Re: Bump Steer, Steering Components, Hemi-Joints

[Steven Stegmann <steve.stegmann@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jeff,
 
Your use of Heim joints has nothing to do with bump steer.  On something like a Scout there is usually only one source.  The two ends of the drag link are not at the same elevation.  What happens is that as the wheel end of the drag link moves up & down with suspension motion, the wheel end describes and arc in a vertical plane.  If the drag link is level, the left & right component of the drag link motion is minimized.  The further the link is from level the greater the component of the motion becomes left & right.  That's why as the axle moves up the vehicle steers one way and steers the opposite direction when the axle moves down.

Contrary to popular belief the shape of the drag link has no bearing on the situation.  It is only the relative elevation of the two ends of the drag link that matters.  The best fix is to get a pitman arm which makes the two ends of the drag link the same elevation.
 
Steve
Jeff Bade <jbade@domain.elided> wrote:
Take a look at the rod ends that are installed on the new scout.
Anyone else use these instead of the stock tie rods?
Or could this be part of my bump steer?

http://www.chronicmadness.com/midas/joint.jpg
http://www.chronicmadness.com/midas/joint1.jpg

The Bump steer is worse the faster you go. It tracks straight, the steering
components all seam tight. Although the bolts on these joints where loose..
they need a jam nut on them or something.. I could see these coming loose
all the time..

There is a straight steer, and there are some caster shims under the axle
which I think I am going to remove for now. (It's a 1980 so it already has
some Pos Cas.)

The Chicago potholes make me have to stay alert when driving in traffic..

Anyone got any more Ideas on where to start?

I'd also like to have a tighter Steering wheel...
More road feel.. less play.. I am going to replace the rag joint with a
u-joint...
What about a lower pressure PS Pump or a specially built gearbox?

Thanks,

Jeff Bade
1980 Scout ][ Midas, 345, TF727, D300
1978 SS][, 304, TF727, D300