03 GTswag

Is this true or is it just my mustang, when I turn corners the steering never goes back to center. I have to help it out, my other stangs (70 Boss 302, 83GT, 89 LXHO) didnt do this, I now have a 03 GT, aligned correctly does not pull at all, whats up?

cliffyk

Just because it doesn't "pull" does not mean it's properly aligned--insufficient caster would cause what you describe. The factory specification for caster is 3.2° +/- 0.75°, which isn't much if it were at the low end of that spec (2.45°)--have you had it aligned, or just assumed that because it doesn't pull it's OK?

I run 5.5° caster, about as much as we could get with the Steeda 4-bolt plates. If you like a quick return you might wish to get the caster increased...

FWIW (and if anyone gives a rat's backside) my target alignment specs are:

• -1.5° camber;
• 5.5° caster;
• 0.25° (factory spec) toe-in;

This camber setting causes accelerated wear of the inner edge of the tire tread, but the improvement in handling (almost no under steer/plowing through turns) make it worth it to me...

03 GTswag

Okay, thanks for the reply, I just ordered a set of H&R SS springs and new isolators and a set of Tokico D-Spec shocks with the MM CC plates, what do you recommend for the settings of this set-up?

cliffyk

If you want the best handling, with tire wear a secondary issue, the the specs I listed above would be my recommendation.

The somewhat aggressive camber will cause the inner edges of the tire tread to wear faster and cup a bit. This makes them noisier, and I would guesstimate that it reduces their useful life by as much as 25%.

The up side of this is that the pronounced under steer of the McPherson strut setup, that causes our cars to plow through tight turns, is greatly reduced and the car becomes much more responsive--changing lanes on the highway is so much fun I often do it just for the kick.

Many road racers runs as much as -3.0°, or even more, camber. This makes handling much better--but at the cost of straight line stability, and destroys tires in short order. I find -1.5° to be a nice compromise...

03 GTswag

Thanks for the info, parts will be here Thursday and will be finished by the weekend, I will take those spec's to the alignment shop with me.

school boy

thanks cliff, your specs saved me a thread!