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Thread: Quick Steering Arms

  1. #1

    Quick Steering Arms

    I bought a pair of quick steering arms from Studebaker International. These are the arms originally developed for the Avanti II to improve steering.

    I have the little instruction sheet. I'd like to hear from folks who have actually installed these to learn if there are any tips or any other things I need to know. I'd also like to hear from these same folks how the car handled after they were installed. Thanks!

  2. #2
    I forgot to add I'm installing the quick steering arms in my 64 R1 Hawk;it has power steering.

  3. #3
    President Member Gunslinger's Avatar
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    I installed them on my '70 Avanti. There were no issues in the installation. The front end alignment specs are the same, but it will require a new alignment to get it in spec.

    As far as handling...very little difference that I noticed. You'll reduce the steering lock-to-lock rotations a bit. I doubt if the difference would have been much regardless due to the potential for bump steer if the turning radius was cut too much. You're still talking about a 50+ year old chassis design. I doubt if there is too much that can be done to improve it appreciably without a complete redesign. It's more of an incremental improvement than a radical improvement.

    It is an improvement and worthwhile if you're rebuilding your suspension anyway as I was doing. Just don't expect a major change in handling.



    Poet...Mystic...Soldier of Fortune. As always...self-absorbed, adversarial, cocky and in general a malcontent.

  4. #4
    If you really want it to handle, buy one of my sway bar bracket kits on ebay. You can install up to a 1 5/16 inch 82-92 Z28/ TransAm front sway bar. No more scarey turns. My daily driver is a 62 Hawk with short arms and a 1 1/4 bar.

  5. #5
    President Member Andy R.'s Avatar
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    Please let us know how it turns out. (no pun intended)[xx(]

    My Hawk handles fine, but if it decreases the speed with which I have to spin the steering wheel, I'd be interested in that mod. On my favorite twisty backroads, I'm spinning that wheel like a skipper.[:0]

    Andy
    62 GT

  6. #6
    Hey BuddyMander- I bought one of your sway bar kits and put an 1 1/4 sway bar from a Camaro on my '64 sedan. When I turn tight the drums rub against the end of the sway bar. That's a little distracting.

  7. #7
    That's a first. Mine never rub on my 62 hawk. Don't we have the same width drums? I'm going to measure the clearance on mine today. I would like to know the length of your end links, because I've not had a complaint.... Okay, I just was under mine and checked the clearance lock to lock in both directions. I don't think the end link length could cause a problem. I have 4" from link bracket to sway bar using stock camaro links. I'd be willing to bet that you tightened the four bracket mount bolts down while the brackets were in their most rear most position. Loosen the four bolts that hold the bracket to the frame and slide them forward. That will allow the drums to clear the bar ends with plenty of room. Those lower frame holes are large enough to allow the bracket to be positioned forward or backward a distance of at least 2". Let me know how it turns out. Oh, and by the way, how does it handle?

  8. #8
    Buddymander- I will try to move those mounts forward as you suggest. Keep an eye on this topic- I'll let you know-

  9. #9
    That should take care of it, but in case you have any questions I'm always available at 310-918-1421; the same number I have posted on ebay. What about a rear bar? I didn't feel it was necessary, but what do you think?

  10. #10
    Buddy, give me a link to your Ebay site. Thanks. Dan

  11. #11
    https://stores.ebay.com/studetruck1953s-tricks I have a few studebaker truck kits also that I designed and manufacture myself.

  12. #12
    Have anybody put the quick steering arm's on a 62 lark?

  13. #13
    I have both the quick steer and a heavy duty sway bar on my 64 Wagonaire. Since they both went on at the same time I don't know which did the best job but the change in handling was great.
    Nick

  14. #14
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    The steering arms just "quicken" the steering. Instead of approximately 3.5 turns lock to lock (with power steering), you will have 2.5-2.75 lock to lock. You may perceive that as better handling, with faster steering response with less hand movement, but won't really change performance. Since the arms are shorter, I can't see how they would hit anything, that the longer arms didn't. The max turn angle is the same, just gets there quicker, so if your tires don't rub now they won't, if they do, they still will. I like them, makes it feel more modern.

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