The JD Air steering linkage is normally at 13 1/8 long but on my RV 6" , only 12" is available.
After exchanging emails with JD air, it was decided to shorten the linkage by cutting off the threaded tube at each end by 1/2". This half inch is limited as the hole is only 7/8" deep and could not be threaded further. You also had to keep in mind that a minimum of 6 shank full turn is mandatory and that means the minimum depth had to be 3/8" to get 5/16" inserted.
But, that alone is not enough and I had to cut the bearing shank by 7/16" on both ends leaving a 7/16" shank. With the locking nut it leaves only 3/8" of thread to be inserted in the linkage tubing.
But that was not enough and I had to redrill the hole in the rudder horn moving it 1/4" forward and then the linkage fitted properly along with the wheel and rudder aligned.
That was the only possible solution that made sense. My only concern is the damping depth has been shortened by 1/2" and I am uncertain how much travel it needs when going over rough runways. but time will tell .... I just hope that it will not affect its performance.
It's a bit disappointing because there are thousands of RV6 flying and one should have noticed that before today ! At any rate, I think it will work and if not, I will machine one for my airplane later on.
