Ridetech bump steer

[David Pozzi]

First Gen Camaros vary in their geometry due to production tolerances. Stock Pitman arms and Idler arms have usually been replaced by now, so aftermarket parts are in use. Now look at how the cars are assembled. I have been able to vary bump steer by loosening the steering box and idler arm bolts, pushing up on them and tightening them. On a first gen Camaro this can make a difference in bump steer. The factory used two lengths of pitman arms, two lengths of idler arms, & three lengths of outer steering arms. Aftermarket idler arms are mid-length 5.5" and don't match the long 5.65" 67 idler or the short 5.25" 68/69 idler. There were two center links used, a thin and a thick version. They all have the potential to cause a variance in bump steer. About 15 years ago, Global West did a magazine bump steer test using various pitman and outer steering arm combinations and showed the differences.


The easiest place to make bump steer adjustments is washers on the outer tie rod end, but space is limited. Moving the tie rod end down will reduce toe out, which is usually the problem on a First Gen Camaro. Second gen Camaros toe in under bump. Moving the inner tie rod in or out will affect the measurements at the ends of suspension travel more than the middle. It changes the arc of the tie rod to better match the need. But moving the tie rod inward can cause contact with the oil pan, especially a big block, so its not going to work in every case.



While bump steer exists on a stock Camaro, it does not relate to a 2" taller spindle like ridetech makes. Making the spindle taller greatly increases bump steer, which is why Ride Tech came up with the Tru-Turn system. There is also a problem with the stock tie rod end being so low, and contacting wide rims, so moving the steering arm upward allows wider than 8" rims.

My tests were with a stock spindle, and also with a .5" taller upper ball joint which increased bump steer and caster at 3 degrees. Going 2" taller without addressing bump steer could put you over an inch toe out with 3 or 4 inches of travel. I can assure you Ride Tech made an honest effort with this system. However their results were for the subframe or subframes they tested, not your subframe, and not my subframe with whatever linkage we have. All Camaros are not the same, that's why on my web page I say people should do their own bump steer testing and adjustments & not rely on someone else's tests. I have driven the Ride Tech 48 hour Camaro and it steers great.