tomcat

Has anyone replaced their stock rod ends with Heim joints w/ spacers - to level out the tie rod on a lowered car?

1) Does this help with "bump steer" and/or tire wear?
2) Is the net effect better handling?
3) Are Heim joints a maintenance item (i.e., replaced regularly)?

And if set up properly, do you need a larger diameter bolt (rod end-to-steering knuckle)?

mark kibort

Probably more of hype than a problem. in fact, with the progressive camber that is made as the wheel goes up in the wheel well, its an advantage for race cars in a way. it also depends on how much body roll you have. more body roll , more the need for increased camber to keep the tire flat on compressed side of the car. in a high G turn, the other tire has little or no contact to the road anyway, so it really doesnt effect handling. The toe, toes out a bit, and this does nothing more than desentizes the steering input. (not really an issue either) under hard braking, most street cars have slight toe in, which under compression will toe out slightly, probably no more than 0'ing out the toe, again, creating no real issue.
No tire wear issues either. it will be more a factor of driver habits and alignment settings.

with my front ride hight in the 110mm range, and tie rods at 45 degrees, if anyone would have an issue with it, it would be me! (and I dont)

mk

tomcat

Thanks Mark -

Knowing your wheels haven't come off w/ tie rods at 45 degrees is comforting. But going through the drive through at McDs must be tough.

Great showing at Sears - best of luck the rest of the year.

mark kibort

Thanks! yes, there are some places that the racer 928 just cant go. those speed bumps can be murder! some driveways are imposible to climb too.
one time i got totally stuck with the chassis so stiff with the cage, i lifted up my rear wheel and it was just spinning. cars behind me thought i was a kook. I had to get out and push the car so that both wheels were on the ground! in other words, its not so street friendly.

back to the tie rods, yes, it looks pretty odd to have those tie rods angled so much. but they are pretty tough. i just changed one as you probably read and thats after 6 years of racing! the other one is still good. (no movement, very solid). On a street car, even a low one (not as low as mine) the bump steer wouldnt be an issue. Anderson has the bump steer set up, and i think its just a better set up, especially since he is almost as low as me and uses much bigger front tires, usually real slicks.

mk