Steering question

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Apr 3, 2011 | 05:11 PM

tlb

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: East Palestine, Ohio

Steering question

I have a question. I just installed a TCI MII front end in my truck. The power steering is very twitchy. When i am driving down the road the steering seems to be very sensitive meaning it takes hardly any movement of the wheel to turn. I have a new re-manufactured Ford pump that was the same as i had before that was out of a 1968 mustang. I know when running a GM pump with a Ford rack you should use a pressure reducing valve but i didn't think you should need one with the set up i have. Do you have any idea what this could be?

Thanks

Apr 3, 2011 | 06:08 PM

Cooter55

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From: Placitas, NM

When you installed the MII did you set the top spring perch/cap back a 1/4 inch from the center line? With power steering the MII requires more positive caster than manual steering.

Apr 3, 2011 | 07:30 PM

tlb

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From: East Palestine, Ohio

The TCI instructions did not say anything about setting top spring perch back 1/4".

Apr 3, 2011 | 07:49 PM

Cooter55

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Joined: Oct 2010

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From: Placitas, NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlb

The TCI instructions did not say anything about setting top spring perch back 1/4".

I know...Their instructions leave a lot to be desired. I questioned their engineer and was told to move the top perch back to get an additional 4* of positive caster. Their instructions and alignment settings are for a non-power assisted rack.

What do you have for caster? With power assist, you need 4-5* positive caster.

Apr 4, 2011 | 10:48 AM

tlb

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From: East Palestine, Ohio

Thanks for the info. I am not sure what to do now since everything is welded in place and ready to start driving. Can i get that much caster with my current set up without removing the top spring mount?

Thanks

Apr 4, 2011 | 11:05 AM

sdetweil

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Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 11,591

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From: Pflugerville, tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooter55

thank you.. I am about to install another one of these and had never heard that..

got to cut the other one off the 54 chassis and move as well..

Sam

Apr 4, 2011 | 03:47 PM

Cooter55

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 226

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From: Placitas, NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlb

You can get the caster by cocking the upper control arms but that limits your camber adjustment. Need to check with your alignment shop if you aren't doing your own alignments. They'll be able to tell you what your limits are.

Cutting off the upper spring perches and rewelding isn't the end of the world...just a PITA.

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Apr 4, 2011 | 11:13 PM

tinman52

Welder User

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 5,269

Likes: 50

From: northwest MT

I've been told you have to use a PS pump that is made for R&P, not the old style for power boxes. The 2 systems use different pressures. Again, only what I've been told....you may want to check into it...