Any way that anyone decides to p**** this, this is the breakdown: A stock Model A had a wheelbase of 103.5". The target Ackerman point is 103.5" behind the front axle centerline. If like components are used, unmodified, as a front steer setup, the Ackerman point will be 103.5" IN FRONT of the front axle centerline. This isn't something that is open for debate. That arrangement is guaranteed to break traction on one of the front wheels, at any speed. Whether or not that causes you to lose control of the vehicle may come as an unfortunate surprise. At the very minimum, if the OP is unable to do anything else, he needs to heat and bend the steering arms until the they are almost dragging on the rotors. That won't make it right, but it will reduce the potential harm. Insufficient Ackerman angle is not the same as inverted Ackerman angle.
Thank you thirty-two,that is exactly how proper ackerman is located!And s55mercury66 -yes just about every sprint car built in the last 40 years uses two radius rods one one side and one on the other to get rid of the bind.If you don't like that look,check out an old CAE front axle with wishbone radius rods,they mount the wishbone on one side of the axle on a sleeve allowing it to pivot.
Hairpins and "round" axles don't mix por caca. If your wheels are centered in the fenders, the front crossmember is not properly located. Fords had front springs mounted on top of the axle through '34. Sounds like some bad engineering all the way around. That tube axle will require a 4-bar setup to eliminate breaking things and a rigid ride.
If you like the look of model A split bones on a tube axle modify the axle to accept rubber shackle bushing on one side.
i had to put a lot of caster on my 39 coupe with a similar setup. castor at least makes it go straight!
I think I would start over with a dropped original axle, Ford wishbones and stock steering joints. We know all that works and can be adjusted correctly. Just a thought.... Sent from my SM-J727V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I have a 29 model A,I have owned since 1998,my buddy owned it before me and somebody else before him.It has a SBC, turbo 350 and olds rear with hairpins ,dropped tube axel,the frame was not boxed.Never had a problem.
I know the tube axle doesn't have the flex a forged axle has, but since I've got everything I'm going to give it a try. It's a fenderless car and if it doesn't handle to suit me, I'll change it out. Won't be no more work than if I do it now. I'm going to keep my eye out for some parts in the mean time. I like the look of the split bones and drilled forged axle.
The Jalopy Journal
