How much caster do you run? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bondobob · 05-25-2012, 04:49 PM

I've been checking a few things with my Fat Man front suspension and was alarmed that there was very little caster. I have the frame sitting at the correct ride height/angle (3 degrees rake) and level side to side. According to their paperwork I should have 3 degrees but my measuring device (not sure of the brand but similar to the ones Speedway sells for race cars) says 1/2 to 1 degree. Modern cars and trucks run much more than that to give straightline stability, more like 5-6. What are you guys running or am I the only nut case to worry about such things?

By the way I will be starting a build now that my life is back on track.

RootBeer 6117 · 05-26-2012, 07:11 PM

I'M not there yet but I did alignments for 25 yrs 3-4 is a good place to be. More caster makes it harder to steer I have seen specs. on drag cars as much as 17degs but they don't care about turning.A lot of the 60s car with out power steering ran -1 deg, 3-3.5 is about were most GM trucks run.

BMERDOC · 05-26-2012, 07:16 PM

Yeah, 3-4 is ok. 5-6 is getting more modern. 7-9 is modern sports car territory.

_Ogre · 05-26-2012, 07:41 PM

i run 4 on the fatman on my 58

bondobob · 05-29-2012, 12:54 PM

Thanks for the replys guys. I'll shoot for 4-5.

05-25-2012, 04:49 PM	#1
bondobob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Deep River, Ct Posts: 135	How much caster do you run? I've been checking a few things with my Fat Man front suspension and was alarmed that there was very little caster. I have the frame sitting at the correct ride height/angle (3 degrees rake) and level side to side. According to their paperwork I should have 3 degrees but my measuring device (not sure of the brand but similar to the ones Speedway sells for race cars) says 1/2 to 1 degree. Modern cars and trucks run much more than that to give straightline stability, more like 5-6. What are you guys running or am I the only nut case to worry about such things? By the way I will be starting a build now that my life is back on track.

05-26-2012, 07:11 PM	#2
RootBeer 6117 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Columbia Mo Posts: 395	Re: How much caster do you run? I'M not there yet but I did alignments for 25 yrs 3-4 is a good place to be. More caster makes it harder to steer I have seen specs. on drag cars as much as 17degs but they don't care about turning.A lot of the 60s car with out power steering ran -1 deg, 3-3.5 is about were most GM trucks run. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413926 http://youtu.be/Qe9xJUhWkWc

05-26-2012, 07:16 PM	#3
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,935	Re: How much caster do you run? Yeah, 3-4 is ok. 5-6 is getting more modern. 7-9 is modern sports car territory. __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

05-26-2012, 07:41 PM	#4
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,666	Re: How much caster do you run? i run 4 on the fatman on my 58 __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

05-29-2012, 12:54 PM	#5
bondobob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Deep River, Ct Posts: 135	Re: How much caster do you run? Thanks for the replys guys. I'll shoot for 4-5.



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