[robin58]

The problem: avoid bump steer on a lowered 53 Chevy 3100 (not IFS converted)

I have a total drop of 6" on the front (3" axle drop and monoleafed). Obviously I cannot use the stock steering without some serious issues. So I am trying to work around it with converting to power steering at the same time.

In looking at the common kits available from places like Brothers and CPP which require the use of a 68-84 Chevy Saginaw steering sector. It seems to me that I can keep the basic geometry the same with a few modifications. But I am not quite sure so looking for some expert advice.

It would seem to me, provided I use a pitman arm for a dropped truck (CPP sells), that with "spacers" compensating for the rest of the drop installed at the arrows in the picture, that I should be avoiding bumpsteer. I'd considered one spacer but I assume there would be too much stress on one which was why I am contemplating one on each end of the steering link, i.e. one at the pitman arm and one at the new steering arm in the kit.



Is my reasoning correct that this should work or am I overlooking something major?

I really am NOT looking to have to convert to a Mustang II front end for a variety of reasons.

[willys36@aol.com]

There are two main objectives in avoiding bump steer in a parallel leaf spring front end;

1) keep the springs as nearly flat as possible. In this configuration, when they deflect, the axle moves mainly up and down. Highly arched springs tend to move the axle forward and backward when they flex which results in undesirable steering.

2) Install drag link parallel to the leaf springs with the length as close to the the length of half the spring as possible. Installed like this, the drag link will trace approximately the same arc as the flexing spring so there will be minimal differential movement.

[robin58]

Thanks for your reply. The monoleafs I have are pretty flat so that should be OK. Just to make sure I am on the same page as you, when you refer to making sure the drag link is parallel with the leaf spring, are you talking about the horizontal plane (i.e. duplicating pretty much the front portion of the arc of the leaf spring) or keeping it parallel with the leaf spring / chassis? Or both, which was what I was attempting to accomplish.

[willys36@aol.com]

Parallel to the spring is the most important. If it is close, then when the spring bounces and deflects, the drag link will follow and there won't be any differential movement between the two, thus no bump steer.

[robin58]

Gotcha and I appreciate the advice and help