A steering linkage question on my 76 IROC project?

[Al Weyman]

I own a 76 tubular spaceframe IROC Camaro that I am slowly restoring and I have a question that someone may be able to throw some light on. I orginally thought it may be parculiar to my car and maybe fitted when it raced over here for some obscure reason however I reasonly studied some photos of a similiar car and was surpriced to see the same fitment on that so its obviously correct and lookes original.

On the drivers side the steering arm has a two or three inch tubular spacer below the arm with a long bolt going through a rosejoint on the end of the steering linkage (old fashioned steering box and idler system). On the other side is a conventional tie rod end in the standard position with no spacer. All I can think of the fitment may have been for clearance for the originally fitted 180 degree headers or to dial it in for oval tracks as the IROC Championship ran on road courses and ovals. Anyone know any reason why this would be like this, the car has a standard type Grand National Stockcar chassis by Banjo Matthews.

[Chris Y]

Perhaps that was done so when the car was leaning heavily on the ovals, the steering rod on the left of the car (under droop) wouldn't foul on something, or would retain its geometry better?

[Al Weyman]

Thing is the car has been used in various championships overhere since the 80's and if it was an Oval only fitting I am surprised its still on there as it looks odd being different each side.

[AU N EGL]

Al I would guess it was for the oval tracks. Roval or roundy round cars have suppension set up for each wheel, not front and back

Good Luck