I realize this is an odd question, but here goes.

I have a medium speed S/G '27 roadster (torsion bar front axle) and I'm curious as to how much caster folks are running in these type of cars? I believe that at 13 degrees it may be too much. It handles well at speed but it make steering at low speeds and backing up a problem (especially while you use one hand to hold the trans-brake button).

Recently one of my sons drove the car and he complained about the difficulty steering the car at low speed. My old car, a '67 Nova was at 7 degrees.

Thought I would ask:

Bob

Hey Bob On my old roadster the front end was if I recall exactly. camber@ 2 to 3* caster 6 to 7* and toe 1/8". It was a Brogie style torsion bar. It had a funny car style steering box. At 6 or 7* caster it was still a ***** to steer. Seems 13* is a little excessive. I googled your question and couldn't find an exact match to application, but found a lot straight axle set ups that were in that 6* to 9* area. 2 cents

This morning I reduced the caster from 13 degrees to 7.5 . You were correct Bob, it didn't seem to make it any easier to steer.

A few side effects of running all that caster, none of them good. The steering shaft universal joint needed to be replaced, it was junk. I had to change the drag link adjustment on the pitman arm (which reduced the steering radius). I'll find out how well it handles in high gear at the next event. The toe is still 1/8 (in).

I have a spare steering box that has a new sector shaft, in fact I made several (8) billet sector shafts. I believe Frank Huzar originally made these steering boxes for Don.

Bob

Bob I meant to mention that one of my steering problems was the front steering shaft that ran from spindle arm to spindle arm was made from only .75 steel and chrome plated, it flexed so much while turning that it slowed down the process and being so small the hard steering made it flex even more. I changed the arm to 1" chromoly and that did help the steering feel more positive. Found this out while someone was outside watching.

The tie rod is .875 (7/8) chrome moly, but I will check to see if it is flexing. I need to carry a little more air pressure in the front tires, presently at 32#. I raised the drag link connection on the pitman arm to help ease the steering, down side - I'm not making sharp turns anytime soon.

Did encounter one more odd thing.

A small stone somehow got into the steering U-joint jamming it not allowing me to turn the car (only) right. All the turns from the trailer through the staging lanes were left. Until I got to the water box, that required a slight adjustment to the right, that was not happening! I now cover the U-joint with a plastic sandwich bag. Sounds bad, looks bad, really don't care.

It's the small S--T that can kill ya!

Bob

Strange on their struts recommend 6-10* degrees.

Many struts need a brace bar that goes across in front as the top to prevent flex. Your torsion bar should not have that issue but for those with struts you should check it.