Improving steering response and feedback

[valentinoamoro]

yes non power assist
EPA provides me with the amount of driving feel as my 1995 f150
the EPA rack is garbage

Ah. Brave man. I dont think I could deal with a manual rack with the heavy wide front tires at slow speeds.

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[wildcatgoal]

A stiff front spring rate will affect steering response, as well, but you need a tire with a sidewall that won't flip over itself in a performance driving situation, too.

 

[Bluemustang]

I think he meant if he tugs the steering, there is a quick response? The tug you are talking about might be a product of wider front wheels on grooved pavement.

Oh I see. What I think I am talking about is steering feedback. Road imperfections are being transmitted through the steering wheel, such that a force is applied to the steering wheel, a slight tug if you will. And I think now it is due to the stiffer suspension, lower ride height and new tie rod ends of the bumpsteer kit.

 

[valentinoamoro]

Oh I see. What I think I am talking about is steering feedback. Road imperfections are being transmitted through the steering wheel, such that a force is applied to the steering wheel, a slight tug if you will. And I think now it is due to the stiffer suspension, lower ride height and new tie rod ends of the bumpsteer kit.

I think your assessment is correct. Stiffer springs, lowered height, tie rods and most importantly wider wheels (even tire groove design) can impact this.

 

[Bluemustang]

I think your assessment is correct. Stiffer springs, lowered height, tie rods and most importantly wider wheels (even tire groove design) can impact this.

Thanks. I'm starting to understand this better. Appreciate it!

 

[Rebellion]

One "mod" that has improved my steering response (as a completely unexpected side effect) is wheel spacers...I'd assume that this effect can also be recreated with wider wheels or less offset.

 

[valentinoamoro]

One "mod" that has improved my steering response (as a completely unexpected side effect) is wheel spacers...I'd assume that this effect can also be recreated with wider wheels or less offset.

It can. Plus from what I hear toe out/neutral toe. Last, stiffer springs and shocks although the jury seems out on that.
Thats about it.

 

[Ryan1112]

I set my toe to 1/16 out and it was a significant improvement. BMR handling springs helped as well.

 

[BmacIL]

It can. Plus from what I hear toe out/neutral toe. Last, stiffer springs and shocks although the jury seems out on that.
Thats about it.

Stiffer springs and shocks absolutely does improve response. My steering felt darn near twitchy right after doing my suspension setup. I'm used to it now.

 

[Burkey]

After lowering my car, the next major mod for me was the addition of BMR sway bars.
I had been in contact with Kelly from BMR re: lack of steering feel.
I had been thinking that the car needed more castor or SOMETHING, anything to give that much needed feedback through the wheel.
His reply was that a stiffer sway bars would help the car to use the factory castor much more effectively. He was dead right. The wheel is now a little heavier, as you'd expect, which is good IMO but it also communicates the steering angle much better. I can now palm steer the car on opposite lock and know FOR SURE where the front tyres are pointed.
Not sure if that exactly what you had in mind, but it's working for me
As always, more than one way to skin a cat.

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