[DeTomaso] Checking Steering Rack

[Doug Braun]

Mike,

	With those monster front tires you have on the front, it's no wonder your
getting wander (hey that wonder/wander phrase is kinda catchy).  Assuming
your rack bushing has been replaced, there are at least three things you can
do:

1) Make sure your front end is not set for ANY toe out.  While some toe out
is the hot setup for low speed cornering (like autocross), it's not the best
for freeway and open track use.  For least wander you want about 1/8" front
toe-in.

2) Set your camber to between 0 and 1/4 degree positive.  While this will
not give you max cornering power, it will give you less wander.

3) Go for the maximum amount of caster you can get by going to offset
bushings and/or machining 0.1" from the rear of the upper balljoints and
replacing the lost space with a 0.1" shim at the front of each upper
balljoint (you can thank Jack DeRyke this modification idea).

All this being said, I don't practice what I preach above because I prefer
to maximize cornering ability.  I run 2 degrees negative camber and 1/8" toe
out which is murder on the freeway for wander.  But the 0.1" balljoint mod I
made sure did help reduce the wander.  Offset bushings are probably next on
my list.

Doug Braun
blue 73L #5505


-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com
[mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com]On Behalf Of Mike Thomas
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 8:17 PM
To: detomaso at realbig.com
Subject: [DeTomaso] Checking Steering Rack


While driving the Pantera into the office last Saturday, I had quite a time
on the freeway keeping the car in a straight line on the ruts and uneven
pavement.  The car would pull to one side, then the other, and lane changes
were usually anything but smooth, feeling like something was pushing me
sideways from one lane to the next.  On smooth pavement, it's great.  I've
done a complete overhaul on every other aspect of my front end, from new
ball joints and tie rod ends, to bushings, bearings, new hubs and an
alignment.

I have planned to put a set of the offset front bushings in to increase
caster, but I am beginning to wonder if my steering rack needs
rebuilding/replacing.  That is the one thing I've not updated.  How do you
check the health of your steering rack for wear?

Thanks
Mike Thomas

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