[Essex_29]

Here's how you theoretically should set up the steering for a passenger car.
This will make the car turn right under normal turning conditions.

Front or rear steer would provide the same steering geometry.



As is obvious, front steer can be tricky, because the tie rod ends need
to be outboard of the balljoints, making it hard to fit if you don't run huge
rims or have very short steering arms on the knuckles.
This setup will provide "positive Acherman" or in effect toe out on turn,
which is desirable on daily driven passenger cars.
As you can see, a longer or shorter wheel base will alter the desired angles
of the steering arms.
My Chevrolet Caprice has almost no toe out on turn, so it's "neutral ackerman",
I guess. This is a compromise due to the fact that the wheels and brakes are
in the way of making positive Ackerman.

Negative Ackerman, or toe in on turn is used in Formula 1 cars and other
extreme cases where very hard cornering is happening, this is a whole 'nother
can of worms, not applicable to cars driven on public roads.

As long as you drive straight on a road, the Ackerman angle doesn't really affect
 how the car drives. Given that, it's not a thing you have to give much thought unless
you're designing your own steering arms or knuckles (uprights).

[sixball]

Thanks for the explanation. We have all known about this for ever but I was not sure if it applied beyond Ford "Buggy Spring" suspension set ups. I guess mostly because those are all you see for hot rod builds.

[Rattiac]

Car is going back together slowly.  Checking left and right turns at full lock.  Had to saw down the bump on the topside of the axle, was hitting near the brake hose fitting.  Had to add the spacers for the caliper brackets.
 Hoping to wrap things up tonight cause I have an alignment appointment in the morning . Good thing cause my daily driver and truck need repairs.  I  need a crew.  😉

[sixball]

Hope you made it to your appointment and all is well. Going o have a better driver.

[Rattiac]

Finished the car up at 1:30am last night. Did a tape measure toe-in.
Went to the appointment and drove really well. 
They ended up using specs for 50-54 chevy truck since nothing from the 30's is in thier computer.  He said I was really close.

Drove home even better.  Hit the highway and cranked it up to 80 and 90mph but ran out of real estate.  Felt super stable and lane changes are nice and smooth.

What a huge improvement.  Worth every penny. 
Came home and centered the steering wheel.  Had to chop 3/4" from the drag link end.  Proceeded to do a few more 80mph runs.😁

I was able to get a printout of the alignment,  that's why we went with the 1950's specs.  Oh also chatting with the manager,  he found me a set of H-rated tires but they are winter tires, softer compound.When the time comes. 
Haven't even installed the stabilizer yet,  that's how good it handled.
Swaybar did great.  Got hit with some side wind and it stays in the lane no problem. 

[sixball]

That is great. you can enjoy it a lot more and feel safer.

[sammons]

Rattiac, glad to hear you got that front end dialed in👍

[TFoch]

Great that it handle well after all the work.

[Rattiac]

Thanks guys.  Been driving it to work when the weather is good these past few weeks getting some ethanol free gas through it. 😎
Was planning on cleaning up the shop and jumping on the wood removal full bore butt....it's gonna have to wait for a bit.  My dad received word from his doctor that there is nothing more they can do for his cancer and he has  3 month's left (if that), so my aunt and I have been trying to get his financial in order.  He's so frail,  looks like he's 98 instead of 68.  He's always been a muscular truck driver type of guy it's Hard to see him like this.  😔
This pic is when I was 7 just after my mom passed 1988.  Spending the weekend at my grandparents cabin.

[Essex_29]

Great that your var drives so much better. It?s fun when investment in work and money pays off.
Sorry to hear about your father.

[Rattiac]

I appreciate all of your well wishes.  Thank you everyone.
Snow has hit.  I'll probably be putting the car away for the season.
Weary about that since all my vehicles need some sort of repair. Just no time to get things fixed.

[Rattiac]

I made a video awhile back before I swapped the front axle. 
Went for a cruise up by the copper pit.
https://youtu.be/RNKCgs2_hS8?si=O6zStAXjrNcU1vPH

[Essex_29]

Nice, Rattiac, it looks like fun to drive that Pontiac!
I have never really done a real suspension improvement on a car, like you are doing, it must be so satisfying.
Obiously I'm trying to improve the ride and handling of my car, but I never drove it in its before-state.

[Rattiac]

Wanted to put some notes here so I don't forget.
Need to check straightness of the frame. 
Body still leaning toward driver's side.
Rear axle,  swap to Ford ranger studs.
Swap rear tires.
Change diff oil.
Start wood removal.

Oh yeah.  I bought a craftsman battery powered cut off tool so I can get a top for this thing.  Can't wait to use that.  I've seen a chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon will be long enough.

[sammons]

Thats a great idea, you won't lose the list that way 👍