OPTIMUM VEHICLE HANDLING Vehicle handling is a subject that requires dealing with a large number of variables. Attaining optimum vehicle handling requires the adjustment of these variables to achieve the desired result. Cars and trucks require the same techniques to achieve the optimum setup, but the moment that any loading takes place that balance is… Continue reading Vehicle Handling Overview

What is Ackermann Steering?System of double-pivot steering in which two steered wheels pivot about a vertical axis and are steered by linked steering arms. The system was devised by Lankensperger but takes its name from the patent agent Ackermann. What are AN Fittings?The AN thread is a particular type of fitting used to connect flexible… Continue reading Steering Encyclopedia from: Unisteer

COIL SPRING SUSPENSION What: In a coil spring suspension system, the steering knuckle and wheel spindle assembly is connected between upper and lower control arms. The control arms are connected to the vehicle frame, and the coil spring is positioned either between the upper control arm and the vehicle’s body or between the lower control arm… Continue reading Coil Spring Suspension

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONS There are three basic types of front suspension systems: coil spring, torsion bar, and strut. Coil springs and torsion bars were the traditional suspension used on American cars until the recent popularity of strut systems. Strut suspensions are lighter weight, which helps save gas; and they take up less space in the… Continue reading Independent Front Suspension

SHOCK ABSORBERS What: The purpose of shock absorbers is to control spring action and hold tires firmly on the road. Tires are really just an air spring. And, like any spring, they will continue to bounce until the bounce energy is absorbed. Springs dissipate some of this energy, but it’s the shock that absorbs excess energy… Continue reading Shock Absorbers

TORSION BAR SUSPENSION What: There are no coil springs in a torsion bar suspension system. Instead, a torsion bar supports the vehicle weight and absorbs the road shocks. While a coil spring performs these functions by compressing, the torsion bar acts by twisting. How: The torsion bar is connected between the lower control arm and the frame.… Continue reading Torsion Bars

STEERING LINKAGE Suspension system components couple to the steering linkage at the steering knuckles, and the condition of the suspension system affects steering capability. Worn shocks or struts, for example, contribute to front-end wander. Tie rod ends are bolted to the steering knuckles. A ball and socket joint in the tie rod end makes this… Continue reading Steering Linkage

RACK AND PINION An increasingly popular type of steering system is rack and pinion. A pinion gear translates the rotary motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion of the rack. The rack acts like the center link, moving the tie rods back and forth to steer the vehicle. Rack placement varies from one… Continue reading Rack and Pinion

PANHARD BAR What: A bar with pivoting ends that prevents the front or rear axle from moving from side to side during suspension travel. How: A panhard bar connects to the frame at one end and the axle, suspension component or rearend housing at the other. They swing through an arc when the suspension travels up or… Continue reading Panhard Bar

COMMON SHAFT SIZESManual mustang/Pinto, Manual Omni, & Cross Steer 9/16″-26 SplineVega Box 5/8″-36 SplinePwer Mustang/Omni Rack 3/4″-36 SplineLate GM Steering Columns 1″-DD ShaftEarly Late GM Steering Columns 1″-48 SplineGM 525 Steering Box 3/4″-30 SplineGM 600 Steering Box 3/4″-30 SplineAftermarket Steering Columns (Ididit) 1″-DD Shaft/1″-48 Spline These Great Tips brought to you by: Unisteer – Maval Mfg