1972 tyre size for manual steering.
05-06-2019, 04:28 AM
#1
1972 tyre size for manual steering.
Hi all, just purchased a 72 with manual steering. Not used to not having power steer and wondering if narrower tyres on front will make any difference.
Currently have BF Goodrich 255/60/15 all round which look great though... and fairly new. Had a suggestion to check wheel alignment was done for manual set up not power steer set up to start with. Only had a few days so maybe just need time to get used to it? Otherwise love the car!!!
Currently have BF Goodrich 255/60/15 all round which look great though... and fairly new. Had a suggestion to check wheel alignment was done for manual set up not power steer set up to start with. Only had a few days so maybe just need time to get used to it? Otherwise love the car!!!
05-06-2019, 07:50 AM
#2
Drifting
Member Since: Nov 2013
Location: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Posts: 1,316
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My car is manual also. I recently went down in size from a 245 to 225 tire width and noticed much easier steering. Still not easy but not the adventure it used to be.
Redvette2
Redvette2
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doorgunner (05-06-2019)
05-06-2019, 08:15 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
I converted my 80 to manual steering, with the same tires. My 80 may be a touch lighter, but you have at least two mechanical advantages:
Your 72 almost certainly has a larger steering wheel. Mine is smaller than any stock C3.
Your 72 steering arms should have two sets of holes. Are you using the outer holes? They may be plugged, but they should have been drilled.
For alignment, you may have too much caster, and you'd be the only C3 on the planet with that problem. Is your car rock-solid stable on the highway? You may not want to mess with that.
Finally, a bit of planning makes life easier. I only ever back into parking spaces (like a truck), and I make sure my wheels are turning before steering.
I hope this helps!
Your 72 almost certainly has a larger steering wheel. Mine is smaller than any stock C3.
Your 72 steering arms should have two sets of holes. Are you using the outer holes? They may be plugged, but they should have been drilled.
For alignment, you may have too much caster, and you'd be the only C3 on the planet with that problem. Is your car rock-solid stable on the highway? You may not want to mess with that.
Finally, a bit of planning makes life easier. I only ever back into parking spaces (like a truck), and I make sure my wheels are turning before steering.
I hope this helps!
Last edited by Bikespace; 05-06-2019 at 08:16 AM.
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doorgunner (05-06-2019)
05-06-2019, 08:22 AM
#4
I converted my 80 to manual steering, with the same tires. My 80 may be a touch lighter, but you have at least two mechanical advantages:
Your 72 almost certainly has a larger steering wheel. Mine is smaller than any stock C3.
Your 72 steering arms should have two sets of holes. Are you using the outer holes? They may be plugged, but they should have been drilled.
For alignment, you may have too much caster, and you'd be the only C3 on the planet with that problem. Is your car rock-solid stable on the highway? You may not want to mess with that.
Finally, a bit of planning makes life easier. I only ever back into parking spaces (like a truck), and I make sure my wheels are turning before steering.
I hope this helps!
Your 72 almost certainly has a larger steering wheel. Mine is smaller than any stock C3.
Your 72 steering arms should have two sets of holes. Are you using the outer holes? They may be plugged, but they should have been drilled.
For alignment, you may have too much caster, and you'd be the only C3 on the planet with that problem. Is your car rock-solid stable on the highway? You may not want to mess with that.
Finally, a bit of planning makes life easier. I only ever back into parking spaces (like a truck), and I make sure my wheels are turning before steering.
I hope this helps!
05-06-2019, 11:14 AM
#5
Melting Slicks
Doughann...you may be aware that the spindles and the attendant tie-rod end outer locators are changable. You have two choices....quick-ratio and slow ratio.
quick ratio is harder to turn at slow speeds, but a more responsive....the 'slow' ratio is MUCH easier to turn at low speeds, but yet is quite reasonable for everyday driving.
On my 69, I have (now) 235/60/15's on the 8" YJ8 wheels and the SLOW ratio....my car has manual steering. Manual Brakes, No heater, radio delete, No PB, Air-pump....just ENGINE!
Move the tie-rods and get a new alignment.
ps I have the small steering wheel as well.
Good luck
UNKAHAL.
quick ratio is harder to turn at slow speeds, but a more responsive....the 'slow' ratio is MUCH easier to turn at low speeds, but yet is quite reasonable for everyday driving.
On my 69, I have (now) 235/60/15's on the 8" YJ8 wheels and the SLOW ratio....my car has manual steering. Manual Brakes, No heater, radio delete, No PB, Air-pump....just ENGINE!
Move the tie-rods and get a new alignment.
ps I have the small steering wheel as well.
Good luck
UNKAHAL.
Last edited by L-46man; 05-06-2019 at 11:17 AM.
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Peterbuilt (05-06-2019)
05-07-2019, 12:52 PM
#9
Drifting
Member Since: Nov 2013
Location: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Posts: 1,316
Received 387 Likes
on
278 Posts
[QUOTE=Doughann;1599354407]We use tyres in NZ as we found tires didn't last as long 🤣🤣🤣. I'm heading to the States in Aug so better remember you spell funny 😉.[9/QUOTE]
And don't ask for the "Chemist" in the US or people will look at you funny and send you way downtown. It's called a pharmacy here.
Redvette2
And don't ask for the "Chemist" in the US or people will look at you funny and send you way downtown. It's called a pharmacy here.
Redvette2