"Floating Front End" @ 65 mph
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 123
From: Indiana
"Floating Front End" @ 65 mph
This probably a question that people get quite a bit, but it's a problem that I want to figure sometime in the near future. 1966 200 ci C4
When I'm in my Mustang on the Interstate or a Highway with a high speed limit, I notice that the front end of the car starts to "float" when the speed hits about 65-70 mph. At those speeds it's manageable, but when trying to pass someone on the interstate (or having a little bit of backroad fun) it starts to become difficult to steer, and when the road becomes uneven it becomes worse.
I understand the light weight of the six cylinder probably attributes to this, but is there a way to make this a lot less noticeable? I haven't done any upgrades to the suspension, so I assume maybe a sway bar? What about a Monte Carlo bar? I realize that the problem will never go away completely, but is there something that can make it a lot easier to live with?
When I'm in my Mustang on the Interstate or a Highway with a high speed limit, I notice that the front end of the car starts to "float" when the speed hits about 65-70 mph. At those speeds it's manageable, but when trying to pass someone on the interstate (or having a little bit of backroad fun) it starts to become difficult to steer, and when the road becomes uneven it becomes worse.
I understand the light weight of the six cylinder probably attributes to this, but is there a way to make this a lot less noticeable? I haven't done any upgrades to the suspension, so I assume maybe a sway bar? What about a Monte Carlo bar? I realize that the problem will never go away completely, but is there something that can make it a lot easier to live with?
6th Gear Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,232
From: PA
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 469
From: The garage (near SF bay- Calif)
An alignment would probably help. Goto a shop that does old cars though.
You also may have some loose steering joints and/or a bad steering box (common on these cars). You'll need an alignment if you do the above "drop" or replace loose parts anyway.
You also may have some loose steering joints and/or a bad steering box (common on these cars). You'll need an alignment if you do the above "drop" or replace loose parts anyway.
Last edited by 1971mach1; Jun 15, 2011 at 11:43 PM.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 959
From: Bangkok, Thailand
Mine used to drive like that until I upgraded to the Mustang II coil over suspension front end (and back end). Now it handles like a new BMW and I can drive it like a crazy man on the highway.
James
James
6th Gear Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,232
From: PA
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 426
From: MN
I replaced my whole front suspension along with shelby upper control arm drop and it feels nice and tite at around 100mph. You probably have some worn out parts. Lift the front of the car in the air and have someone move the steering wheel. Shouldnt be much if any play in anything for the steering. This would be a good place to start. If any play replace then go from their.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 794
From: Nebraska
I second this. My 65 blue coupe has the 200 inline 6 engine and I had an alignment done and was told there were a couple of worn bushings. Before they aligned the car and replaced the bushings it wandered bad. Now it drives great. I can go 75 mph down the interstate with no problems.