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Kirkham Motorsports

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Old 07-07-2002, 09:48 PM
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Unhappy Wheel Alignment

I just got my Lone Star 427 back from the aligment shop.
The folks there did the best there where able to given the specification from Lone Star.

The car runs fine down the road but has the following problems:

The steering has to be pulled back coming out of a turn and it is not just a little pull.
That may not be that bad, but the fact that at about 75 m/h the front end is feeling in a world on it own is rather bad.

It is feeling like the front end is taking off and is not in contact with the road anymore.

From all I can tell it may be a problem with the Caster.

My question is:
Has anybody experianced a simular problem and if yes, what was done to correct it.
I have not contacted Lone Star yet but will also do so.
The aligment shop tells me that there is no adjustment for the Caster.

Thanks for your help

TK
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Old 07-07-2002, 11:13 PM
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I do not know about the lone star but I believe they use a version of the Mustang II front suspension and if so there is a adjustment for camber. Are you using just a pep boys/sears/ or other cookie cutter alignment shop? Most of these guys get real stupid when they cannot look something up on the computer. Check around with the local SCCA club or other Race type organization and they will know where to get the alignment done.
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Old 07-08-2002, 12:02 AM
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Ditto to what Aumoor said. I've never had a Lonestar, but get it away from the "Toys R us" crowd at the local tire shops. Find someone that knows what the score is. (I did via my local SCCA club).
I found that after one of my sessions from a local Firestone the guy was trying to adjust it the wrong way. He told me I had a bent frame! After I found the sports car shop owned by a racer did I find that he was all wet behind the ears. The car handled like a dream after that. (I found the car had bumpsteer, and I didn't even know what it was then).
Anyone that tells you there is no castor adjustment probably would also tell you there is no device on a flush toilet to make it flush.
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Old 07-08-2002, 09:16 AM
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You need a better alignment shop. Your rack and pinion steering rack could be tight as well.
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Old 07-08-2002, 09:35 AM
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Too much caster will definately cause the steering to remain in the turn and not return easily.

I am set at +2 and have no problems.

As others stated: find another shop.

Roscoe
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Old 07-08-2002, 10:00 AM
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TK,
Some things to consider:

Positive caster(top of the steering axis is pointed rearward) aids returnability. It also increases steering effort. I would double check that setting first. If caster checks out ok, here are some other areas that affect steering returnability. Steering column misalignment, column bearings, tie rod end bind, and gear adjustment.

I am assuming your other condition is type of "wander"? Again, extreme negative caster could cause this. Check these factors also: low tire pressure, excessive negative front total toe, brake drag, loose susp/steering components, incorrectly adjusted wheel bearings.

By all accounts, it appears your caster is excessively negative. I'm betting that is the cause of your problems, but I would still examine everything.

As the other gentlemen have stated, look for an alignment shop that understands alignment geometry and theory, not just reading a computer screen. Ask some of the local racers where they go, and follow suit.

Good luck!
Dave
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