Johnlorio Posted June 6, 2015 Report Share Posted June 6, 2015 When I rebuilt the front end on my SSS I used roadster springs which dropped the front end about 1.5". The car drove terrible at speed darting all over the road. I had the front end shop install the stock springs (not easy) and now the car drives fantastic with good road feel in the wheel What changed in the front end geometry? Alignment shop says castor angle. Do any of you have similar experience with your dropped cars? Quote Link to comment
7string Posted June 6, 2015 Report Share Posted June 6, 2015 Did you have it aligned after putting in the shorter springs?. A 1.5" drop would change the toe angle quite a bit. It sounds like it was toed out too much if darting. I wouldn't think the castor change would be noticeable, but then I don't have experience with the 411. Stiffer springs will quicken up the steering but shouldn't be so much as to make you uncomfortable. Quote Link to comment
Johnlorio Posted June 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2015 Yes I had it aligned twice. Quote Link to comment
Johnlorio Posted June 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2015 Car felt unstable at interstate speed Surprised me because I've dropped my roadster without that effect. Something different in steering geometry between roadsters and 411s Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 6, 2015 Report Share Posted June 6, 2015 Just instal 1.5" of rubber spacers. Keeps your stock height and steering but still a firmer ride. Quote Link to comment
jfbrink Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 I had stock Roadster springs on my '66 411 and it was not dart-y on the freeway or surface streets. I wonder about those two alignment jobs? The only thing I didn't like about them was the high butt. I'm planning to go back to them once I get around to making blocks to lower the rear. Jesse. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Agree, can't see firmer springs (and lower) as anything but better handling. Darting from side to side is always what I take as a toe problem. Quote Link to comment
Johnlorio Posted June 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Still had negative toe in after first two alignments and I tried more toe in. Steering felt very light and sensitive. I had also replaced ball joints and tie rod ends both inner and outer. With the stock springs the steering feels more firm and connected. I've no idea why the steering feels different now. I like the way the car drives now but I'm interested to understand what is going on Quote Link to comment
datO))) Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I cut my springs 3"? And it worked fine. Quote Link to comment
Johnlorio Posted June 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 Ok in middle of night one thing occurred to me. I didn't cut the bump stops. Could that give me these symptoms if the car was bottoming out? Quote Link to comment
datO))) Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I cut the bump stops . So yes. As for the darting around, I would say tie rod ends and well the front end total might need adjusted. I lucked out and mine was nice and solid. Quote Link to comment
Johnlorio Posted June 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 I think it was bottoming on the bump stops. Never felt like it was bottoming out except for the squirrelly driving. I'm leaving it stock for now. Quote Link to comment
datO))) Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 I want to say I saw a thread on inner changing bump stops . Stock is always good thought. Can't wait to see it man Quote Link to comment
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