alignment/caster setting help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old April 22nd, 2013, 09:18 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
tmaleck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 331
alignment/caster setting help

I had a set of tubular arms installed on my 67 and the alignment specs are now in question. The stock setting calls for -1/2 to -2 degrees caster. These arms are the 'caster improving' type. The car is currently at +.9 left and +2.8 right.

The car wanders big time now, I can't hold a straight line at any speed. It was fine with the stock arms, even with worn out parts. The left side is shimmed like crazy to get the .9 degrees.

Global West says caster should be positive 5 degrees give or take with the new arms. Does this make sense?

Thanks,
Tim
tmaleck is offline  
Old April 22nd, 2013, 10:32 AM
  #2  
Registered User
 
Run to Rund's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,884
The factory specified slightly negative caster so the car would be easier to steer, especially with manual steering. I set my car at zero caster.
Run to Rund is offline  
Old April 22nd, 2013, 10:32 AM
  #3  
Old(s) Fart
 
joe_padavano's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 48,269
Originally Posted by tmaleck
Global West says caster should be positive 5 degrees give or take with the new arms. Does this make sense?

Thanks,
Tim
Yes. Caster is a trade-off of directional stability vs. steering effort. More positive caster will improve directional stability and steering feel but will increase steering effort. Hurst used this trick on the 1970s H/Os to improve steering feel (something like +4 deg of caster). Of course, your other alignment adjustments need to be in spec as well.
joe_padavano is offline  
Old April 22nd, 2013, 12:05 PM
  #4  
Administrator
 
oldcutlass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 41,063
Originally Posted by joe_padavano
Yes. Caster is a trade-off of directional stability vs. steering effort. ore positive caster will improve directional stability and steering feel but will increase steering effort. Hurst used this trick on the 1970s H/Os to improve steering feel (something like +4 deg of caster). Of course, your other alignment adjustments need to be in spec as well.
X2 - It helps your car to go straight, without having to constantly correct.
oldcutlass is offline  
Old April 23rd, 2013, 06:29 AM
  #5  
Registered User
 
oddball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 1,899
With aftermarket arms you need to use new alignment specs - NOT STOCK. Call Global West, get some alignment spec suggestions from them and take it back to the shop. Tell the guys to use the specs you give them and ignore the book.
oddball is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
71POWER
Suspension & Handling
38
August 28th, 2018 08:00 AM
snylften
General Discussion
6
February 20th, 2016 05:58 PM
1970-W30
Chassis/Body/Frame
5
February 18th, 2015 05:29 PM
biggus
General Questions
2
January 4th, 2015 10:11 AM
Joah_from_Alberta
Small Blocks
7
June 9th, 2013 03:12 PM



Quick Reply: alignment/caster setting help



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:02 PM.