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My 1931 DeSoto, 4 dr model SA, really wanders anytime and at any speed while it has a shimmy at around 40 mph. My first thought was that there were worn ball joints, etc. I checked things out with all the connections and there is absolutely no slop. I have made no adjustments, (ie drag link, worm gear) nor have had the alignment checked. Is this normal for that year car or is it a serious adjustment/alignment issue? Does anyone have suggestions as to how I should follow through?
Jerry, it would definitely be good to have the alignment done. The old bias ply tires can and will wander quite easily. Besides, you will wear them out early and this will cause more issues. You may need a manual for an alignment shop to do anything. Somebody here I am sure knows more about this year car than I do. I have a 53.
check the king pins(wristpins that usualy causes them to wander and also shimmy if they are worn
.Rex
Hi-I rebuilt king pins and steering linkage on my 1930 Desoto years ago and it goes pretty straight even on high crowned roads. Very often the steering box is either loose in the worm and sector adjustment or worn at the sector bushing so this can be a source of play. Toe in is also important and can be checked at a front end shop. Other points to check include the large nut holding the sector shaft to the drag link arm, the steering box to frame bolts, and the steering column to dash bolts. These early steering boxes wore quickly as seal technology for retaining the 90 weight gear oil in the box was primitive. Your box may be only partially full or even dry.
Your 80 page SA owners manual gives a lot of suggestions on adjusting the various steering items and specs for front end alignment. If your drag link ball cups are badly worn or have a broken spring , they can cause a dangerous situation as they retain the ball at the end of the steering tie-rod. If you don't know much about steering linkage, then see an alignment shop for a thorough checkup. If your front spring shackles are badly worn or not properly adjusted, this will induce a lot of play.
Martin Lum
1930 Desoto CK
are the tires out of round?i have heard of people having to shave down the bias ply tires to true them.there was article in Ol Skool Rod about this.
