Increase in Turning Radius
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Hillsborough NJ
Increase in Turning Radius
This came up in a thread a little while back. After installing my front transverse monospring w/upper and lower a-arms, I noticed that my turning radius increased. In addition to the replacement of my a-arms, I moved the tie rod end from the outer hole on the spindle to the hole closer to the ball joints. I don't see this having an effect on the turning radius, it should only affect the steering ratio. Has anybody else noticed this and is there a fix for it?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Your turning radius is limited by the stops on the lower A arms. If you replace your lower A arms the stops are different. In a stock setup you have the rear stop and another is the head on the bolt that holds the lower ball joint on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
This is a common problem with the monoleaf conversions. It seems that VB&P was generous with the stops to avoid having tire rubbing problems. Unfortunately that prevents you from turning the wheel tight and increases your turning radius. I took about 1/4 inch off each stop with a cutoff wheel and this returned my steering radius to normal and I didn't have any tire rub problems even with 255/60/15 tires on non-stock wheels. I started by taking 1/8 inch off each stop and checked the clearance with the wheels on the ground. As I said I took about 1/4 inch total off but I would check clearance as you go along so as not to take off too much at once and then have rubbing problems.
