Re: [ihc] RE: Pete's mods

["Ryan Moore" <baradium@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Shubin" <pshubin@domain.elided>
To: <ihc@domain.elided>
Cc: <jgrammer@domain.elided>
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 14:57
Subject: [ihc] RE: Pete's mods


> My desire for caster is to have just enough to keep the vehicle tracking
> straight.  I had an old VW once and like my Scout it was set up stock at 0
> degrees.  When I lowered the front a lot and the rear a little the road
> steered the little VW more than I did.  I ended up with 8 degree shims to
> compensate for the difference in lowered heights and add in some caster.
> This gave a heavy steering feel to such a small and light car but it
handled
> better than any other stock or modified bug I ever drove and was very
stable
> at high and very high speeds.
>
> The Scout has a similar problem but a different end use.  I see no need
and
> have no desire for good over 100 mph handling in the Scout.  I just want
it
> to track straight with little effort from the driver at normal highway
> speeds.  When I add new springs and longer shackles I'll be going in the
> wrong direction like I did in my VW.  I will need to build in caster to
> compensate for the shackles, any potential rear end sag from carrying
heavy
> loads, and a couple of degrees for good measure.  If I build in 6 degrees
> I'll probably only realize 2 which will probably be plenty.  I have not
done
> the math yet.  If anyone has please share.
>
> I'll look up the thread you mentioned.
>
> Thanks
>
> Pete
>

Heavy loads in the rear will *increase* caster.    Don't try to lift with
shackles, unless you make some heavy duty shackles, I see it as removing
stability and asking for trouble.  As it is, I think trying to get *any*
lift with shackles is a bad idea.

Thanks,
Ryan


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