Well I tagged and insured the t-bird, and I have got to drive around a bit this weekend. I noticed that the return to center steer is a little tight. It comes back some and then the steering wheel just stops and I have to pull back to center. I have had alignment done, bump-steer kit, new struts, caster camber plates, 94 spindles, 94 ball joints and 245/40/17 tires up front. I have noticed that the steering shaft is rubbing the header a tiny bit, might be it not sure, cause it turns with little effort. Any suggestions? I have read some about caster could cause this???
Yes lack of positive caster can cause no/slow return to center, but so can "stiff" parts in the steering, I'd give it a few hundred miles to loosen up...
If the header rub is severe enough that may be your problem, but never gave a issue on my Bird...
1.0 and 1.4 positive caster is what the alignment sheets says.
Ball joints and tie rod ends can also cause the problem. Did you have the shop use the alignment specs in the MM CC plate instructions on page three, below Installation Instruction 32?
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/Assets/install/pdf/front_susp/MMCC8388r4.pdf
Caster is supposed to be at or as close to 4.5 degrees positive.
Darren
I checked the sheet, only thing they did not get into the MM spec was the caster, it is a 1.0 and 1.4 positive
That's likely most of your return problem.. Also will cause "numb" steering feel and tendency for the wheels to follow joints in the road...
You may not get to the MM specs on the caster without some effort. I moved my c/c plates rearward when redoing my strut towers and also have 3/4" forward offset lower control arms and I think I was still just short of the MM caster spec. If there is adjustment to move the strut back with the c/c plate but the strut ishiznitting the tower I would get out the die grinder and make some more clearance, even if it is only another degree or so.
I have some room to move, I will post up some pics tomorrow before I move them to show you guys and get your opinion before I do anything.
i moved all way back positive as i can get, alot better. I also loosen the steering shaft and column and readjusted. Now the shaft is off the header and steering wheel is coming back to center.