Just in the process of fitting a 4" dropped IBeam to the front of my 32 Sedan ,I've now spent many hours trying to set it at 6 to 7 degrees but all I seem to keep getting is around 9 degrees. I've read many articles,books etc and some say 9 is fine (Pete Chaperious) but I really don't know so is 9 degrees ok Thanks It's on wishbones
Kingpin angle{ caster },AKA,axle angle. 9* will work find,but understand,that much makes steering return to center faster. And a little bit harder to turn-then less dose. The lbs. down on front end also has a lot to do with how fast or slow. As most hotrods are under 2500 lbs total, most find 7* feels good. Were 6* or less dose not hold center/straight as well. There a lot more factors that can play on your steering. So only talking,caster there. Side bones can be bent or cut an rewelded to hold axle angle,or rear bone mount can be moved up or down for adjustment.
I’m guessing , because I don’t know, on a traverse spring, would the front crossmember need to be tilted as well, to keep the spring out of a bind?
Are you measuring the caster with the car on the ground and with the car sitting with a forward rake, or with the chassis level on stands? A rake can minus out a couple of caster degrees, depending on the rake of course. Once again, pictures please. And what type of location method.
9 degrees works fine, and depending on wheelbase length, it might even work better than the "norm" of 5-7 degrees. I use 5 degrees on my '39 Chevy with 115" wheelbase, but my '37 Austin gasser has 11 degrees because of the short 89" wheelbase, and it works great too.
It does make the steering heavier but I put 10° into every personal hot rod and everyone that's coming to the shop and they go straight down the road nicely.
I've actually got it on axle stands under the axle, I've looked and tried to find out if better this way or on its wheels but no information about which is best, it has a slight rake as it sits
That makes me feel better so maybe my concerns might all be ok and if all your builds drive nice with 10 degrees hopefully mine will too, thanks
The caster can only be measured with the car off all stands and sitting on its own tires. If you change tire size you also change caster.
& Yes front crossmember should have some caster built in . Extreme rake needs more added in (front crossmember) . Like others said Take readings Like it sets on ground on all four conners , Me , I like 7deg or more
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