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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Lack of self-centering could well be a sign of insufficient caster. That said, zero static toe really isn't always the best idea for a typical daily driver, particularly if you have compliant CA bushings. Suggest you dial in 1/32" toe-in see if that provides you with enough straight-line stability over common road conditions which cause wheel upsets. HTH
Lack of self-centering could well be a sign of insufficient caster. That said, zero static toe really isn't always the best idea for a typical daily driver, particularly if you have compliant CA bushings. Suggest you dial in 1/32" toe-in see if that provides you with enough straight-line stability over common road conditions which cause wheel upsets. HTH
I have now found 'official data' which says 1/8in - 1/4in!!
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Honestly, I wouldn't crank in any more front toe than necessary to satisfy your straight-line stability requirements. Suggest you download and study the alignment info found here, as these recommendations should give you as good of a baseline from which to work as any...
The old school GM specs are for old school bias ply tires.
I suggest you use Van Steels recommendations for radial tires.
You need caster 2.5 to 4.5*, the more the better, to get much self-centering.
the more caster the better, not just for centering. But also for overall feel. Particularly highway speed and faster feel.
Rack and pinion or otherwise, it's the caster that affects centering and steering feel.
Too little Caster is most likely. C3s had ~1-2*pos caster. 4-5* gives much better self-centering. It actually creates more "trail" like a shopping cart wheel.
If that is ok, a less common problem is you could also have a very tight "joint" somewhere. Tie-rod end or ball-joint. Even if new one could be just too tight. If older, one could be seizing. You should be able to move them by hand with only some effort.
C3 front toe in
the more caster the better, not just for centering. But also for overall feel. Particularly highway speed and faster feel.