I noticed when driving my car on a windy day "10-15mph" steady coming broadside or semi-broadside/angle you have to really be mindful and hang on the wheel or you'll be all over the place. Im mainly referring to speeds 45 -60; I don't go any faster when I have this condition. That is not the case when wind below 10mph. I have new tires and the front is tight. Year's ago I had a 69 Stang and I don't recall it being this sensitive in the conditions mentioned. Maybe it's been so long I just don't remember. 1.) I am looking from some input on this issue from you folks who have dealt w/ these cars over the years? 2.) How abt the few folks here who have converted to rack & pinion comments.
I would say that is normal. These old cars didn't come with the front and rear sway bars and independent suspension of today's cars.
Ok on this is normal. I have had other cars back in the day and don't recall them being as sensitive in this respect. The only one I can recall being of similiar physical stature was the 69 Stang; it and the Comet had pwr steering. As stated, I don't recall the Stang beinging this sensitive - but sold it in 77 so can't really say for sure. All the other cars I've had in the 60's thru 80's were much larger and heavier. I do take what ur saying to be reality and will think, act and drive accordingly - just wanted to see if it was something I need to look into mechanically.
I didn't drive my '72 before the rear sway bar and oversized (7/8") front bar were installed, so don't have a comparision, but its quite flat in the corners. Never driven it in a wind either. but wonder if the added rear and bigger front bars would improve handling in a cross-wind.
I'd still give the front end a good looking over just to be sure. Cant ever hurt to inspect the old girl.
Bushing Ok. I had them checked this spring, front end is tight. I just bought new Moog strut bushing, ball joints, control arm bushing, lwr control arm and most of the stuff in the suspension - Already had new springs, seats and isolaters. I am changing them cuz they are or look orignal "78K miles", even though the frt end was chk by two shops and is tight. I don't feel comfortable riding on 38 yr old suspension components regardless of mileage. Whatever I get in the way of handling then I am stuck with - as u say.
Mine drives down the road great when there isn't much wind but I do have to pay attention when it gets windy also. You have to take into consideration the light weight of these cars and the shape. The sidewall hieght of your tires will effect the handleing in wind also. The lower the sidewall, the more stability.
The suspension on our cars was designed for Bias Ply tires. Most have Radials on them. Just this change will make the car feel different when driving kinda squishy feeling and they seem to respond to road conditions different. The next time you get it aligned make sure they get the Caster correct. You need to find a shop that will take their time and not be afraid to adjust it and then do another Caster sweep after the adjustments have been done to insure it is correct. When I align older cars with adjustable Caster I will do at least 3 or 4 Caster Sweeps and adjust it a little at a time to insure it is correct. Most shops are in a hurry to get it out and the next one on the rack. Talk to the mechanic and discuss the importance of getting the setting correct not close. Of course do it in a manner not to insinuate he doesn't know what he is doing. I would bet the Caster is off on the car. I live in Kansas and the wind always blows here, I have no problems with wandering, of course I align my own car so that may help a little bit.
I noticed this with my 70 Type N/W torino and my 71 Torino. Both had power steering, now my 70 Torino GT with manual steering did not act the same at all. I always attributed it to the power steering design. With the control valve where it is feedback from the road can be mis-interpreted as input from the steering wheel. This is not fact, just my thoughts on why they act the way they do.
After cutting a coil off of the front springs, installing new shocks and getting an alignment where they put in some positive caster, it is much better. The short wheel base does effect the stability issue also. My 2002 explorer sport ( 2 door) acts the same way.
