John McEwan Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 When driving my 1923 Dodge I find the steering very stiff at low speeds. I have correct tyre pressure and when the front wheels are jacked up off the ground the steering seems easy lock to lock with no binding etc. I have never driven another old Dodge so am not sure if this stiff steering is normal. Any advice out there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 Castor, camber and toe in need to be correct. These are the first things to check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 What he said. Plus look at all the steering joints - drag link, tie rod, king pin - for wear. Mine was binding in the drag link because it was so worn. I trust you have a semi-fluid grease (NLGI 0 or 00) in the steering box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McEwan Posted April 21, 2019 Author Share Posted April 21, 2019 Did some steering box adjustments according to the book of information and that made a good difference. Will also replace kingpins etc and do a toe adjustment. Thanks for the advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 Don't forget Castor and Camber. Bound to be out of specs after 86 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McEwan Posted April 22, 2019 Author Share Posted April 22, 2019 As far as I know there is no camber and castor adjustability on my Dodge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted April 22, 2019 Share Posted April 22, 2019 3 minutes ago, John McEwan said: As far as I know there is no camber and castor adjustability on my Dodge. For camber you bend the axle. For castor you insert or remove wedges between the axle and springs to tilt the axle. That also tilts the king pin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McEwan Posted April 22, 2019 Author Share Posted April 22, 2019 Would there be set specs for my '23? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLYER15015 Posted April 22, 2019 Share Posted April 22, 2019 (edited) My '31 Imperial was quite a bit stiffer steering than my '40 buick LTD also. After tuning both suspensions per the books, and a good lube job on both they were a little better. Both have "Armstrong " steering, but I found adding about 5 more pounds of air in the fronts helped quite a bit. We don't do a lot of high speed driving though, but around town we do putt-putt (tour stately) quite a bit, and it helps. Mike in Colorado Edited April 22, 2019 by FLYER15015 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted April 22, 2019 Share Posted April 22, 2019 17 minutes ago, FLYER15015 said: adding about 5 more pounds of air in the fronts helped quite a bit. Yep, Cheap power steering! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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