Loosing steering!!

[Grit dog]

Caster angle has a huge effect on handling as you all know.
But theoretically, on a leaf spring front end, lifted springs wouldn’t change the caster angle at all. But if the lift also had drop shackles, that would rotate the axle back for less positive caster making the steering wander or float more.

 

[Goldie Driver]

Caster angle has a huge effect on handling as you all know.
But theoretically, on a leaf spring front end, lifted springs wouldn’t change the caster angle at all. But if the lift also had drop shackles, that would rotate the axle back for less positive caster making the steering wander or float more.

I think the only lift is the springs - my other thought would be if somehow the bushings are wearing out.

I will have it looked at here - if they tell me gearbox, then there is a company in Houston ( ADCO ) that rebuilds them.

Perhaps turn it into a variable ratio if it is not already.

The other choice would be redhat (?) , but I do not think that is what it is.

 

[idahovette]

Caster angle has a huge effect on handling as you all know.
But theoretically, on a leaf spring front end, lifted springs wouldn’t change the caster angle at all. But if the lift also had drop shackles, that would rotate the axle back for less positive caster making the steering wander or float more.

Rotating the axle back(pinion down) should give more caster?

 

[shiftpro]

Caster angle has a huge effect on handling as you all know.
But theoretically, on a leaf spring front end, lifted springs wouldn’t change the caster angle at all. But if the lift also had drop shackles, that would rotate the axle back for less positive caster making the steering wander or float more.

If I understand you correctly, you just zigged when you should have zagged.
A longer rear shackle on the rear of the (front) spring will increase caster, making steering self-centering better and our trucks can all use this.
ORD offers a HD shackle that's .5" longer. Late 80's trucks (K30s) came with the .5" longer rear shackles.

 

[Grit dog]

^ Yup you guys are correct. I had the terminology backwards. But rotating pinion down = more caster