Steering questions for my 65

2manyhobbies · 11-12-2012, 02:50 AM

Gonna do some ordering of parts tomorrow, new UA's and some dress up stuff. I'm gonna be doing the shelby drop, and I already have a 1 inch drop. I am noticing a little bumpsteer especially over the uneven roads, so considering the baer bumpsteer kit as well. The main question I have is about my steering linkage and it's effects on the car now that I have 235/45/17's on her. The steering is a power link for a 67 w/manual adapter. It all bolts right up using 65 outer tie rods and has given me no issues in the 13 years that I have had it installed. However I have read that the dimensions between the inner tie rods can have an effect on bumpsteer since its designed for a wider car. Should I go ahead and put the 65 center link on while I'm under there and have the spindles off? I have never noticed the bumpsteer before, but 215/60's was the largest front tire I ever had before now. Does caster or camber have anything to do with bumpsteer as well? Thanks, I'm headed to bed.

Al Newman · 11-12-2012, 05:34 AM

The 67 center link is a couple of inches wider than the 65-66 link, and the tie rod holes would be set outboard wider, also. In order to make that work, the tie rod adjustments would be pretty much all the way in, thus shortening their overall length, and, as a result, magnifying the "bump steer" problem. A 65 center link should help and will also allow for more turning radius. Be aware that it will also potentially crash those big skins into the fender lip when turning. Check that out before you start driving the car.
Best,
Al

2manyhobbies · 11-12-2012, 07:40 PM

Is there an article anywhere that can explain why that would be the case? Suspension geometry is still fairly greek to me.

Huskinhano · 11-12-2012, 08:53 PM

Great book! I have it.

Stock Car Setup Secrets HP1401: Bob Bolles: 9781557884015: Amazon.com: Books

gman · 11-12-2012, 10:45 PM

The steering set up on these old girls is known to have some bump steer. Using the wider center link changes how everything moves slightly but not much. I think your issue here is those low sidewalled tires. Tires with a taller side wall have more give to them. In other words the tires are soaking up the road bumps before the suspention has to start working. Now that you've gotten rid of that the flaws in the suspention are starting to show up. The shelby drop and using the shorter 65 center link may help fix it. If you don't have a monte carlo bar I'd add one as well. If you are going to run the car hard on the track I think I'd get a diff tire set up.