Hi Legacy Builders,

 

What's the prevailing opinion regarding nose gear rake on the Legacy (RG)?

 

A few years ago there was a discussion on the LML about rake angle.  I think some people were using longer over-center link arms to increase the rake without moving the bearing blocks as far up or aft.  Is there any potential that the longer links will interfere with the engine (IO-550N) during retraction?  Are the the links available anyplace?  How much longer are/were they than stock (P/N 4721)?  I can't find any alternative parts on the Kit Components website (the current build manual shows that 433-0001 supercedes 4721, but Kit Components lists this part as a bushing).

 

If I move the bearing blocks aft a bit I can get the gear vertical (0 degrees rake) without losing too much edge distance.  However, to get the originally desired 1 - 5 degrees of forward rake (older build manual) requires moving the blocks far enough aft that I'd probably need to drill new holes in the mount to get acceptable edge distance on the blocks.  I'd rather not do that.  I realize the current manual says to target 0 - 3 degrees, but older versions called for 1 - 5 degrees.  Is vertical (0 degrees) acceptable?  I estimate that lengthening the links 1/4 - 3/8" would be about right to get a couple degrees of forward rake while centering the bearing blocks.  However, this would push the links and overcenter link weldment up approximately 3/4 - 1".  Without an engine installed, I don't know if this would cause interference with the engine oil pan.  What have others done?

 

I'd appreciate any thoughts on the subject.

 

 Thanks,

- Kyrilian

  L2K-236