'75 Duster steering issue
Vehicle jacked up, engine off. Wheel turns fully in both directions without binding or contact with headers. Here are some pictures.
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Ok, so you have a 73+ centerlink. So you can put out of your head the idea it’s some kind of mismatch between the pitman and idler arm. It couldn’t be anyway, but you’re using all 73+ parts if it makes you feel any better.
If everything moves smoothly and you don’t feel any resistance in the linkage, the lazy return to center is probably just the +2* of caster. The power steering doesn’t specifically help the return to center thing, it just reduces the effort needed to turn the wheels because the steering box has a 16:1 ratio. If the box isn’t centered the power steering can force the steering to one side or the other, but it wouldn’t specifically effect the return to center. That’s basically all from the caster angle. So unless there’s resistance in the linkage or in the steering box it’s all on the caster angle.
If you’re comparing the return to center feeling to a modern car, you have to keep in mind that most modern cars run at least 3 to 4x as much caster as you have. An new SRT Challenger for example has a factory spec of like +8* to +9* caster.
With offset UCA bushings I’m a little surprised you can’t get more than +2*, typically if the offset bushings are installed to maximize caster (not per the included instructions). Most folks can get more like +3 to +4. But not always, and it does depend on ride height and other things so you may be maxed out. You could try talking to the alignment guy and see if they can get you some more positive caster, it would be worth trading some negative camber for the caster if that’s necessary. The difference between -.4* camber and -.7* won’t be a big difference on the road, but if you can get to +3* caster that would help the return to center a whole bunch.
If it’s not some kind of resistance in the box or linkage, and you can’t get more than +2* caster from your offset bushings, the only other option you have is to go to a tubular upper control arm. The non-adjustable tubular UCA’s usually allow for about +5* of caster depending on the car. Or, if the return to center is really going to bother you, you can get adjustable SPC control arms. I have those, and currently have +6.25* of caster on my Duster. It really adds to the return to center effect, and the car is nice and stable at speed. Not like the shopping cart feel you get from the low positive caster numbers these cars ran stock.
