The Ford Barn

Lembomw · 06-18-2013, 08:26 PM

I just put my car (1930 Tudor) back on the road this past Saturday after rebuilding it (I drove it for only about 150 miles after purchasing it in 2011 when I decided to do the rebuild). I went for a 10 mile shake down ride and found that it was still hard to steer. I had rebuilt most of the front suspension (new front spring and lots of other new parts), put in a Mel Gross steering box and modern shocks. I also have an F-150 transmission with the AA bell housing. The radius rod fell right into place.

Today I checked the toe-in and caster. Both are out. Have a bent tie rod that I did not notice before, so that can be an easy fix.

The caster is another issue. I only have about 3/8 inch between points A and B when it is suppose to be 1 inch (5 degrees). Les Andrews Trouble Shooting Guide says that when the steering is hard and it is insufficient front caster, to adjust front caster. Problem is the book does not say how to do that.

I have searched prior posts on the subject and while there has been discussion I do not find anything to tell me how to get the caster into specifications.

I would greatly appreciate some direction on how to do this. From what I read the caster is an important part of the steering and I am really lost on this one.

Thank you for any assistance you can provide,

Mark

06-18-2013, 08:26 PM	#1
Lembomw Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange County, NY Posts: 162	Insufficient Front Caster I just put my car (1930 Tudor) back on the road this past Saturday after rebuilding it (I drove it for only about 150 miles after purchasing it in 2011 when I decided to do the rebuild). I went for a 10 mile shake down ride and found that it was still hard to steer. I had rebuilt most of the front suspension (new front spring and lots of other new parts), put in a Mel Gross steering box and modern shocks. I also have an F-150 transmission with the AA bell housing. The radius rod fell right into place. Today I checked the toe-in and caster. Both are out. Have a bent tie rod that I did not notice before, so that can be an easy fix. The caster is another issue. I only have about 3/8 inch between points A and B when it is suppose to be 1 inch (5 degrees). Les Andrews Trouble Shooting Guide says that when the steering is hard and it is insufficient front caster, to adjust front caster. Problem is the book does not say how to do that. I have searched prior posts on the subject and while there has been discussion I do not find anything to tell me how to get the caster into specifications. I would greatly appreciate some direction on how to do this. From what I read the caster is an important part of the steering and I am really lost on this one. Thank you for any assistance you can provide, Mark