Re: Radial Tires

Posted by PackardV8 On 2009/6/11 11:58:55

Set + caster into the front suspension instead of the factory spec - caster. Don't believe it???? You all just proved it to yourself when u went to radials and here is why:

The bias ply tire has a lot of foot drag. MEANING that as the car goes faster and faster the contact surface of the tire to the road moves BACK toward the rear of the car. THIS IS THE SAME as jacking more negative caster into the front suspension.

The radials have near minimal foot drag. So the radials simulate closer to zero or positive caster.

Negative caster causes steering hunt. Positive caster offers resistance to road and wind compliance thus reduces or eleminates hunt.

So the next question is: if that is true why did the Packard gods (as well many other mfg'ers prior to mid 60's) set negative caster????? After about 1965 most cars went to positive caster.

I let someone else answer the question.