My uncle has a 71 442, 455, that he has restored, and in the process has replaced the steering components. He tells me that when he turns to the lock the center link rubs against the cross member. He is not computer literate, so that's why I am here. Anyway, he tells me that he has compared this to another 442 that a friend has and while the friend's 442 has a 1/4" between the cross member and the center link, my uncles car only has about the thickness of a cardboard box material (his words). He mentioned a feeler gauge would be necessary to measure the gap. He has put two different new center links on the car, from different sources, and they both do the same thing. He does say that he sees evidence that it was wrecked. I do not know anything about the center link that came with the car when he bought it and I doubt anyone would have noticed an issue before restoration.
I am looking for ideas for a fix, or what else to check, and to find out if anyone else has encountered this situation.

Thanks,
Chris

 

I have seen this many times myself.

 

Great, do you know of any solutions?

Thanks,
Chris

 

I’m sorry, not particularly unless the suspension parts are simply worn, or perhaps out of alignment. Also try to remember the level of precision that these vehicles were built as well as the factory’s expectation of life. Maybe one of our local shaman can give a better explanation. I was merely expressing my personal experience.

 

You mention there is evidence of a wreck. I'm betting the frame is tweaked and not within spec. Try taking the frame measurements as shown in Section 2 of the Chassis Service Manual for your car. For example:

 

If there is a frame shop in your area I would have them check it out. Have a '70 that I couldn't get all of the bolts in the motor mount frame bracket, car had been hit on the passenger front.

 

Sometimes, all you need to do is loosen the idler arm and the steering box bolts and move them a bit and retighten. It may give the necessary clearance. Without pictures it's hard to say, but all it has to do is clear.

 

Thanks you all for the info and ideas. I am going to relay this to my uncle and see if he can get to the bottom of this.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Do the front tires wear? Is the camber correct? If the camber is negative the frame probably sagged between the frame rails. Repairable but not an easy fix with the engine and front clip to work around.
Dustin

 

No info on tire wear. I don't believe he has driven it enough to wear the **** off the tires yet. He's been restoring this unit for years now, and is just getting to the driving part.

Thanks,
Chris