Re: [Amc-list] success, success, failure, and success

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Tom, that won't work! Look up "Ackerman Angle". Basically, pull a string from the centerline of the rear axle to the existing tierod ends with the wheels straight ahead. The tie rod ends can be relocated, but they MUST be relocated on that line for the steering to work correctly. You can extend the line (and steering arms), but that will slow down steering, increase turning radius and reduce steering effort. Shortening the arms will speed up steering, decrease radius and increase effort. You could convert to a front sump pan and rear steering though. That would work -- and be a whole lot more trouble. 

The string (line) must be through the turning axis of the steering knuckle. In other words, through a line drawn from the center of the upper ball joint (or trunnion) to the lower. Ackerman Angle allows the inside wheel to turn the proper amount sharper than the outside wheel in a turn. 

-------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:27:50 -0700
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

* I figured out a simple way -- duh! -- to put 10" brakes on the
American. It's 'bad' but I'll probably do it anyways. Simply swap left
and right steering arms. This puts the rod end about 3" inboard on both
sides, requiring shorter tie linkages. Lucky the inner rod end has
enough meat to chop and rethread. I drove my 63 Classic for a decade or
more with 79 lower suspension using spacers that had all the ackerman
angle wrong, and it was wierd turned to lock, it drove fine and no tire
wear. I'll suffer to get those 10" brakes! (I hope the 10x1.75 rear
brakes fit the American's axle tubes... easy to check but I haven't
yet.)


--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)
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