caster

[allen]

working on my 27 testing the front end ever thing looks like in spec expect the test where you tie a sting on a nut and move it in front of the hubcap, if i understand this you should have 3 inches from the string to the tire at the bottom if this is so i do not less than a 1\2 inch how do you correct this

 

[Roger K]

There is a difference there between T's = the earlier ones where that spec may apply, and the later ones with baloon tires, approx. '25-'27, where the caster is reduced. The difference lies in the spindles. You'll have to modify the spindles or the axle to change that, but don't..
More important is to have the camber right = the front axle leans rearwards, it's supposed to be built into the perches and the wishbone. If too little camber you'll have less stability at speed, more risk for shimmy etc. Too much & you'll have a hard time holding the steering wheel when backing up. Ford recommends 5.5 degrees

 

[Doug Money]

Roger, you have switched the terms. You are correct in your description, but are describing caster. 5 degrees of caster means the bottom of the kingpin is tilted 5 degrees forward of the top of the kingpin. positive camber (what model Ts have) is the top of the tire tips out more at the top then the bottom. Just wanted to prevent confusion.

 

[allen]

Roger, you have switched the terms. You are correct in your description, but are describing caster. 5 degrees of caster means the bottom of the kingpin is tilted 5 degrees forward of the top of the kingpin. positive camber (what model Ts have) is the top of the tire tips out more at the top then the bottom. Just wanted to prevent confusion.

doug do i understand you right the kingpin leans forward to the front bumper not the rear tire

 

[J Franklin]

it should tilt back at the top. like the forks on a bicycle. That keeps things going in a straight line with the hands off the handlebars.

 

[Doug Money]

No Roger, here is my quote: " bottom of the kingpin is tilted 5 degrees forward of the top of the kingpin" The top leans back. Or the bottom is forward whichever way, it's the same. The original point being is that caster is the forward to rearward tilt of the kingpin and camber is the left to right tilt of the kingpin. I was trying to keep everyone on the same page.