bending steering arms?

[wetwilly]

I am wondering if it is ok to heat and bend my steering arms down so the tie rod clears the radiator? Or how much clearance should I have between the tie rod and harmonic balancer? THANKS[S

 

[zzrodder]

Yes you can, I've done it several times, just be sure to heat them up well before bending - if you just get them dull red and try to bend to far or fast, you may cause surface cracks and that will cause failure. How much clearance is needed can be determined by bottoming out the suspension - a couple giant C clamps might work to compress the spring(s).

 

[wetwilly]

Thanks a lot for you help!!