1969 mach 1 steering problems

chawke · Jul 28, 2004

We purchased a 69 Mach 1 a couple of months ago and the steering doesn't seem right. The previous owner replaced everything in the steering, including the steering box. We had an alignment done on the car and made an adjustment to the steering box (which helped some) but it still doesn't seem right to me. Maybe I'm just used to driving my mini-van. It feels like when the steering wheel is turned to either the left or the right slightly that the wheels want to turn more than they should. It also feels like the back of the car wants to go the opposite way of what your turning the front wheels. Is this supposed to be the natural feel when driving an older car like this or could there be something else wrong? We had a Mach 1 just like this 15 years ago and it didn't drive like this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

68GEETEE · Jul 28, 2004

worn out shock absorbers can cause erratic handling, so can worn bushings. Did the previous owner replace everything on the front end, and did he/she use correct parts? Sometimes people install the wrong parts, which adds to the problem. Old Stangs dont handle all that great, but it sounds like yours has some sort of problem. You might look at the components real close to determine what you have there. I have all new front end parts in my '68, and it handles quite well for the old technology it has.

DarkBuddha · Jul 29, 2004

I agree, it sounds more like a handling issue rather than a strict steering issue. What you describe sounds a bit like oversteer. You might benefit from larger front sway bar, or small rear bar. Also, as GEETEE mentioned, bad shocks can create an unpredictable/uncontrolled feeling as well, so consider stepping up to some new gas charged shocks. Oh, and check the front wheel bearings too... if they're too loose, you get some strange sensations in turns that you may not feel going straight.

Hope this helps.

chepsk8 · Jul 29, 2004

Don't forget the tires.

Bias Ply are downright SCARY!!!!

WORTH · Jul 29, 2004

chepsk8 said:
Don't forget the tires.

Bias Ply are downright SCARY!!!!

That's cause you young guys have been spoiled by Radials

Driving sideways is more fun

Timmy · Jul 29, 2004

You don’t by chance have headers do you?

I ask because your problem sounds like the issue I had two years ago. The drop bracket for the steering cylinder was loose just a bit and when I turned, the bracket would move making the steering sloppy.

pabear89 · Jul 29, 2004

Recheck the control valve settings,
what you have discribed is the wheels turn more than you
have turned the steering wheel.
As for the rear is there a sway bar there?
If not it is body roll from the extra weight from the fastback.
On mine the rear wanted to slide on any tight turn,
Thru on a 1' bar and it rides like a go kart around the on ramps.

PB

1969 mach 1 steering problems

chawke

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68GEETEE

DarkBuddha

chepsk8

WORTH

Timmy

pabear89

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1969 mach 1 steering problems

chawke

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68GEETEE

DarkBuddha

chepsk8

WORTH

Timmy

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