Turning Radius? Need your help...

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by pbulski, Apr 22, 2018.

  1. pbulski

    pbulski Well-Known Member

    After I installed the RideTech Stage II coilovers on my '71 GS the turning radius is HORRIBLE! The stop that hangs down on the back of the steering knuckle hits the back of the lower control arm. RideTech said they have never seen this before... really?! Doubt I'm the first guy to install that suspension on a '68-'72 A-body. I ground a little off that tab hanging down and the turning improved slightly but it's still nowhere near enough. (See pic - this was before I ground some off)

    Here's where I need your help: (or if you already know the factory spec, even better!)
    If you would be so kind: Set your drivers side front wheel pointing straight ahead, then lay a straight edge along the outside of the tire and made a mark on the floor. Now turn your wheels all the way to the left and make another mark with a straight edge just like you did before.

    Approximately what angle "Turning Arc" do you get?

    Thanks in advance! Any other ideas would be appreciated.
    Steering Interference.jpg
     
  2. racenu

    racenu Well-Known Member

    Yup, mine hit as well and I have global west tubular arms, denting the nice round powder coated arm. My turning radius wasn’t great either but am living with it. I was also told that no one else had the problems I had, Gord
     
  3. StagedCat

    StagedCat Platinum Level Contributor

    Same here, but my suspension is unloaded(no engine , trans, cars gutted) Global West said when its compressed it will clear and be fine and also said they had never heard of this issue......
     
  4. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I have stock lower arms on my 1971 with a 1969 Chevelle quick ratio steering box. I also have tubular lower arms on my 1970 with a 1987 GN quick ratio steering box. Both steering arm stops hit the lower control arms and both have about the same turning radius. These old cars didn't have that great a turning radius to begin with. I was warned that using a GN steering box would limit my turning ability. If it hits the stops, you can't go any further.

    The real challenge would be to take a standard car and a modified car to a large parking lot and see how big a circle each makes at full lock.

    According to the specs listed at the linked page, the turning circle is 43 ft.

    http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1971/85610/buick_gs_455_sport_coupe_4-speed.html (click on turning circle link)
     
  5. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Id heat that part thats stopping it and bend it to where it needs to be or cut it off completely.
     
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  6. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I'd check to see what the next thing to hit/rub is before I got too radical. It could cause the tire to rub the frame or to contact something less forgiving or more expensive to repair. Be sure to check both sides as the rub could be front or back.
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2018
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  7. John Codman

    John Codman Platinum Level Contributor

    X2!
     
  8. pbulski

    pbulski Well-Known Member

    What are the chances 3 of us are the only ones this has ever happened to?!?! ;) Amazing!

    I definitely cannot live with it as it is. Unless someone has other ideas my plan is to continue to grind down the inside of the steering stop (slowly) on both sides and carefully watch before I get to whatever is going to rub next as Knucklebusted suggested.

    Thanks everyone!
     
  9. racenu

    racenu Well-Known Member

    I was freaked out with the suspension unloaded and I phoned global west as well, it is better with fully loaded car but it just ain’t right. I wonder if the steering stop is different on a Chevy and every other make and it’s just a Buick problem?
     
  10. pbulski

    pbulski Well-Known Member

    That's a very good thought. My uncle was the original owner of the car so I know that steering knuckle is all original. Maybe it is just a Buick thing.

    Anyone have a resource to cross reference that Buick part with Chevy?
     
  11. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Nope, not just a Buick thing. All GM A-bodies from 68-72 had essentially the same geometry and they are all interchangeable with the exception of a disc/drum specifics and model year variants.
     

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