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Steering

Posted: 6/13/14 9:03amMessage 1 of 9
C
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Joined: 5/1/2014
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1972 stingray
I've tried everything to on my 1972 vett to get the wander out it. there is play in the steering, I've changed the steer box new ball joints new steering control and it still wanders. Any help?
Calvin
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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/13/14 9:44amMessage 2 of 9
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA
Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2381
Vette(s): 1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.
How are the tie rod ends and the "rag" joint on the steering shaft? Make sure to get it aligned by a shop that will take the time to do the old Corvettes properly. Not a chain shop. Also how are all the bushings in the rear suspension? 


GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/13/14 10:04amMessage 3 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22715
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
  .....especially that part about alignment. It's hard to find a shop that can/will do alignments on these old dogs, and do it right.Why? Well....first off, it's a pita to do for one, and most places now don't have any friggin idea HOW to do it unless it's a strut type suspension. You have to find an older established shop that has the equipment/shims, and someone that knows what the heck they're doing...which leaves out just about any chain store operation. I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them! LOL  But...when he did do it, it was RIGHT.
Make sure the tires are in good shape, too. A tire with a separating tread will cause the same problem.

Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/16/14 5:38amMessage 4 of 9
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Calvin,
All the above is great.  When you have your Vette aligned,  'Positive Caster' and 'Toe-In" help to promote stable tracking.  For general touring duty, I suggest you have your alignment specs set to the following:

In the front:
Caster: maxed out positive(+), but close to equal on both sides.
Camber: slightly negative; -0.1 to -0.5 degrees.
Toe: slightly toed in; 0.03 to 0.06.

In the rear:
Camber: slightly negative; -0.1 to -0.5 degrees.
Toe: slightly toed in; 0.03 to 0.06.

The rear is what presents the most challenges to alignment jocks.  First off, to adjust the 'Toe', they probably won't have the shims in stock.  You can buy a pack of stainless shims from the vendors listed on this forum.  Of course, you have to be able to loosen the cross-bolt to get the old shims out. 

Aftermarket tubular upper control arms will usually have provisions to get a lot more caster.  Mine is set to about +5 degrees on both sides.

John



1973 BB 4-Speed Coupe Project Car
2009 Z06 Mostly Stock
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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/16/14 8:47amMessage 5 of 9
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1537
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport M7 convertible.
Adams' Apple said:   .....especially that part about alignment. It's hard to find a shop that can/will do alignments on these old dogs, and do it right.Why? Well....first off, it's a pita to do for one, and most places now don't have any friggin idea HOW to do it unless it's a strut type suspension. You have to find an older established shop that has the equipment/shims, and someone that knows what the heck they're doing...which leaves out just about any chain store operation. I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them! LOL  But...when he did do it, it was RIGHT.
Make sure the tires are in good shape, too. A tire with a separating tread will cause the same problem.


Who is this alignment guy?  I replaced a tie rod end and would like to get a fresh 4 wheel alignment.

   

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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/16/14 10:26amMessage 6 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22715
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
F4Gary said:
Adams' Apple said:    I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them! LOL 



Who is this alignment guy?  I replaced a tie rod end and would like to get a fresh 4 wheel alignment.


Operative term is "HAD" a shop. Last time I saw him, he was workin for David at "The Corvette Shop" in Dallas...I'm not even sure he is still in bidness. Best place I know of that's not one of the high-end places is Dave and Chuck's place in Ft. Worth(south side). The friggin name of the place just slipped my mind.....Censored

There's also a place in Hurst, "Mid Cities Classics" I've heard aboot, but know nothing about them other than the name.

NOW I remember! Automotive Performance Unlimited is the name of Chuck and Dave's shop.... It's off of 820, on Vickery street.... dang this gettin old!LOL

Joel Adams
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             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/16/14 3:52pmMessage 7 of 9
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
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Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport M7 convertible.
I don't think Mid Cities does alignments.  I will check out that other place.

   

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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/16/14 4:08pmMessage 8 of 9
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Ash Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
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Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
If you don't mind blowing through a couple sets of tires, there's a good shop here in West Seneca.  Manko's Auto Service.  Sarge81 sent me to him and he did a great job on the alignment. Mine had a complete front end rebuild and rear trailing arms done before he got it.
Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!!      Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"


Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
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Re: Steering

Posted: 6/27/14 11:01amMessage 9 of 9
C
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Vette(s): 1972 stingray
Thanks John
 
I had all four wheels done. I will take them these settings and see what they can do.
 
Calvin
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