Steering dampener
 

What is it? I have a tight steering system, modern shocks, and just lubed the springs. I really don't like how sensitive the steering is, could it be because of the 21" bicycle bias tires? The 21" tires didn't stay standard for long, is the damper a fix for the tires?

John

Re: Steering dampener
 

A dampener is a bandaide fix for death wobble..

Re: Steering dampener
 

Re: Steering dampener
 

Maybe the toe in is wrong or the balls on the steering arms are worn out.

Re: Steering dampener
 

Y Blockhead, yeah you did.

Both okay. So how come the tire size was dropped to 19" in 30?

John

Re: Steering dampener
 

better roads.
Brian

Re: Steering dampener
 

Every car maker was reducing tires sizes in those days.

Are your tire pressures too high?

Re: Steering dampener
 

I assume it's the quick steering you don't like. If you buy the shorter pitman arm, the steering will not only be easier, but it won't be so quick. You may like it better this way.

Re: Steering dampener
 

What will the shorter arm do to stopped/low speed steering?

John

Re: Steering dampener
 

It will make it easier, but I never turn the steering wheel unless the tires are rolling.

Re: Steering dampener
 

I agree with Tom. I have the shorter pitman arm and F100 box from 56. Drives like power steering. Some people don't like that but my left hand is swollen with arthritis and gets very sore on long drives so this has been a godsend for me. I also don't turn the wheels unless the car is moving or I'm on gravel roads. Too much pressure on all the parts of the steering system, and of course the arthritis. I run 600 X 16 tires on the road, 21 spares on the roadster and 19 spares on my coupe. Better ride and less following cracks in the road. The 21's were the worst at following a grove or lap in the asphalt.

Re: Steering dampener
 

Same OLD responses! IF your car has a stabilizer & it works good & drives good, CONTINUE to USE IT! Who cares what "everybody" THINKS---Be your OWN MAN!
I'm going to BED!
Bill W.

Re: Steering dampener
 

Suggest refer to the Restorer, July/August 2015, page 12, "Causes and Fixes for Death Wobble in the Model A Ford" by Howard Eckstein.

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I don't understand what"sensitive" steering means? Are you just saying it throws you around from ruts or bumps?

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If you don't like the way an 80 year old car drives, you can always put a modern suspension under it . Like this truck has.

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:confused:Daveymc29. I have the F-100 steering box with modern shocks in our 30 Tudor as well. I have never been thrilled with it. New springs, shackles blah,blah, blah. The car tends to wander and at highway speeds it's a chore to drive. I have never heard of adding the shorter pitman arm with the F-100 mod.. Do you think it's worth a try?

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The shorter pitman arm won't help with wander, but it will make it steer easier and if a pothole makes the steering wheel jerk, that will be felt less.

Re: Steering dampener
 

Thank You Tom. I spent considerable time inspecting and replacing everything with the front end. Toe in is dead on. I called Randy Gross last year and he told me how to adjust the box which I did. This IS NOT one of his units. I have no problem buying one from him. he offered to have me ship mine so he could inspect it but I figured shipping back and forth etc,etc. was not cost effective. The only thing I have not done is to snug up the tie rod end sockets. Tires seem to show no strange wear. Maybe I'm too picky.

Re: Steering dampener
 

Have had many A's over the years with 2 tooth boxes only. Have been able to adjust them to remove steering wheel free play with equal lash at both extremes as long as the sector gear has no divits in it. As you state where all else tight, the car hopefully should perform without wander unless perhaps on groooved pavement. Some like the teflon seats in the drag and tie rods. I just removed some from prior owner that were mangled and distorted and went with original style. The renewed steering effort is now a little more than before. Snugging tie rod may change toe- in as many have stated.

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My 28 with 21" tires will also follow the grooves in the road. Pretty normal to do so.