Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

[Russ C.]

As the title asks. is there a difference in the angle of the steering arms (as bolted to the spindles) between the passenger car suspension and the early Vette? My 62 had some passenger car parts on it when I bought it, but the obvious items have now been changed back to the correct Vette style parts. The car still doesn't feel right when in a fast corner. the tighter the corner, the more the outside wheel feels like it's wanting to "tuck". all bushings and linkage is tight and alignment is within spec. the only thing I can surmise now is that I may have passenger car steering arms and the Ackerman angle is incorrect. any ideas?

Thanks,

[Dan P.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

Have the car aligned .Make sure they measure toe out in turns .I think that is what is says on the sheets been a lot of years .Measure the distance between the end of the steering arm and backing plate . Then compair it to a know original car.Bounce the front end up and down and watch the steering wheel .If it moves back and forth you have to much bump steer . Call me and maybe I can help . Dan 9one3 5one5 3721

[Russ C.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

Thanks Dan. I've been working on getting a look at some known Vette arms, but it seems most of my friends are sissies and have their cars packed away in cocoons for the winter.

[Jerry G.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

You can measure Ackerman. Also don't forget to get the castor correct. This really makes a difference on how a car responds during turn in. More is better. Jerry

[Dan P.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

I can measure my 57 if you want.

[Russ C.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

I can measure my 57 if you want.

Thanks Dan.
I'm waiting to hear back from a guy who thinks he has one arm off a car. I think it would be hard to get an accurate measurement with the arms on the car, but I may still take you up on that if he can't find his.

It just seems logical that the passenger car, with 115" WB would have different arms that the Vette with 102" WB……… but I've been wrong before.

[Gary C.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

Russ,

Are you referring to the Steering Arm Knuckles 6.103 in the attached drawing? If so they are definitely different part numbers. Corvette is 3733451 and 3733452. Passenger car is 3709275 and 3709276. Both have are forged with the part numbers.

Tom Parsons is a subject matter expert on C1 front suspensions.

Gary
....

Front Suspension Parts Book Illustration (Small).jpg

[Russ C.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

Russ,

Are you referring to the Steering Arm Knuckles 6.103 in the attached drawing? If so they are definitely different part numbers. Corvette is 3733451 and 3733452. Passenger car is 3709275 and 3709276. Both have are forged with the part numbers.

Yup! Now we're cooking. that's good enough for me and VERY much appreciated.

Tom Parsons is a subject matter expert on C1 front suspensions.

Gary
....

Yes, I know that.

Thanks again Gary. that really helps me out.

[Dick W.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

You can measure Ackerman. Also don't forget to get the castor correct. This really makes a difference on how a car responds during turn in. More is better. Jerry

So will tire pressure

[Russ C.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

I wanted to post a conclusion on this steering arm thing, so others who may run into this can maybe save some frustration. I purchased a set of 62 Vette arms from CC, but I'm still in mid-repair and cleaning of my 62s front end, between snow/ice storms. when I get to test it I'll also report on any handling improvement (or not) with the correct parts on it.
As you can see in the photos, the Vette arm (silver) not only provides different Ackerman angles, but the correct arm also puts the tie rods lower on the Vette, which could affect bump steer.

once again, thanks for ya'alls help on this.
Russ

[Gary C.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

Russ, what are the cast in part numbers on both the silver and other steering knuckle arm? Gary....

[Russ C.]

Re: Ackerman angle differences between Passenger car and Vette steering arms?

Russ, what are the cast in part numbers on both the silver and other steering knuckle arm? Gary....

Gary,
Your # information was correct on both the Pass and Vette arms. Pass = 3709275 & 6 - Vette arms = 3733451 & 2