Series 1 80" steering geometry setup help.

**jedwards** · 22nd June 2021, 02:29 PM

Gentlemen,
I need to set up my steering as I have had everything apart, as part of the restoration, but cannot find the correct length that the Longitudinal steering tube, drag link and Track Rod need to be set to.
I'm using the Series 1 48-58 Work Shop Manual (Edition4291) but can find no referent to this critical information in Section G Steering Unit and Linkage (all models) .

Is it somewhere else in the workshop manual?

Many thanks
Jeff

**JDNSW** · 23rd June 2021, 06:26 AM

The track rod is set to give the required amount of toe in, there is no specified length, and it cannot be set without the complete running gear being assembled. Similarly, the drag ink to the relay is set so that the arm on the relay is pointing straight ahead when the wheels are straight. The exact length depends on the spring height and probably variations in exact chassis dimensions! (And similarly should not be set without the engine and other weight installed.)

**jedwards** · 24th June 2021, 10:58 AM

That information us really helpful, many thanks John.

What are the "rules" for the Longitudinal steering tube? I assume it's length will determine the lock and alignment as well.

regards
jeff

**cjc_td5** · 24th June 2021, 11:40 AM

Hi mate.
I don't know if there are any set up guidelines, but this is how I would do it...

The track rod sets wheel toe-in/toe-out.
Set your steering box to mid-way on its travel and install the output pitman arm to point straight down.
Set your top relay pitman arm pointing east-west and adjust your longitudinal arm to fit these arms.
Install your relay bottom pitman arm pointing straight forward, and install your drop arm to fit the length between this arm and the track rod.
Play with moving arms on splines if you cannot get full steering movement between steering stops, or to centre your steering movements.

That's how I would attack it anyway.
Chris

**jedwards** · 24th June 2021, 03:10 PM

Many thanks Chris,
I greatly appreciate the effort you went to help me with this.
All perfectly clear now, thanks.

regards
Jeff
Perth, Western Australia

**1950landy** · 29th June 2021, 12:34 PM

I found this in a LR S3 Salesman Manual I have steering..jpg Should be the same except for the damper.
Set steering box in centre position with pitman arm straight down , set relays in these positions & adjust track rods so tie rod drop into the holes The one between the hubs you adjust to correct toe in .

**JDNSW** · 29th June 2021, 02:52 PM

I would point out that my S1 manual shows the top and bottom arms on the relay one spline off a right angle (bottom to the left on RHD with the top lever straight across). I have never seen an explanation for this (later models are right angles), but I suspect it is to avoid the steering box pitman arm hitting the firewall or something similar. Presumably later models changed positions etc slightly.

**5380** · 1st July 2021, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I would point out that my S1 manual shows the top and bottom arms on the relay one spline off a right angle (bottom to the left on RHD with the top lever straight across). I have never seen an explanation for this (later models are right angles), but I suspect it is to avoid the steering box pitman arm hitting the firewall or something similar. Presumably later models changed positions etc slightly.

John,

You hit the nail on the head. I recently did a copmlete steering system overhaul my 80". From memory, the relay arms had to be one spline away from 90 degrees to get the geometry correct in both directions travel wise. 5380

**Autokaci** · 26th February 2025, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I would point out that my S1 manual shows the top and bottom arms on the relay one spline off a right angle (bottom to the left on RHD with the top lever straight across). I have never seen an explanation for this (later models are right angles), but I suspect it is to avoid the steering box pitman arm hitting the firewall or something similar. Presumably later models changed positions etc slightly.

Hi,
When you say "later models are right angles" which models are you referring to?

S2s onwards were not at right angles....the relay bottom arm was at right angles 90⁰ to the track rod and the top arm at 81⁰ to the bottom arm.

On S1s, if one studies the drawing in the workshop manual, it shows the top arm at 'near to' parallel to front crossmember...in fact it is slightly angled towards front panel. While the bottom arm is angled to the RHS at what is an 81⁰ angle to top arm.

My question is this...should these arms be so in the straight ahead position or are they just an easy initial setting? In my case, a 1949 80", when left in this position, top arm fouls with battery box when turning to the RHS thus preventing full lock on steering box. Also in this position drag link ball joints were too far out for them to fit in place.
Before anyone asks, yes, longitudinal rod, drag link and track rod are the correct lengths at 23.5", 27" and 42" respectively.

I have many more questions to ask, like why can't I get equal turns on steering wheel but keep getting 1.5 turns to the left and only 1.2 to the right 🤷*♂️

Regards
Autokaci

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