front end shake after launch
#1
front end shake after launch
First run today my car launched and when the tires came back down they started shaking uncontrollably. I had to let off just after the 60 because it was so bad. Last year was the first year with the car and its never done that once. I checked all the steering linkages and everything up front and its all fine. Has anyone had this problem with theirs and what did you do about it?
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,123
Likes: 0
Received 123 Likes
on
104 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: front end shake after launch
Get your steering geometry checked. You want as much caster as you can get to help keep the tires straight. It also sounds like you have bump steer. Every now and then I feel a shimmy when the front end comes down but never bad enough that I have to let off the throttle
I limit how much suspension travel I have with some cable limiters. I have a bump steer kit but I've never had it accurately checked. Another option is to install a steering stabilizer.
I limit how much suspension travel I have with some cable limiters. I have a bump steer kit but I've never had it accurately checked. Another option is to install a steering stabilizer.
#4
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,123
Likes: 0
Received 123 Likes
on
104 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: front end shake after launch
I can't remember the exact measurement but the cables stop movement before the struts are fully extended. I still want enough extension so when the front end comes back down that the shocks start to slow the movement down and absorb the impact. I also play with shock settings. During T&T passes, I usually set them on full loose and the front end pops up very easily and I can carry the front wheels to the 60' mark. The spectators always like that. During competition, I stiffen up the extension to help keep the front end down.
#6
Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Hanover, MA
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Camaro
Engine: 305-150/254 combo
Transmission: TH350 or T200
Axle/Gears: Srange 12 bolt; 5.14 or 5.38
Re: front end shake after launch
Ed Quay has a steering damper kit that will stop that. I am assuming that you've swapped to either a Vega or S10 manual box? Either way the Quay kit will take care of that shimmy.
#7
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,123
Likes: 0
Received 123 Likes
on
104 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: front end shake after launch
You might want to check the adjustment on the steering box also. It may be sloppy.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The "D"
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: A Portly 85 Z28
Engine: 4.530 X 4.250 BBC
Transmission: under rated for this application
Axle/Gears: also under rated
Re: front end shake after launch
I had this problem and the ED Quay shock fixed it. I had 6 degrees + caster Tight new linkages and manual steering box 28 inch frt tires and lots of travel. it does work for a 50$ fix
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Terrell351
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
5
06-13-2021 01:13 PM