Skiddish Steering

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Professor Fate
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Re: LEAF COUNT

Post by Professor Fate » Wed Jul 06, 2022 7:26 am

Professor Fate wrote:
Tue Jul 05, 2022 8:51 pm
LEAF COUNT:
Front 7 (no pad)
Rear 6 (no pad)
All spring shackles are loose enuff to move. Not binding.
Some had questioned the number of springs. Is what I have ok?
I screwed up and did not install rubber or leather pads on the top of the spring stacks. I'll have to blow it all apart to install them too.
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by TXGOAT2 » Wed Jul 06, 2022 7:36 am

Does your car have all four of the spring clamps installed?


TXGOAT2
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by TXGOAT2 » Wed Jul 06, 2022 7:44 am

My car has had a leaf removed from both the front and rear spring. It rides and handles very well. // If your car is very light and has a strong front spring with a high arch and a flat rear spring that is missing a leaf, it may ride low in the rear. If the front spring has too much arch, it will reduce the caster angle. A missing spring clamp or clamps will allow the spring leaves to separate when a wheel goes over a bump. I doubt if lack of the spring pads would cause handling problems, But I'd replace them at the first opportunity. If Ford put them there, they need to be there.


Topic author
Professor Fate
Posts: 689
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by Professor Fate » Wed Jul 06, 2022 9:52 am

TXGOAT2 wrote:
Wed Jul 06, 2022 7:44 am
If Ford put them there, they need to be there.
I like the way you think! If Henry did something, it was for cause.
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Topic author
Professor Fate
Posts: 689
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:39 am
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by Professor Fate » Sun Jul 10, 2022 5:41 pm

Update:
I've worked all thru the steering system. New steering bracket bushing, toe in set at (-)0.20, castor within a smidge of the manual, camber is a bit shy, new steering gears and sun drive, and some general tightening up.
What a difference. Less than an inch of play in the wheel. Car tracks straight and no longer wants to dive into turns and keep tightening turn.
I decreased my balloon tire pressure to 25lbs up front and 24 in the rear. Prior rear end hopping and dribbling is nearly gone. Still a bit light over bumps. Haven't had a passenger back there yet to have more weight.

Thanks to all the keen and methodical advice, I'm much better off than 2 wks ago.
Thank you all!
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Jul 10, 2022 9:21 pm

A T will handle nicely under most conditions when the chassis parts are in good shape and aligned correctly. An exception would be washboard roads. But nothing handles well on washboard roads. A T would handle washboards better with a full passenger load aboad.


Topic author
Professor Fate
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by Professor Fate » Fri May 26, 2023 10:05 pm

Finally got my act together and figured out my lingering front end issue.
I had "toe out" of 1/2 inch. That explains the poor steering and bump behaviour.
Toe is now set at "toe in" at 1/4 which makes the car now drive like a dream.
I have worked hard since last summer to tighten up the front end, never realizing I had set toe the wrong way. Stupid mistake. Live and learn.
Drove the car 10 miles round trip tonight. Flawless!!!
________________
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PM me if you have any Indian Motocycle parts!


Topic author
Professor Fate
Posts: 689
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:39 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: S
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '23 and '26
Location: Taxachusetts
Board Member Since: 2015

Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by Professor Fate » Tue Jun 13, 2023 7:57 am

After upgrading and replacing parts last summer and this spring, I finally have a very driveable car.
The final step was rechecking toe. I found toe to be set at 1/2 out. It's now at 1/4 in and drives beautifully.
I'm an idiot. Should have caught it sooner.
Again, much thanks to you all in leading me thru this little journey.
________________
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Bill Robinson
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by Bill Robinson » Tue Jun 13, 2023 9:10 am

I know the feeling. Persistence pays! :arrow: :arrow: :arrow: :arrow: And then, there's the Finally! :D


Norman Kling
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Re: Skiddish Steering

Post by Norman Kling » Tue Jun 13, 2023 12:14 pm

Good I'm glad you got it!
Norm

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