Need help to sort a steering issue

[Peters02]

Just got my 72 on the road.  I replaced all that can be replaced on the front suspension and had the pwr steering gear rebuilt and have a new pump.  It's been aligned and the wheels and tires are new.

The issue is that when I go down the road it wanders a bit - requires constant input to the steering wheel to keep it going straight.  It does not pull to one side, just wanders a bit.
I noticed today that turning the wheel to the right is a bit more 'stiff' than when I turn it to the left.
Also, there really isn't much free play in the system.  when I turn the steering wheel, I can see the tires begin to turn.

Has anyone had any experience like this?  Any suggestions on what I can do to remedy this?

Thank you.
Peter

[440]

Did you make sure everything was tight, no loose wheel bearings etc?

If so it sounds like a toe issue. Did you go to a reputable shop and did they show you a printout of the settings before and after?

[Peters02]

Yes, all is tight and I watched the guy do the alignment.  All is within settings....though I am beginning to wonder that what is right by the book may not be right by the individual car.
The car has never been in a accident, but things can be different from car to car, I suppose.

Could the steering gear be 'too tight'?  Not sure if there should be any free play at all.

[Bob]

It took two front end allignments on my 74 before it was right.

[John_Kunkel]

I agree with 440, too much toe out.

[Peters02]

I guess I can have them re-check the alignment.  The one thing he did struggle w was that the Dr side cam bolt was at the max setting and he had to go back to the Pass side and adjust for the fact that he had no more adjustment left on the dr side.

The specs I have now are:

Camber  L: 0.5  R: 0.1
Caster   L: 0.9  R: 1.1
Toe:     L: .11  R: .14

Total Front:
Cross Camber 0.5
Cross Caster -0.2
Cross SAI -1.0
Total toa 0.24

[Chryco Psycho]

max the caster , the cars originally came with bias tires , it will steer better with more caster , he may have to install offset upper control arm bushings to get more adjustment , the bushings are avaialble from Moog

[Kern Dog]

Those caster numbers are terrible! No wonder the WANDER! You need to increase the caster and reduce the toe. ZERO to 1/16" toe IN would certainly help. Caster? The more the better. The best you may get with all stock parts is 2.5 degrees. If the man can get there, do it to it.

[Peters02]

Thanks guys.
I will call the guy and see if I can get the car there in the next few weeks.  May have to go the Moog route given that I think the Dr. side is already maxed.

I will let you know how it works out.

[440]

.

[Peters02]

Spoke to the alignment guy - he said that since this has never been wrecked, having the alignment at the specs I have should be OK.
He suggested I loosen the steering gear adjustment.  Did about a half turn and no change.  I even played w the valve position (on top of gear) and not change.

Question - before I go back to him, should I be able to put the thing up on jack stands and turn the wheels by hand w/o the engine running?
Just wondering if my rebuilt steering gear could be the issue....maybe put together too tight?

Thanks

[cdr]

if its the gear box ,it will feel notchie,sticky when wheels are straight & move the steering wheel very slow back & forth,with engine running 

[Tom Q]

Wrong specs, wrong era
I have news...this is 2012 not 1970 something

Camber -0.5   you can go even up to -1.0  This does not affect tire wear
Caster +2-3 degrees up to 4
set toe at stock spec.

Be sure steer gear box bolts are tight
Check the 4 bolts that hold the k frame
Wheel lugs torqued to 100 ft lbs

note if the back of the car is higher than the front like it's 1970 you will never get any kind of good caster #

Remember i am clueless

[BrianShaughnessy]

Verify the dead spline on the steering box is at 12 o clock high with the wheels centered.    The steering wheel dead spline should also be at high noon.