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Post by javtwotone on Nov 20, 2015 7:20:39 GMT -8
The manual rack does take some getting used to. It will return to center fine after turning. but it just "feels" different to me. Early in the installation I had a little binding from the u-joints on the steering column, but it improved as I got the suspension dialed in. Ultimately it MAY need the column cut back a little more to improve the u-joint angles, but this would require major header modifications and I am not convinced it is causing any issues. Like I said, it just feels different. So much so, that I don't feel comfortable doing one of my favorite test maneuvers. As part of testing, I usually like to take a left turn, get into second gear, add throttle until sideways slide begins, and carefully counter with steering input as I make my way through the turn. This test is usually done with one hand on the wheel, and one on the shifter for that quick next gear grab. BUT... as I don't feel comfortable, and don't have the desire to ball up somebody else's car, I was unable to complete the full range of testing.
As a side note, Alfano assured me that a power steering rack was unnecessary, and that all of his customers who put on PS wished they hadn't.....
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2015 21:26:47 GMT -8
You are referring to Alfano's - isn't his system a good bit different from the Control Freak's?
Steve
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Post by 69Rebel on Nov 22, 2015 14:26:37 GMT -8
You are referring to Alfano's - isn't his system a good bit different from the Control Freak's? Steve Yes. From what I've seen, Alfono's is a piece of shit, while Control Freak's is properly built and works.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2015 21:05:50 GMT -8
I can't widely comment because I have no experience with it. Too bad if that's the case because having more than one option keeps the competition up and sometimes improves product further. I'll be relying on other people's experience when looking at CF's stuff. Thanks for the input.
Steve
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Post by javtwotone on Nov 24, 2015 10:04:49 GMT -8
CF and Alfano certainly used different approaches, but obviously the concept is the same, coil overs and rack and pinion steering.... The rack sure looks like the same one, and the CF spindles look like Mustang II stuff like Alfano's, but some fancier version. Alfano claimed his has a shitload of adjustability, that the CF doesn't BUT, you would need about 4 sets of different coilovers to take advantage of that, and I'm not sure you would still be able to use all of the settings.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2015 20:36:53 GMT -8
Reliability and simplicity appeals to me, plus light weight. The theoretical adjustability that requires different parts and installing/removing ain't appealing. Oh, and service, like being responsive to any issues you might encounter.
Steve
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Post by javtwotone on Nov 25, 2015 6:18:11 GMT -8
I certainly agree with you on the service factor. It was funny how Alfano was all about being helpful when there was a chance he could sell us a brake system for his set up. My friend was still comparing prices, and asking him questions when the motor mount issue came up. It got real quiet after that... Looking at both systems, I can't be sure CF's set up is all that much lighter with the square tube they use under the frame rails, but their parts appear better made. While fighting the upper control arms, I was tempted to see if CF's arms would work! Reliability wise, My only real concern is the coil over mount on the lower control arm. A fairly small area of weld, is all that holds that on.. I will send SC397 some pics of it installed, and see if he can add them. I am a computer dumbass....
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Post by sc397 on Nov 30, 2015 7:40:08 GMT -8
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Post by 69Rebel on Nov 30, 2015 21:00:05 GMT -8
Am I seeing it wrong, or is the only thing supporting that coil over (and the weight of the car) that small welded piece? That's not gonna hold up for shit. Also, it seems to me that the lower control arm should be a lot closer to parallel with the ground, or even slanted down rather than up.
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Post by spud on Dec 1, 2015 0:26:01 GMT -8
All I have to say is I fucked up recommending the alfano clusterfuck to 070. I had no idea. Others seemed happy with it. Maybe they werent but didnt speak up. Who knows.
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Post by stickshifter on Dec 1, 2015 4:04:27 GMT -8
Also, it seems to me that the lower control arm should be a lot closer to parallel with the ground, or even slanted down rather than up. I believe that was done to limit bump steer. Notice how low the rack is and the pivot point of the inner tie rods. With that pivot point and the angle of the tie rods, he took the easy way out and just located the lower control arm mount in about the same point. This is interesting as I am currently installing a power steering rack in my 69 Falcon. It has been a challenge but I think I have it figured out. I tested it Sunday and it works sweet with no bump steer. Cost = $162 for a reman rack, pump, hoses, and a couple inner tie rods from Rock Auto, $35 for two new taps to make the adjusting sleeves, $10 for the U-joints for the steering column from the junk yard, and probably $20 for the steel for the brackets. Sorry, it's not an AMC.
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Post by javtwotone on Dec 1, 2015 8:00:22 GMT -8
As to Reb's comment, on a car with a stock ride height, the control arms would be close to parallel with the ground but this particular car is lowered. Yea I agree the coilover lower mount is sketchy... there is more weld than you can see, but not a great design. The tie rods and control arms track each other very well, no bump steer that I noticed as I was getting it set up, or on the trip back and forth from the AMC nats in Cleveland.
As to Stickshifter's comments, I would like to see your set up on the Falcon. I could probably sell it to the guy who's '69 AMX I restored. He has a '64 Falcon convertible that is all screwed up. It will squeal the tires when you take off from a stop....the FRONT tires... Somebody put Granada brakes and power steering on it, including the Granada drag link, which is too long, causing instant toe-in when the front end lifts.
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Post by sc397 on Dec 1, 2015 8:13:07 GMT -8
Road trip! Need to bring Molson and pick me up on the way...
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Post by stickshifter on Dec 1, 2015 15:07:31 GMT -8
Road trip! Need to bring Molson and pick me up on the way... Now that sounds like a plan. If that doesn't work I will take some pictures once it is completely welded and painted.
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Post by 69Rebel on Dec 1, 2015 22:00:25 GMT -8
As to Reb's comment, on a car with a stock ride height, the control arms would be close to parallel with the ground but this particular car is lowered. Yea I agree the coilover lower mount is sketchy... there is more weld than you can see, but not a great design. The tie rods and control arms track each other very well, no bump steer that I noticed as I was getting it set up, or on the trip back and forth from the AMC nats in Cleveland. As to Stickshifter's comments, I would like to see your set up on the Falcon. I could probably sell it to the guy who's '69 AMX I restored. He has a '64 Falcon convertible that is all screwed up. It will squeal the tires when you take off from a stop....the FRONT tires... Somebody put Granada brakes and power steering on it, including the Granada drag link, which is too long, causing instant toe-in when the front end lifts. I think I would definitely figger out a way to reinforce that lower coilover mount. Having a tube welded across another tube with just the radii sitting on each other is very weak, no matter how much weld you have. It's too bad there is no way to move it outboard some. Dig around the interwebz and look at other fabbed control arms. None have that kind of arrangement.
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