[C2] Steering radius question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,116
Likes: 1,230
From: Madeira Beach, FL
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Steering radius question
Hello Forum,
For those who have moved their outer tie rods to the inner tighter steering radius position did it make a noticeable difference?
My car is a manual steering 65 with a 16” steering wheel. The tires are 215/70/15.
I was curious if it was worth it for a street driven only car?
Thanks,
Marshal
For those who have moved their outer tie rods to the inner tighter steering radius position did it make a noticeable difference?
My car is a manual steering 65 with a 16” steering wheel. The tires are 215/70/15.
I was curious if it was worth it for a street driven only car?
Thanks,
Marshal
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,529
Likes: 1,965
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Marshal: I made the change to both my 66 and 68 cars before I added power steering to both. The lock to lock is reduced, but the effort to steer the car in tight spaces increases. I drove my 68 with manual steering in the inner mode for years and enjoyed it. When I got older, not so much, so I added PS. Try it and see. If you have a Muncie shifter, you can also drop a notch on the linkage and have a shorter throw as well. Jerry
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,116
Likes: 1,230
From: Madeira Beach, FL
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Happy New Year Jerry,
Did you think with manual steering it was worthwhile to move the tie rods for everyday street driving?
I figured the turning would be tougher from a standstill.
Did you think with manual steering it was worthwhile to move the tie rods for everyday street driving?
I figured the turning would be tougher from a standstill.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Avondale Arizona
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I have my tie rods in the inner holes on my '64. Steering is a bit harder at rest or parallel parking, etc. I wouldn't spend the time to make the change, as there isn't that much of a difference between the two in everyday street driving.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 279
Likes: 864
From: Madison Wisconsin
I had my tie rods moved to most forward holes in 1963 at the 19,000 mile marker. I run the biggest tires I can on the front (and rear) and have not changed back to the original rear tie rod holes. I do not have power steering either and no plans to add it. It does require more arm strong to turn the steering wheel, so rolling the wheels gets that done. I continue to drive many miles at a time with no issues. It has also saved our bacon several times to have the fast steering on board.
Safe health and travels to all.
Steve Stone (original owner, '63 triple black convertible, 610,000 miles)
Safe health and travels to all.
Steve Stone (original owner, '63 triple black convertible, 610,000 miles)
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 316
From: Western NY
It's subjective but as I was advised by a member when I contemplated this issue, you can relocate to the inner position and give her a try. You will need to have the toe aligned but for a test drive you would be fine. That toe will need to be aligned even should you decide to put the rods back into the aft positions.
As I intended to R&R the entire steering assembly from steering wheel to spindles on my 66 327 I did move the rods to the quick steer position just before winter. Mine is a manual steer as well and I have a tight 90* turn on my driveway to enter the garage, the kind that requires backing up once to get her in on the 2nd pass. This maneuver always required some grunt. Honestly could not say I noticed a substantial increase in effort with the fast steer. Where I did notice it was on the drive when negotiating corners. Found the turn in more responsive which I really liked. Super excited to drive her again in the spring now that I have replaced all the assembly parts, rebuilt the relay rod and had Gary do the gear box. I'll just have the alignment set and I am anticipating a driving season with a tactile improvement in steering performance. I am 61 and in good shape (at the moment anyway).
As I intended to R&R the entire steering assembly from steering wheel to spindles on my 66 327 I did move the rods to the quick steer position just before winter. Mine is a manual steer as well and I have a tight 90* turn on my driveway to enter the garage, the kind that requires backing up once to get her in on the 2nd pass. This maneuver always required some grunt. Honestly could not say I noticed a substantial increase in effort with the fast steer. Where I did notice it was on the drive when negotiating corners. Found the turn in more responsive which I really liked. Super excited to drive her again in the spring now that I have replaced all the assembly parts, rebuilt the relay rod and had Gary do the gear box. I'll just have the alignment set and I am anticipating a driving season with a tactile improvement in steering performance. I am 61 and in good shape (at the moment anyway).
Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 442
Likes: 45
From: Reading Pa
Hello Forum,
For those who have moved their outer tie rods to the inner tighter steering radius position did it make a noticeable difference?
My car is a manual steering 65 with a 16” steering wheel. The tires are 215/70/15.
I was curious if it was worth it for a street driven only car?
Thanks,
Marshal
For those who have moved their outer tie rods to the inner tighter steering radius position did it make a noticeable difference?
My car is a manual steering 65 with a 16” steering wheel. The tires are 215/70/15.
I was curious if it was worth it for a street driven only car?
Thanks,
Marshal
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,116
Likes: 1,230
From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Allot of great experienced responses. Now I have to decide?
Thank you everyone.
Thank you everyone.
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