Caster fixed

[Grey owl]

So the 2 1/2 lift project is completed. Here are the highlights. Starting in the back, Tom's 2 1/2 lift leaf springs. They were way to stiff after installing so pulled them out a removed the bottom two and #7 leaves. That got me the exact ride height and stance i wanted. It also softened thin⁴gs up a greatly improved the ride.

On the front i started out with progressive 2 1/2 lift springs along with Bilstein shocks. This set up gave the illusive ride quality i was looking.

The handling presented lots of options but i ended up with stock arms and 7.5 degree "C" bushings new tie rod end along with an adjustable track bar

Tires are on the mild side, 30s on an offset wheel. The tech who did the wheel alignment was initially skeptable a with the bushings but was happy with the caster change they provided.

 

[Shimmy]

what were your final caster numbers?

 

[Grey owl]

what were your final caster numbers?

 

[davisjstone]

Caster is 1.8 degrees with the 2.5 lift and 7 degree bushings? How does it drive?

 

[Grey owl]

These are the numbers with 2.5 degree bushings. I noticed a difference in how the steering wheel feels. It handles nice, feels comfortable at higher speeds 65 - 70.

 

[widowmaker77]

These are the numbers with 2.5 degree bushings. I noticed a difference in how the steering wheel feels. It handles nice, feels comfortable at higher speeds 65 - 70.

That's pretty interesting your bronco handles so well with only +1.8* of castor. I have 3.5" lift and originally used 7* bushings. My castor was pretty much the same as your final castor and i could barely hold mine in the road at 50mph.

 

[DirtDonk]

We’ve seen (or at least heard) this a lot here.
Most with ill-handling Broncos have less than 4 degrees, while some that are very low still go down the road perfectly. Mine included.
My ‘71, with the original 44 with both the original drum brakes and replacement Ford discs, has caster in the low twos. Yet has never had bad road manners.

I suppose that some other factors to consider are:
1. Tire type and condition.
2. Ball joint preload.
3. Steering linkage type and orientation.
4. Presence and condition of a steering stabilizer.
5. Trackbar alignment and tightness.
6. Steering gearbox condition, adjustment and alignment.
7. Overall alignment (including rear).
8. Wheel width and offset.
9. Steering column issues?
10. Driver expectations.

Probably some more that I’m missing.
Other than that though, more caster (above 5) does seem to overcome most other shortcomings.

 

[davisjstone]

That's pretty interesting your bronco handles so well with only +1.8* of castor. I have 3.5" lift and originally used 7* bushings. My castor was pretty much the same as your final castor and i could barely hold mine in the road at 50mph.

Have you made any adjustment that improved the handling?

 

[Shimmy]

@DirtDonk I would add that the tire size plays a big role too. smaller tires, OP running 30s.

 

[Grey owl]

That's pretty interesting your bronco handles so well with only +1.8* of castor. I have 3.5" lift and originally used 7* bushings. My castor was pretty much the same as your final castor and i could barely hold mine in the road at 50mph.

You have more lift than i do that will make a big difference. What size are your tires, mine are only 30s. I took it out on the hwy right away and it handles just fine with very little steering wheel input. I am sure the adjustable track bar played a part as well. Over all i am very happy on how well it tracks and handles at hwy speeds 65-70.

 

[Grey owl]

We’ve seen (or at least heard) this a lot here.
Most with ill-handling Broncos have less than 4 degrees, while some that are very low still go down the road perfectly. Mine included.
My ‘71, with the original 44 with both the original drum brakes and replacement Ford discs, has caster in the low twos. Yet has never had bad road manners.

I suppose that some other factors to consider are:
1. Tire type and condition.
2. Ball joint preload.
3. Steering linkage type and orientation.
4. Presence and condition of a steering stabilizer.
5. Trackbar alignment and tightness.
6. Steering gearbox condition, adjustment and alignment.
7. Overall alignment (including rear).
8. Wheel width and offset.
9. Steering column issues?
10. Driver expectations.

Probably some more that I’m missing.
Other than that though, more caster (above 5) does seem to overcome most other shortcomings.

Mine has had all ball joints replaced, new tie rod end new adjustable travk bar, new power steering box, new tilt steering colum, new tires, new negative offset wheels, new disc brake set up, new springs and shocks.

 

[Grey owl]

Have you made any adjustment that improved the handling?

Yes, I put in new, steering colum , new power steering box, new tie rod end, new steering stablizer, new adjustable track bar, new springs new bilstien shocks.

 

[widowmaker77]

Have you made any adjustment that improved the handling?

Oh yea! I ended up taking a spare dana 44 housing i had and did a cut and turn on the inner c's. Not that this affected the steering but i cut the axle wedges off also and set my pinion angle with 2.5* c bushings
I also did a trac bar riser and just recently did a tie rod over hiem steer from duffs. Ive had dual anti sway bars on mine since i built it but with all that she handles really good! I try not to get the speed up too much as i live out in the country where speed limits are 55 but 75mp with 3.5 suspension, 1" body lift on 35's is no problem.