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  View original topic: Correct Caster when using 4" over Arms?
Paul Wilson Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:26 am

My new rail doesn't like to turn. The wheels turn but the car wants to go straight. Right now I have about 3-4 degrees of Caster angle. Could this be part of the problem? I have a 10" over beam and 4" longer arms. What should the Caster angle be set at?
uglyoffroader

retterath Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:43 am

This is normal for a rear engined rail. You have to let off the gas when you steer, or use the steering brake. There's very little weight on the front end, as a result, very little steering.

Paul Wilson Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:48 pm

retterath wrote: This is normal for a rear engined rail. You have to let off the gas when you steer, or use the steering brake. There's very little weight on the front end, as a result, very little steering.

I've been driving desert rails for 22 years, so I understand what you are saying. What this car is doing isn't normal. It may be normal for a car with a 10' over beam and 4" over arms but it sure doesn't steer like my old car. The front tires squeel when pulling into the driveway.
uglyoffroader

KrAzY-BaJa Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:53 pm

is the diff locked?

retterath Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:06 am

Well, now that's different. I've only seen (heard) that on a chevy van that was dropped on its side from the top of a rail car. . .

Sounds like something is out of alignment, bent spindle, or Ackerman is waaaaaay off. Was the beam pushed forward to compensate for the longer arms?



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