VB&P Bump Steer Install Question
Thread Starter
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
VB&P Bump Steer Install Question
I'm putting the front end of my '79 back together & I've seen the pictures from others that have done this, my question is how? I've drilled the spindle arms & mounted the blocks, but how do you fit the tie rod ends? The spindle arms were tapered, but the VB&P blocks are straight, with no taper. So how do I fit the tie rod ends into a straight hole?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I just looked this up at VBP and don't understand how this kit works and what benefits there are to installing it. Could you fill me in on this?
Thread Starter
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
The quick & the dirty is that by lowering the tie rods in conjunction with a short spring height you help contain the cars tendency to change steering angles when doing something like going over a bump. A search will present some old threads from strider, who did extensive research into this. He had become somewhat of an expert on this problem. In a performance situation (cornering) this helps keep the car where you point it; as in a bumpy corner the steering angles change enough to exacerbate loss of control.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Would this be a worthwhile addition to a cruiser like mine. I am always looking at something to do to it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Eddie, might you define "cruiser"?
Bumpsteer is one of those things where if you don't tend to push anywhere near the limits very often, other than the slightly altered steering ratio* you might not notice any appreciable improvement.
* ~18.9:1 w/bumpsteer blocks and OEM box.
FWIW, this isn't the first time I've heard about VBP shipping incorrect/unfinished blocks.
Bumpsteer is one of those things where if you don't tend to push anywhere near the limits very often, other than the slightly altered steering ratio* you might not notice any appreciable improvement.
* ~18.9:1 w/bumpsteer blocks and OEM box.
FWIW, this isn't the first time I've heard about VBP shipping incorrect/unfinished blocks.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; May 17, 2011 at 09:17 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
There is nothing stock about my car anymore. It has an LS swap in it. I do drive it pretty hard once in a while. I have the smart struts on the rear and fiberglass spring. I don't track the car but do drive spiritedly when the feeling strikes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
In that case I'd say go for it 
, especially if you've gone so far as to lower in pursuit of better handling. Believe me, despite how my previous comment may have appeared, I fully appreciate that one doesn't necessarily have to be on track to benifit from this stuff.
, especially if you've gone so far as to lower in pursuit of better handling. Believe me, despite how my previous comment may have appeared, I fully appreciate that one doesn't necessarily have to be on track to benifit from this stuff.
Thread Starter
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Just wanted to report back. 2 new steering arm adapters came in the mail today. Thanks VB&P - This is why I keep supporting you & a few other choice companies - customer service, with no teeth gnashing. 
