this at home, if you have a torch to your garage of course and know how to use it

[@IronTrapGarage]

Sometimes the easiest tasks are overlooked and over complicated. One of the reasons we make these videos. Thanks for watching!!! -Mike/ITG

[@michaelcookeiii4552]

Good job guys as always

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!!! -Mike/ITG

[@Survive2022]

Matt, I've been following the free-T build; and I must say I love what you do. The Fab work and style, I love it! A couple buddies of mine are interested in building a rod like the free-t. I'm the fabricator an electrician in the bunch; and I totally appreciate the amount of work that goes into a project.
Keep up the fantastic work!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for the kind words. it takes time to build this stuff, but the satisfaction is most definitely worth it! -Matt/ITG

[@albertaboyz]

Another good one. Keep that sh*t up. :)

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching! We are getting closer and closer to driving it this summer! -Mike/ITG

[@johnnybobgoldstein2823]

Do you remember what thickness you used to gusset the hoop arm? 1/8" or 3/16" plate? Thanks!

[@ps-fe5ns]

very good and informative video! can i ask where and who is the music track to video? thank you. have a safe and happy and healthy holidays.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching! We get the tracks off of a music server we subscribe to that allows us to put them in videos. I'll see if Mike can dig up the track name. -Matt/ITG

[@xtechx2007]

I have aluminum 45 finned Buick drums and '48 backing plates on my A, Speedway bones with their 1 3/4" drop spindles. I need to heat and drop the steering arms about an inch so the drag link will be just a tick above the bones to have steering and suspension clearance. I think this the only way to handle this with this combination. Can I heat and bend these arms on the car with the brakes and everything installed on the car without hurting/burning anything up?
I assume I'll need to mock up the tie rod ends to their natural heights with bolts or something, so I don't burn the rubber boots up. but other than that will I be Ok?

[@IronTrapGarage]

I usually do this with junk/unrestored parts in place as there's a good chance you will damage rubber items and bake the grease out of the spindles. I always do the work on the car to be sure it all clears ok. -Matt/ITG

[@vncemassa9305]

what is another good steering box for a cowl steering set up . thanks vince

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Vince, any small side-steer box 48 and newer is a good candidate. I've seen guys use anything from 50's boat steering boxes to VW boxes. I just used what I had on hand! Thanks for watching. -Matt/ITG

[@brent65622]

I am thinking about getting the eastwood 175 mig would you recommend it?

[@IronTrapGarage]

Matt and I both have one, and i dont think either of us have had issues. Its the prefect price for a hobbyist or a weekend garage guy! There is a link in the description of this video directly to the welder! Thanks for watching!! -Mike/ITG

[@TravelBackroads]

Great shots. This'll be helpful for lots of guys down the road.
Good tip on bracing the steering hoop. I'll do that before I even install it. Thanks!
I'm guessing this steering arm mod needs to be done before new king pins are installed?
I'm also doing this on my car this week.
I've got new king pin bushings installed but I still have the old king pins so I can put those in.
I don't know if I'm over thinking it.
I follow you on Instagram. 29roadie Check later this week to see if I screw it up. haha

[@IronTrapGarage]

The torch usually ruins the spherical bearings in the kingpins. I would weld the hoop on the car to prevent any warpage. Thanks again for watching!! -Mike/ITG

[@trenzmeister]

don't you have a rosebud...that cutting torch will crystalize the metal

[@IronTrapGarage]

We do have a rose bud, but that produces quite a large flame pattern. We know it isn’t ideal but with the cutting torch we were able to get a tight pattern and not risk destroying the tires and other items in the area. Thanks for watching!!! -Mike/ITG