Freestyle Achieving max steering throw

[Jcary85]

Hi All,
I've been playing around with my steering a bit and came to the same conclusion I always come to - My nozzle can go further to each side than my steering system allows. It appears this is because of the attachment point position on my trim (Raptor). I'd like to move the attachment point about 1/4-1/2" closer to the nozzle to achieve more throw at each stop position.

The problem:
The steering cable is already barely touching the pump at full lock in each direction.

Proposed solution:
I'd like to cut the threaded rod on the pump end of the steering cable and put an angle in the middle. This will allow me to then redrill/tap the steering nozzle closer to the inside allowing more throw (and faster steering)

Has anyone ever done something like this? Will the weird angled stress on the steering cable cause major problems? Short of moving the steering cable exit in the hull, I don't see any other solution.

See attached crappy drawing for a visual of what i want to do. Current situation is on the left, proposed solution on the right

 

[jeepcreepcj]

I think you might have reliability issues like bending or breaking the steering cable if you try this.

Is your steering setup using the full travel of the steering cable?

 

[Jcary85]

I think you might have reliability issues like bending or breaking the steering cable if you try this.

Is your steering setup using the full travel of the steering cable?

yes, using the full cable travel. maybe there's a cable available that has more travel?

 

[headshock]

You can grind the side of the pump a little to get additional throw. Be careful not to grind all the way thru it.

 

[Storbeck]

I would be worried that you would buckle the rod on the cable, you're increasing the forces on it by moving the mounting point closer to the pivot and greatly reducign it's buckling strength by "pre buckling" it with the kink.

Possible solution could be having a custom cable made, California push pull has been mentioned on here a bunch of times I've meant to look into it but never have.

 

[Storbeck]

If you're handy with fabrication, you could make a little bellcrank.

 

[Jcary85]

Oooohhh hadn’t thought about a bell crank (I don’t think I’ve ever heard that term outside old hot rod stuff by the way haha).

I did fab up a quick bent nut to test it out. It barely has any bend and I now have more than enough throw. I might give it a shot. Watchya think?

 

[Storbeck]

My concern is, if you turn all the way so the cable is fully extended, and give the nozzle just a little bit of a push in the direction that would buckle the rod on the cable, I bet it will feel like very little force will be needed to buckle the cable.

But I'm guessing here, might work just fine. Worst case scenario is a bent rod on the cable.

 

[Jcary85]

It seems pretty solid but you might be right. Now I have to decide if I wanna risk a brand new $150 or whatever cable for....science! I probably will just “send it” this weekend. Will report my findings.

 

[Storbeck]

Well, if it works, you're good, if it buckles....new custom cable with more throw.

 

[Jcary85]

Worked like a charm today. No sign of bending on the cable. Only about 5 gallons through it though. Holy crap what a difference though. I was spinning so fast I don’t think I landed one 540, and I’m talking full 540s barely even trying. I highly suggest anyone looking to do faster spins see about maxing out the steering throw.