Cross Steering or Traditional Steering?

dmw56 · Jan 23, 2008

I want to go with a suicide type front end on my F1 project but I haven't decided what type of steering to go with...Cross steer or Traditional drag link style.

Any suggestion on what works better as far as handling, less bump steer, advantages or disadvantages, etc? Also shocks or no shocks?

bob w · Jan 23, 2008

I'm currently working on two projects, both with suicide front ends. One has cross steer and one has "up the side" drag link. In my opinion, they both work just fine if you get the angles and relationship of the parts correct. Yes, you need shocks. I have used home made friction shocks on some projects and they are not as effective as regular tube shocks. However, they do seem to work good enough for safe driving.

donsrods · Jan 23, 2008

Bob is right on all counts. We are wrestling with the same decision on my Son's 29 right now. It looks like a Vega type cross steer setup will be the one, all we have to figure out is how to mount the panhard bar. Cross steering setups need that as the force of turning the wheel pushes and pulls the axle on it's shackles. We think we figured that out tonight.

Don

Gastrick · Jan 23, 2008

My coupe has the Vega box/cross steer setup in it. I'm happy with it. No bump steer issues.

As far as shocks go. YES, use them.

flatheadgary · Jan 24, 2008

if you use a 4-bar setup it won't really matter, but if you use radius rods, it does. it has to do with the way the axle twist as it goes up and down over bumps. the drag length tends to move too. the panhard bar makes a big differents in a cross leaf spring setup. on parallel leafs not so much, but it does tend to push those shakels too if there is any wear in them.

dmw56 · Feb 5, 2008

Front End

I've decided to go with a 4" dropped I-beam axle with hairpin radius rods, behind the axle spring and traditional side steering for my F1 Rat. I think. Well I just bought one so.... I've changed my mind before in the middle of a project. Now, do I want cowl steering or mounted on the frame? Decisions...Decisions.. Decisions???