Caster?

[iamvillani]

So I was looking at my new to me 99 GT and I noticed the front wheels sit back in the wheel wells more towards the firewall. And the passger side is even a lil further back then the driver side. Is this bad? Someone said my caster is off. Car does not seem to be hit. It tracks straight and no other noises or effects out of the ordinary. Steering wheel is pretty centered however there is about an inch or so play when centered. Tires seem to be wearing ok. Thanks for any input.

 

[trinity_gt]

The K-member locates the lower control arms. If the K has ever been out of the car and wasn't re-installed in the same position it's possible, through slop in the mounting holes, to move it rearward a bit. This would cause the wheels to appear rearward in the wheelwells.

I'd take the car to an alignment shop and have them do some measurements and, if necessary, move the K back to the correct position.

Incorrect caster can affect high speed stability of the front wheels as well as the self-centering of the steering wheel when turning.

You might check the rag-joint between the steering shaft and the rack (the joint is located just behind the driver's side engine mount) for looseness. It may explain your on-center steering slop.

 

[iamvillani]

The K-member locates the lower control arms. If the K has ever been out of the car and wasn't re-installed in the same position it's possible, through slop in the mounting holes, to move it rearward a bit. This would cause the wheels to appear rearward in the wheelwells.

I'd take the car to an alignment shop and have them do some measurements and, if necessary, move the K back to the correct position.

Incorrect caster can affect high speed stability of the front wheels as well as the self-centering of the steering wheel when turning.

You might check the rag-joint between the steering shaft and the rack (the joint is located just behind the driver's side engine mount) for looseness. It may explain your on-center steering slop.

Thank you very much for the input. I appreciate it.

 

[iamvillani]

Thank you very much for the input. I appreciate it.

Is the rag joint easily replaced if its worn? I have a chiltons manual and pretty good on basics.

 

[trinity_gt]

Is the rag joint easily replaced if its worn? I have a chiltons manual and pretty good on basics.

Here's a link to replacement in a Fox. New Edge are likely the same (just make sure you get the part for your year...)

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/rag-joint.741031/#post-7955953