twitchy steering

[redflash]

I know this has probably been covered....but I can't find it. As an adult I can wrestle the steering to keep steering smooth, but I'm sure the grand kid can't.
How can I smooth out the Kart twitchyness in the steering.

Lengthen the pitman arm ?
shorten the pitman arm ?
lengthen the tie rod arms ?
shorten the tie rod arms ?

I believe the toe in is correct...there must be a fairly simple way that everyone agrees on
Thanks in advance....keep it simple please ...I'm old

Da Flash

 

[anickode]

Some pictures would help. Proper Ackerman and camber are also equally important.

 

[redflash]

tanks, but mr ackerbilk and the other are fine.....

.what geometry alterations in the pitman could help....my first inclination is to lengthen it an 1"-1 1/2" which would give the steering wheel a little more action an a little less response at the tire

more suggestions are useful...I'm humble enough to consider all input

Thanks
Da Flash

---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:11 PM ----------

I didn't send pictures for two reason s..#1 I'm old and use my phone for phone calls...#2 its just your typical dart kart from rupp...nothing unusual or even interesting...it just seems there must be a change in length of a control that will slow down the twitchiness

Tanks agin
Da flash

 

[Brianator]

You mentioned "toe in" which can cause "twitchy" steering. Try some "toe out", it should slow it down and stabilize it. Too much toe in will make it oversteer and want to swing the back end out, too much toe out will cause pushing. Armed with that info you should be able to find a good balance without costing you a penny. If it doesnt help enough then sure lengthening the pitman arm should also slow down the rate of steering and add leverage which will make it easier to manhandle.

 

[redflash]

no response as to the effect to extending the pitman arm......am I way out in left field with this one ?

da flash

 

[Brianator]

Please look again, I edited and added info after the fact.

 

[redflash]

Thanks Bri.....I clamped 32 inch 1 x 2's on each front tire....then measure 16 inches in front to the tire....then 16 inches to the rear
my front measurement was 35 3/4 inches....and the rear measurement was 36 inches
seems about right to me.....am I right, Brian?

 

[Brianator]

Sounds like they're almost strait up, your 1/4" difference is probably 1/16" at the tire, I'd personally shoot for 1/4" toe out at the tire (you're currently toe in) and see what it feels like compared to now. Feeling it out is the best way, I do this with actual cars using a helping hand and a measuring tape until I find the perfect balance. In your case you're trying to make it less darty and I think toe out will take you that direction albeit maybe not enough. Only way to know is to try! I'd do it for you if I could! Lol

Hey btw....how'd you know my real name is Brian!?

 

[redflash]

Just a response to help others.....1/4" toe out ( at the tire tread) helped some.
lengthening the pitman arm 1 1/2 inches was too much...it fought the geometry and made the wheel difficult to turn.... I'm going to try only 1/2" - 3/4" and see what the effect of that may be.
Its really nice to talk to the experienced guys and glean their experience

Thanks

Da Flash

It was just a gueuss, I could have guessed your name was "Ator"

 

[Brianator]

That's great and means you're moving in the right direction! Keep the updates coming, no doubt it will helps others!