Castor Correction Radius Arms - Why?

[Disco Bristol]

I have put a 1.5" lift on my disco. Do I need Castor Correction Radius Arms? I am planning an expedition trip which will probably lower the Disco by 1.5" with the weight of all the kit.

http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/OFF_ROAD/Radius_Arms/Lightweight_3deg_Castor_Correction_Radius_Arms_(pair)_-_Disco_1.html

[landraver]

I would say that you don't need them, I put a 2" lift on my 90 & decided to wait before I bought cc arms to see how it drove, & its fine without them, the difference is minimal as far as mine goes.

Jeff

[Disco Bristol]

If there was a difference what is likely to be??? How would handling change?

[defenderdan]

If your vehicle drives fine then no you don't need them from a castor correction piont of view. I only have them because they are cranked and therefore make life easier on the bushes and aid articulation. :)

[defenderdan]

If anything your steering would feel a bit light and might not centre itself quite as well as it used to. A 1.5 inch lift isn't really enough to start giving these problems though. :)

[landraver]

If there was a difference what is likely to be??? How would handling change?

The handling doesn't really change, its more to do with re aligning the bushes & bringing the axle back into line. The only effect I could tell by not having them was that the steering self centres slightly less.

Jeff

[landraver]

err...yeah....same as Dan says :lol:  :lol:

Jeff

[Eeyore]

Good question - I hope I can provide a good answer.

It all depends on how the car feels now it's lifted. Does the steering feel scary-light at extremes of turn? Does the car wander like a cow when it's supposed to be going in a striahgt line? If so, then some form of caster correction might be handy. If none of the above apply - save your pennies for your trip!  

There are a couple of ways of resetting your caster - I wouldn't recommend offest bushes (bodge solution IMV). Caster correted arms are great - I use 'em and a third of the comp racers out there use 'em. These can play havoc with your front propshaft though as the arms will drop the nose of diff down and alter all the running angles. The problem is readily resolved as a double cardon type will cure any 'kwik-death' propshaft syndrome. These aren't as expensive as soon purveyors will have you believe, but it's still money.

The other solution (and employed by another third of the comp racer frat) is to fit caster corrected front swivels. This is a divils-own job to do, but doesn't nadge the angle of the diff to the transfer box so shouldn't result in 'insta-lunch' prop UJs. They're also not too cheap.

For my money? If you've got to do a swivel rebuild anyway, then the corrected swivels are great. If not, go for the arms.

However, if your handling feels as sure post lift as it was before, then don't bother!

Hope this helps!

cheers
 8)
Eeyore

[Eeyore]

A 1.5 inch lift isn't really enough to start giving these problems though. :)

Prove you wrong!  

Ask me how I know  :lol:

cheers
 8)
Eeyore

[Disco Bristol]

That helps a lot, thanks guys. The only difference I notice is its a smoother ride and maybe a little bouncy, if that makes sence. You can see the bonnet move up and down, a bit like you are on a ferry :-)

[landraver]

That helps a lot, thanks guys. The only difference I notice is its a smoother ride and maybe a little bouncy, if that makes sence. You can see the bonnet move up and down, a bit like you are on a ferry :-)

That'll be more to do with the new springs & dampers, & probably wouldn't be affected by any sort of castor correction.

Jeff

[Eeyore]

That'll be more to do with the new springs & dampers, & probably wouldn't be affected by any sort of castor correction.

I with Landylover, here.

No, no no noo, I mean, I agree with him, that's all.
<ahem>

cheers
 :oops:
Eeyore

 

[landraver]

:lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
What exactly are you insinuating you handsome donkey you!!
 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[Eeyore]

Well, I wouldn't want anyone to guess the full nature of our relationship!

 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

mooooving swiftly on......... :lol:

cheers
 8)
Eeyore

[Thrasher]

Piglet was like he was from factory when I finally put his corrected arms on.....after 6 years without ;-)

[landroverkeith]

So then reading between the lines here fingers crossed if i buy a lift at the weekend i could also get away with not buying the castor arms.

also thinking about it i have one of wizards 1" spacers can i fit this at same time as the 2" or would that be asking for trouble?


sorry to nick the thread

[Eeyore]

So then reading between the lines here fingers crossed if i buy a lift at the weekend i could also get away with not buying the castor arms.

also thinking about it i have one of wizards 1" spacers can i fit this at same time as the 2" or would that be asking for trouble?


sorry to nick the thread

Emphasis on 'could', I think. I put 1" on mine and it felt hairy - SWMBO refused to drive - rear end felt like it was going to break away on roundabouts (the steering went scarry light). Castor correction arms sorted it all. Same experience for Thrasher, IIRC. Yet other people have lifted by 2" and claimed it's made no difference to their cars.

Fit it, drive it and find out; but be prepared for the expense. Just in case, like.

Importantly - let us know how it goes!  :P

cheers
 8)
Eeyore

[Wanderer]

So then reading between the lines here fingers crossed if i buy a lift at the weekend i could also get away with not buying the castor arms.

also thinking about it i have one of wizards 1" spacers can i fit this at same time as the 2" or would that be asking for trouble?


sorry to nick the thread

Definately a candidate for castor correction. +2 and +1 would throw the castor right out.

Ed

[Range Rover Blues]

The tolerance is between 1 and 3 degrees of positive castor.  2" of lift accounts for 3 degrees, so some cars could concievably stay within tolenace whilst others don't.  Tyres and driving style play a big part.  If you don't castor correct be prepared to have your tyres wear a little funny though.

I've done Blue, along with a TD5 prop and brake lines, I'm going to do RRR for my sis as it's like steering rice pudding at the best of times and worse with the 'van on.  Annoyingly RRR has 'HD plice spec' springs that were supposed to be standard height, the back sits up 1" with the 'van on, the front is nearer 2".

Looks cool though.

[Mace]

Disco Bristol

I've got a 1.5" lift on mine and no castor correction arms. It doesn't self centre the steering but I live with it, doesn't bother me or the wife.

The only thing that does bother me is the front prop u/j's (transfer box end) only last around 4000 miles so if you're off on an expedition takes plenty of spares. Seems to be OK on road but the more you take it off road the more it eats the U/J/s. Live with the Castor problem and spend your money elsewhere, thats my tuppence worth.