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Author
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Topic: alignment problems
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mikel3891
Gearhead Posts: 111
From: philippines
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 06-08-2006 04:18 AM
 
I recently had a complete alignment of the car(don't know the specs). The problem is that at high speed the car doesn't run straight. It sometimes goes to the left and then when you compensate to the right, it goes way right and then you compensate again. How do you keep the car straight? I know these cars don't really have the best steering but I'd like to keep it as straight as possible.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-08-2006 07:25 AM
It sounds a little like you dont have enough castor (which helps keep the wheels centered) but you could also have slop in the steering box.You didnt say what vehicle or whether it was power steering or not. Power steering cars are supposed to get a little more castor to avoid the symptoms you described. When you get the car aligned you should ask to keep a copy of the specs.
In addition you need to make sure all the ball joints, and bushings are nice and solid. Loose joints and worn out bushings will cause alignment to change once you go out and drive it. ------------------
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68mustang351w
Gearhead Posts: 558
From: San Jose, Ca
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 06-08-2006 03:27 PM
Yeah your alignment shop probably just "set the toe and let it go". I would suggest going to your local mustang or classic car club and asking where they get their cars aligned. A LOT of places dont know what they are doing with these older cars... David F.
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mikel3891
Gearhead Posts: 111
From: philippines
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 06-08-2006 09:33 PM
I actually have 68 with a power steering setup. I just remembered one lower ball joint actually gives a little clank sound sometimes.
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mikel3891
Gearhead Posts: 111
From: philippines
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 06-08-2006 09:36 PM
Everything is new except for the lower ball joints
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-09-2006 07:26 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mikel3891:
I actually have 68 with a power steering setup. I just remembered one lower ball joint actually gives a little clank sound sometimes.
That might be right along the lines of what I was hinting at before. Either they didnt put enough castor in it, or they did and some slop in the system allowed it to fall right out when you drive it. The specs in the shop manual never had a whole lot of extra castor for the power steering cars, but those in the know will put several extra degrees in for better road feel. ------------------
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Hans olsson
Gearhead Posts: 936
From: Sweden
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 06-09-2006 08:06 AM
Toe-out or to little toe-in gives the symptom you describe.
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- VIN 1F05M139343
- 71 Mach 1 Ram-Air
- 351C 4V 285 HP
- E-F-G/SA
- Stockers are way cool!
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-09-2006 09:45 AM
Hans is correct, its possible that the toe is set wrong too. You can usually tell if the toe is extreme by checking for feathering on the tires. Rub your hand across the top of tire - if it feels smooth when you move your hand one way, and rough in the other direction - thats feathering and may indidcate a toe problem. ------------------
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mikel3891
Gearhead Posts: 111
From: philippines
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 06-09-2006 09:44 PM
Thanks for the info guys. I'll take them into consideration
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Poes Fords
Gearhead Posts: 178
From: Medford, OR USA
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 06-10-2006 01:51 AM
I have aligned my falcon probably 3-4 times now. Everytime I hook it up it's different. The specs from ford calls for almost no caster. Worn gear box will cause this as well. These cars are not easy to align. They probably just did a toe and blow.
Bigger wheels and tires will make it a little unpredictable as well. I have a set of 17's with a 225/45 front tire, and it drives like crap. Then I bolt on a set of 15x4 weld skinnies with a 165/15, and it drives great. Jason.------------------
1964 Falcon 289, toploader 4 speed, 9 inch 4.11's locker
1977 Ford F-150 swb 4x4, 460 4 speed.
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 06-10-2006 02:05 AM
Yep, I've still got the 14's that came on this car, and if I put them back on the front for awhile, it's night and day. I'm going as skinny as possible this time on my 15x7's on front, I have 245 60's right now.------------------
William
The easiest way to find something lost, is to buy a replacement. 68 Coupe
289
C4
3:55's/Trac-Lok [This message has been edited by 68 Coop (edited 06-10-2006).]
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