Straight Steer Bar Deflects the Frame

[IHCScout78]

I put a straight steer bar in my Scout. It seemed to make a little difference, but was not the panacea it is advertised to be.

Fast forward a year, and I pulled the engine and transmission. In attempting to re-install the transmission x member, it absolutely did not fit. After an hour of prying and cogitating, I thought of the straight steer.

I loosened the bolts on one side of the straight steer, and the frame sprang away nearly an 1/8. Bolts dropped right into the transmission x member.

So, do I

1. remove the straight steer
2. shim the straight steer to match the frame
3. bolt the straight steer back up after everything else is tight

 

[FDChappie]

I'd go with #3.