Thanks for the info. I think you're both right about my problem. I didn't plan to spend more $$$ on the car but I don't like the "unpredictable-ness" (new word...feel free to use it) of the handling when the roads get rough. I think it needs more caster and from what I've read so far, bump steer is my problem. I see you can buy a tool to measure bump steer but can it be measured some other way? That being said, if we figure BS is a problem, does the measurement matter or will a BS kit automatically fix it? When I get these new parts installed, what would you recommend for caster, camber and toe numbers?
As far as the suspension goes, the car was built by a forum member, Thunder Chicken (Carmen), and I think there's a thread here following the build but I can't find it. As far as I know, the suspension is mostly new and has Kenne Bell frame connectors with seat brackets and CHE rear control arms. It also has Turbo Coupe front and rear sway bars. I think Carmen said the car was lowered 2 inches. I suppose I could replace the 2001 Bullit springs and put the suspension back to stock height but I like it better low, so I'll have to do what's necessary to make it handle.
I also wondered about the turning radius. It needs a lot of acreage to turn and I wondered if it was anything to do with being lowered or if all T-Birds are like that.
As you can see, this is my first post. I'm new to the forum and to T-Birds but not to Fords...I'm 52 and have always had at least one.
Last fall I bought "Thunderchicken" 's 1988 T-Bird project. I noticed it was wearing the front tires so I took it to my trusted alignment guy and he said it was badly out of line (his exact words were WTF did you do to this!?). Anyway, he lined it up and it's way better, tire wear is nice and even. That being said, it just doesn't feel "right". If you're driving on the interstate for example and drive over a rough spot like a bridge with multiple expansion joints the car kind of "sqiggles" for want of a better term and doesn't feel stable. Other than a large turning circle (is this normal?) I love driving it. It doesn't pull to one side or the other and it takes the turns nice and tight but I'm concerned there may be something not quite right.
It was lined up to 1988 T-Bird specs but I wondered if some special values for caster or camber should have been used since the car's been lowered? I searched the forum but couldn't find an answer. I noticed a few guys here have lowered cars and thought maybe someone else had this problem.
). Anyway, he lined it up and it's way better, tire wear is nice and even. That being said, it just doesn't feel "right". If you're driving on the interstate for example and drive over a rough spot like a bridge with multiple expansion joints the car kind of "sqiggles" for want of a better term and doesn't feel stable. Other than a large turning circle (is this normal?) I love driving it. It doesn't pull to one side or the other and it takes the turns nice and tight but I'm concerned there may be something not quite right.