Steering Problems

Bradbury · 02-01-2007, 10:48 AM

I have a 65 that is having steering issues. It tracks well, but I have to tug at the wheel to make it start to turn. Once it has turned I have to tug to get it to return to strait. I just replaced the steering box, but that didn't affect it. I am beginning to think that it is the tires, because they are 205s with 6 1/2" tread width. Maybe it has to do with caster? Has anyone had this experience?

Rev · 02-01-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradbury

I have a 65 that is having steering issues. It tracks well, but I have to tug at the wheel to make it start to turn. Once it has turned I have to tug to get it to return to strait. I just replaced the steering box, but that didn't affect it. I am beginning to think that it is the tires, because they are 205s with 6 1/2" tread width. Maybe it has to do with caster? Has anyone had this experience?

Does sound like an allignment problem to me. Could have toe out instead of toe in or might have negative caster instead of positive caster. My bet is when it's alligned properly that the problem will disappear.

Rev

Devine65GT · 02-06-2007, 05:17 PM

Ah yes i have had this problem with my 65, it is in fact the allignment. .or atleast in my case ended up haveing to do it myself. every time i took it to someone they f&cked it up worse than it was. make sure no one touches the strut rods!!! big problem with that. even the guy that has done the allignment on it for the last 15yrs messed it up. if you need the allignment specs let me know. i have them somewhere just have to look for them.
matt

Rev · 02-06-2007, 05:29 PM

On the '65-66's, both caster and camber are adjusted with shims between the upper suspension arm and the mounting surface. The strut rods are non adjustable and should be set right just by torquing them down. I did do my own alignment also, but it took a lot of trial and error and was a pain in the rear. Any front end shop should be able to do the allignment if they are willing to spend the time to do it right.

Rev

Bradbury · 02-06-2007, 06:14 PM

Rev, Matt,

Thank you for your responses. I will be taking the car to an alignment place that is recommended by my boss. I found some alignment specs on the internet, but would love to see what they did for you. I am glad to see there is support for these cars!

Bradbury · 02-06-2007, 06:30 PM

I would like to get the alignment specs. if it is not too much trouble. Don't spend too much time on it though. I appreciate the input.

Rev · 02-08-2007, 05:03 PM

Here you go,directly from the 1966 Comet,Falcon,Fairlane and Mustang shop manual.

For Mustangs with V-8 engines:

Caster: -1 to +1 degrees, ideal is 0 degrees
Camber: -1/4 to +1 1/4 degrees, ideal is +1/2 degree
Toe in: 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch, ideal is 1/4 inch

I set mine at different settings than those recommended.

Caster +2 degrees
Camber 0 degrees
Toe in 1/16 to 1/8 inch

Those settings work well for me.

Rev

goodyear1984 · 03-08-2007, 01:25 AM

sounds like its alginment problem just to let you guys know if u didnt know already its alway a good idea to have just a lilbit less caster on the left side because of road crown...i have done a alginment on one of thoes at work befor there not funn make sure u get a print out of the specs after they adjust it.. any lazy mechanic can make it drive straight without it being in spec...good luck

02-01-2007, 10:48 AM	#1
Bradbury Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3	Steering Problems I have a 65 that is having steering issues. It tracks well, but I have to tug at the wheel to make it start to turn. Once it has turned I have to tug to get it to return to strait. I just replaced the steering box, but that didn't affect it. I am beginning to think that it is the tires, because they are 205s with 6 1/2" tread width. Maybe it has to do with caster? Has anyone had this experience?

02-06-2007, 05:17 PM	#3
Devine65GT Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Austin Posts: 88	Re: Steering Problems Ah yes i have had this problem with my 65, it is in fact the allignment. .or atleast in my case ended up haveing to do it myself. every time i took it to someone they f&cked it up worse than it was. make sure no one touches the strut rods!!! big problem with that. even the guy that has done the allignment on it for the last 15yrs messed it up. if you need the allignment specs let me know. i have them somewhere just have to look for them. matt __________________ 65 mustang GT, Matallic Ferrari red,306 Cobra, Edelbrock 1406 modifiied ,Edelbrock Performer manifold, C6 , Edelbrock shorties and exhaust system. My 65

02-06-2007, 05:29 PM	#4
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Re: Steering Problems On the '65-66's, both caster and camber are adjusted with shims between the upper suspension arm and the mounting surface. The strut rods are non adjustable and should be set right just by torquing them down. I did do my own alignment also, but it took a lot of trial and error and was a pain in the rear. Any front end shop should be able to do the allignment if they are willing to spend the time to do it right. Rev __________________ '66 Coupe, 306, 350-375 HP, C-4, 13.07 e.t., 104.8 mph, 1/4 mi. O.B.C. #2 '66 coupe

02-06-2007, 06:14 PM	#5
Bradbury Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3	Re: Steering Problems Rev, Matt, Thank you for your responses. I will be taking the car to an alignment place that is recommended by my boss. I found some alignment specs on the internet, but would love to see what they did for you. I am glad to see there is support for these cars!

02-06-2007, 06:30 PM	#6
Bradbury Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3	Re: Steering Problems I would like to get the alignment specs. if it is not too much trouble. Don't spend too much time on it though. I appreciate the input.

02-08-2007, 05:03 PM	#7
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Re: Steering Problems Here you go,directly from the 1966 Comet,Falcon,Fairlane and Mustang shop manual. For Mustangs with V-8 engines: Caster: -1 to +1 degrees, ideal is 0 degrees Camber: -1/4 to +1 1/4 degrees, ideal is +1/2 degree Toe in: 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch, ideal is 1/4 inch I set mine at different settings than those recommended. Caster +2 degrees Camber 0 degrees Toe in 1/16 to 1/8 inch Those settings work well for me. Rev __________________ '66 Coupe, 306, 350-375 HP, C-4, 13.07 e.t., 104.8 mph, 1/4 mi. O.B.C. #2 '66 coupe

03-08-2007, 01:25 AM	#8
goodyear1984 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york Posts: 482	Re: Steering Problems sounds like its alginment problem just to let you guys know if u didnt know already its alway a good idea to have just a lilbit less caster on the left side because of road crown...i have done a alginment on one of thoes at work befor there not funn make sure u get a print out of the specs after they adjust it.. any lazy mechanic can make it drive straight without it being in spec...good luck __________________ 347 stroker all forged,arp everything,stud mains w/girdle,7qt pan,full roller, custom cam, aluminum heads swirl valves 5 angle valve job.quick fuel 750,areomotive pump,cobras w/nitto drags,and m/t et drags for the track, ford racing 373 gears,centerforce clutch,tko500,underdrive pulleys,bassani x-pipe,flowmasters ^best et so far 11.6 1.61 60ft coming soon 9sec et's 1992 mustang gt 2001 gmc 1500 4x4 78 century boat 92 skidoo

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