Suspension question

[63larkcustom]

On my 62 Wagon, I've noticed that when driving down the road, it tends to wander a bit. The steering is tight and all front bushings are good. When the road surface is uneven, the car seems to get a little squirrely. The car has the bias ply wide white walls. Is this normal for the car?

Bob Sporner
Palm Springs, California

[N8N]

Have you had the alignment checked? I'd put some caster into the alignment, more than the factory calls for, to make it a little more stable.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight

http://home.comcast.net/~njnagel

[63larkcustom]

Thanks for the input Nate.


Bob Sporner
Palm Springs, California

[John Kirchhoff]

As Nate said, I'd get the alignment checked. Sounds like it could be negative camber resulting from wear and compression of the bushings and springs. My Hawk acted the same way and after correcting the camber, it also steered easier (that was before I installed power steering).

[Blue 15G]

What condition are your tires in? With the old bias-ply tires, once they have some wear, even small road irregularities cause some pull and "squirelliness" (is that a word?)

[Swifster]

I'll second the tires. Bias ply tires tend to follow any irregularities in the road surface. I'd still have the alignment done, but if everything checks out, get a set of radials.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Valrico, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona

[Roscomacaw]

Two words: Radial Tires.

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[63larkcustom]

thanks guys!


Bob Sporner
Palm Springs, California

[stuvw2mny]

Yes, bias ply tires tend to wander a little especially older or stiff ones or after they have been sitting for awhile. Another factor is the narrow wheels they are mounted on - 4" stock on many Studes. If you are not a originality phreak look for some dodge or ford 5 or 5-1/2" wheels. I think there were some Studebaker 4-1/2" or 5" wheels, also. Radials tires are definite improvements.

Another factor, often overlooked, is the condition of the rear springs, especially the grommets, both front and rear. Looseness there or worn shackles will also tend to make the car wander. It should be pretty cheap to replace them. Also watch for noticeable difference in the rear spring arch.

I am taking you at your word about the front suspension. Have you gone through and checked that EVERY bolt/nut and/or fitting on the suspension is tight?

[63larkcustom]

found the culprits.... the rear shocks are missing the isolators.. and one rear spring has bad shackles. The tires are going to be replaces with radials as I found the receipt...They have been on since 1995.


Bob Sporner
Palm Springs, California

[63larkcustom]

Thanks for the tips on the tires, etc. Two days ago I had new tranny mounts installed. Today new radials. Both significantly helped Bertha to stay in a straight line. While she was up in the air, found the bellcrank to be very worn. So.. next project.. front suspension. Planning on doing the bellcrank, springs, shocks and lower bushings. That should put her in top shape suspension wise. As a side note.. when is the LA meet?

[Alan]

March 17, at the Peterson Museum. 6060 Wilshire Blvd.

[showbizkid]

Hey Bob, be sure to keep us updated on your progress. I need to do the front end in my Lark as well and need all the info I can get!


[img=left]http://members.cox.net/clarknovak/lark.gif[/img=left]

Clark in San Diego
'63 F2/Lark Standard

http://studeblogger.blogspot.com

[Roscomacaw]

Bob, there's a pinch bolt that holds that bellcrank to the pivot shaft. Check and see if that bolt's tight.
One thing that does in those pivots is the fact that the zerk fitting that greases it is hidden in a hole in the backside of that front crossmember. Consequently, it gets missed by the average lube jockey.[xx(] OF COURSE, even average "lube jockeys" are a rarity nowdays. Nowdays a "lube job" means oil and a filter and that's it!

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[sbca96]

I went to one at the Peterson Museum years ago in my Hawk. I dont know
if I trust the Avanti enough to trek all the way to L.A. yet. Even if
I got the power steering done this weekend, its got "low" oil pressure
so I am not sure about it. Then there are the leaking core plugs ....
Would be nice to go though.

Tom

quote:Originally posted by Alan

March 17, at the Peterson Museum. 6060 Wilshire Blvd.