I haven't driven my 65 out of the city yet since getting her on the road again last month. This weekend I took her out and got her up to 80.

Boy, talk about vibration. The steering didn't feel solid at all.

Around town I don't feel vibration, but the steering sure isn't very tight. The car does seem to be wandering at times.

Any ideas? What type of handling should I expect out of this old gal?

Thanks.

 

Get the wheels balanced and aligned first. The alignment shop can tell you if parts need replacing. Classic stangs are not known for a tight steering feeling...even when working correctly.

 

Yeah, jack up the front so that both wheels are off the ground, then have someone turn the wheel while you look to see which parts are needing replacing because they are loose. Take you hand and shake all the parts to determine which parts need replacement, then decide if you want to replace the suspension or just rebuild them. You can also tell if the steering box is loose by having it in the air. If it is, and most likely it is loose, then tighten the box. If that doesn't do the trick, then it's replacement time for the box as well. Once all the worn out parts are either replaced or rebuilt, then take it to an alignment shop to get it aligned. Also, double check your U-joints for wear.

 

High speed vibe = out of balance tire. Take your car into a shop with free inspections and tell them the steering feels loose, and if they can shake down the front end. Personally, on cars with over 100k on em, I usually just rebuild the whole suspension/steering systems. We have LOTS of potholes here (MI.), so suspension parts wear out pretty fast.
-P.

 

I just had the steering box replaced. I'm sure some other parts may be worn though. I'll start with the alignment and balancing.

Anyone have a suggestion of where to order new suspension parts from and what brand of parts to use?

My shop is good and reliable, and trustworthy, so I like them, but they don't do much old car stuff. They have one older guy who still knows how to work on these cars so he does all the work, but they don't really know many sources for parts. They've actually ordered some from Ford directly which is obviously way high in price.

 

You are better off replacing what needs to be replaced before doing an alignment. And, don't let your shop get the parts. You will typically be able to get a complete suspension set up for the price a shop will charge you for a few replacement parts.

 

Mustangs Plus carries the Grab-A-Trak front suspension kits. However, if you only need a few parts, then check with NPD. http://www.mustangsplus.com/Merchant...ode=suspension