CLEARANCES

GROUND clearance under a vehicle is generally accepted as being 100mm minimum. What about other clearances? For safety, steering shafts should have at least 10mm or ‘a finger’ clearance to moving parts such as the engine and exhaust system. Clearance to fixed components can be minimal, of course. The exhaust system is a source of heat and vibration, and so must be clear of the floor and allow full movement of the differential without contact. Allowing enough tailshaft clearance might seem to be obvious, but I see so many tailshaft rub marks that I know it’s not obvious to everyone!