Optimum caster angle?

[COOTER]

Isn't caster determined by the front crossmember? I don't see how cutting the wishbones would change caster...unless you're putting the front spring in a bind.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by COOTER

Isn't caster determined by the front crossmember? I don't see how cutting the wishbones would change caster...unless you're putting the front spring in a bind.

No, the crossmember allows the axle/spring assembly to rotate within limits (otherwise you wouldn't have that big a range in the original specifications). Spring bind is something you need to be aware of and check, but normally not a problem with small caster adjustments.

[russcc]

Heavy or hard steering with those small tires could also be from your steering ratio. The effective length of the steering arm on the spindle as a ratio of the length of the pitman arm. For example; a ratio is from about 0.85:1 to 0.95:1 yields reasonable steering force, and speed. Less than 0.85:1 can result slow steering and reduced road feel. Above 0.95:1 too much effort.

[Bassman/NZ]

Originally Posted by russcc

Heavy or hard steering with those small tires could also be from your steering ratio. The effective length of the steering arm on the spindle as a ratio of the length of the pitman arm. For example; a ratio is from about 0.85:1 to 0.95:1 yields reasonable steering force, and speed. Less than 0.85:1 can result slow steering and reduced road feel. Above 0.95:1 too much effort.

Getting my head around this.... must go and measure them when I get home.

[russcc]

For example, if you divide a steering arm length, say 6.250 by pitman arm length of 6.00 you get a ratio of 0.96, right on the money.