Do I need bumpsteer kit?

Engel · May 19, 2007

Hi guys, I am redoing my whole suspension and will be using the mach springs, with bilsteins, and MM C&C plates, new oem ball joints and tie rods, cobra a-arms,
cobra steering shaft, bushings and spring isolators, and a very low mileage oem steering rack.

My question is will I need the bumpsteer kit if I am only dropping the car .7 of an inch? I really do not want to purchase the kit if i can do without.

plan is daily driving only, thus only a small drop.

'94ChickStang · May 19, 2007

you don't need it

V8SHME8 · May 19, 2007

Depends on how much caster you want.

Therian · May 19, 2007

I would say no.

HISSIN50 · May 19, 2007

I wouldnt know myself, but would something like offset rack bushings be a middle ground in such a situation? It seems like they could possibly help a hair.

go-stang5.0 · May 20, 2007

Well you are using "Mach I" springs....Did the Mach I come with a bumpsteer kit? Sorry for answering your question with a question...

Therian · May 20, 2007

HISSIN50 said:
I wouldnt know myself, but would something like offset rack bushings be a middle ground in such a situation? It seems like they could possibly help a hair.

from MM:

"Why offset rack bushings are a bad idea for stock K-members

Although sold by many as a supposed cure for bumpsteer, installing offset steering rack bushings on a stock K-member make an acceptable situation far worse than if you had done nothing at all. How do we know this? Because we did testing. We measured the bumpsteer, both with and without offset rack bushings. Our test results were first published in the July 1993 issue of Super Ford. See "here" for more about bumpsteer."

This is only one source, so I can't say it's completely valid. That said, MM usually knows their stuff

HISSIN50 · May 20, 2007

Duncan, I recall that info so I started asking around and trying to get a consensus awhile back.

I put my butt where my mouth is - I have offset rack bushings awaiting install on the 94.

Following MM's advice is always the way to go. In the spirit of 'hot roddin', I do what could be considered stupid things. I have some standard bushings I can throw in if the handling is worse (I have some pretty wicked bump steer as it is).

FWIW, as another E.g., I dont believe solid bushings are recommended on stock K's and I've seen it done and done well. I have a hard time deciphering what is a CYA disclaimer (because even if there's an issue only 5% of the time, that's going to be 5% of people complaining) and what's just good solid "don't do this" advice.

I don't want to derail the thread, but if anyone has thoughts, please post or PM (I felt this might be pertinant to Engel anyhow).

Therian · May 20, 2007

I have a set of non-offset aluminum rack bushings on order. As soon as I get them on I will report back.

JT are you waiting to do A-arms before you do the rack bushings? I'd be interested in seeing how they turn out for you with relation to bumpsteer.

HISSIN50 · May 20, 2007

Therian said:
I have a set of non-offset aluminum rack bushings on order. As soon as I get them on I will report back.

JT are you waiting to do A-arms before you do the rack bushings? I'd be interested in seeing how they turn out for you with relation to bumpsteer.

You know, I am on the fence. I was going to install the offset poly rack bushings while doing the new FLCA's (which I already received. Sparks, NV to AZ is a 2 day shipment - rather the antithesis of what you have to endure my friend). But now I'm considering doing only the LCA's so I can get some accurate feedback about the bumpsteer without an extra variable. I'm not sure what I'll do - I'll probably see how I feel while doing it.

Please do share your thoughts on the solid bushings. I've seriously considered them myself but got a great deal on the offset polys.

blksn955.o · May 20, 2007

I am VERY interested in this. The 9.5in wide front rim and 275's on them just TRACK and pull the slightest un-even pavement. Bumps are so, so but that may be the loose-ish tokicos that will be replaced soon with bullitt (or bullitt spec) struts.

I have been thinking that the 03-04 cobra FLCAs might be worth while in themselvs as the cobra had a wider front tire and a re-designed FLCA. I think at worst a set of CC plates will get used if the FLCA dont solve the issue. I too really dont want to buy a bump kit. I would also like to know how the offset bushings work out...but dont really plan on getting some unless they just flat out work.

From what little research I have started doing the CC plates and a good drop or much wider tire than stock give you the ability to set the align. for those wider fronts/drops. I have yet to see were the stock CC plates are given ANY credit as to being good for even stock align. needs for any kind of "spirited" driving with good maners and tire ware.

hollywoodstang · May 20, 2007

I got recomended to do off-set rack bushings by saleen. my car is lowered 1.5 and they recommended. i got their aluminum ones. with their caster camber plates. i ran with out it for a while and only thing i noticed was my tires were wearing unevenly. so i threw away $600 in 3 months. if i were you i will get it just in case. but you are lowering only .7 so i think you will not need it. WHO CARES BUY IT AND KEEP IT FOR LATER! that's what i do. LMAO

Therian · May 20, 2007

HISSIN50 said:
You know, I am on the fence. I was going to install the offset poly rack bushings while doing the new FLCA's (which I already received. Sparks, NV to AZ is a 2 day shipment - rather the antithesis of what you have to endure my friend). But now I'm considering doing only the LCA's so I can get some accurate feedback about the bumpsteer without an extra variable. I'm not sure what I'll do - I'll probably see how I feel while doing it.

Please do share your thoughts on the solid bushings. I've seriously considered them myself but got a great deal on the offset polys.

For information's sake, it would be nice to know how much of a difference the new control arms make themselves. The time wasted by not doing both arms and rack bushings at the same times is merely that of undoing the outer tie rod ends and jacking up/jacking down the car. That said, it's obviously easier to do them all at once...and if the control arm swap doesn't go smoothly you'll probably be more apt to do it all at once.

blksn955.o said:
I am VERY interested in this. The 9.5in wide front rim and 275's on them just TRACK and pull the slightest un-even pavement. Bumps are so, so but that may be the loose-ish tokicos that will be replaced soon with bullitt (or bullitt spec) struts.

I'll also be running a 275 tire on a 9.5in rim on the front. My upgrades are:

03 FLCA's
03 tie rod ends
03 steering shaft
MM aluminum NON-offset rack bushings
Tokico Illuminas
New steering rack
MM CC Plates

I'm hoping that I will have minimal bumpsteer. I'll report back my findings

Do I need bumpsteer kit?

Engel

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