I think I have a bumpsteer problem

[aggressive male]

I made my car way lighter than it was stock, particularly the front end so the front end is probably a few inches higher. My question is does this usually cause a bumpsteer problem? If so can I solve it by cutting the coil springs a little shorter?

[TitoJones]

What kind of car, what mods are done to the front, and have you re-aligned the car since lightening up the front?

Tyler

[aggressive male]

It is a 77 cadillac deville. The only mods in the front are 2 extra frame cross bracings. Have not had it aligned yet and thought I should ask if I should lower the front back to where it was before I get it aligned.

[TitoJones]

It probably has some bumpsteer from the factory, but my guess is the alignment/toe setting is the cause of what you are feeling. Put it at the height you want, and have it aligned.

Tyler

[Lowend]

Not exactly a slot car from the factory anyways (6000lbs wet??) ... but as Tyler said, I would get the alignment straight before I started worrying about bumpsteer.

[zman1969]

anything that affects ride height will affect alignment and if it changes to toe out with suspension raised due to less weight it will be all over the place , set align after ride height is finalized

[streetk14]

I agree, get the ride height where you want it via lowering springs, ect., then have it aligned. If the car is sitting higher than it used to then your toe is probably way off. That will make the car drive like crap.

Andy

[Norm Peterson]

Bumpsteer is something that varies with suspension position even if you hold all the alignment settings constant, so to answer the original question - yes, ride height all by itself affects the bumpsteer. Crudely, bumpsteer rates generally increase (worse) as you approach either max bump or max rebound.


Norm