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Rebuilt front suspension and steering box - too stiff! Help please

Geff McCarthy

FBBO Gold Member
FBBO Gold Member
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Location
Portland OR
I looked through all previous threads, which mostly concern loose steering.
On my 63, I have a rebuilt RedHead heavy box, 0.94 bars, and all suspension parts, idler, Pitman etc new, plus disc brakes. The car is transformed with a ride and stiffness that is balanced. But...the power steering has no return whatsoever. Turn wheel, car turns, and keeps turning.
The alignment has been set up as a 81 Reliant K car, probably because their machine does not store settings for older cars. Settings now vs shop manual settings:
Camber: -0.1 , 0.0 vs +1/4 to +3/4 Left, 0 to +1/2 Right
Caster : +1.5 +1.5 vs +1.4 to +1 1/4 deg
I have Tiger Paw radials, 15x7.

I think I need less caster, but I don't know the difference between bias and radial tire recommendations.

If I loosen the steering box adjustment, will the overall stiffness lessen, or will I only induce a degree of loose play before the box moves the arm?
I am really pleased with the overhaul and attention to detail of Steve Miles here in PDX, North American Muscle Cars, and with his Boss, wife Colleen!
 
You never need LESS caster, you always want MORE.
What is a "Redhead" heavy box? I had a condition similar to yours but with 4.5 degrees of caster, a setup that surely should have great "return to center" of the wheel. My steering column was adjusted improperly. The inner sleeve was off center and rubbing the outer sleeve, causing a bind.
 
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