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  •  » God Bless America, and strut rods on a '65

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    7/04/2017 10:16 AM  #1

    Lance
    FYI Addict

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    Registered: 7/16/2013
    Posts: 152

    God Bless America, and strut rods on a '65


    ​I purchased a pair of these for my 65 convertible. When I approach 80 mph, it wants to wander a bit, and it's irregular in it's wandering. I can't find much else with slop. Running a Randall's Rack, (I know, it's not the favored setup...) and the Granada spindles for sake of disc brakes. The car used to be rock solid. 

    A couple questions:

    ​Is there a best practice for establishing the initial length when the old rubber bushings are collapsed?

    Is the best I can hope for is to get it close enough to drag to an alignment shop, or could I drive this after install?

    ​Is this the time to do he Shelby drop, and perhaps install the roller spring perches I bought 5 years ago?

    Any unexpected fallout you all can help me anticipate?

    ​I clearly don't know exactly what the repercussions of replacing old caster rods might be. Any help would be appreciated, as always!

    ​Thanks all,

    ​Lance
     

     

    7/04/2017 8:27 PM  #2

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,313

    Re: God Bless America, and strut rods on a '65

    Before disassembly, measure from a point on the LCA to the bottom of the bracket where the strut rod bushings go. When you reinstall, simply match that dimension. It will be close enough to go get it aligned.
    Most of your wandering issue is likely caused by the incorrect ackerman geometry of the Granada spindles on a 65.
    I have replaced the strut rods with the car sitting on the wheels, not jacked up. I find it easier that way since the parts are not in a bind.  Be sure to chock the front and rear wheels so the car does not roll and the front wheels cannot move out of position.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/05/2017 7:36 AM  #3

    Lance
    FYI Addict

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    Registered: 7/16/2013
    Posts: 152

    Re: God Bless America, and strut rods on a '65

    Hey there Sir Steve!

    I would never argue with you regarding the Granada spindles being the root of the problem. However, I put this setup together in 2005, but didn't notice the issue until about a year ago; it used to behave like steering I should be proud of. I imagine if you are right, and the alternative spindles are the ultimate source of the weirdness, it is being amplified by these worn out rubber bushings. I'm hoping these rods tamp the wandering back to an unnoticeable level. I appreciate the sage advice.

       •Thread Starter
     

    7/05/2017 3:53 PM  #4

    Greg B
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,702

    Re: God Bless America, and strut rods on a '65

    I feel bad asking this, as having discussed the issues of the Randall's Rack with you before, so I know you are aware of the concerns around it.   But, have you checked all the parts, connections, attachment points, fittings, and such all related to the rack itself?   Hope all is well.  

    If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     

     

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