Front suspension geometry

[yetibone]

I think the placement of the steering arms on the spindles has to do with placement of components due to space available. Like Jason said, it's about packaging components together.

A 914 and 911 could feasibly mount it's steering aparatus either in front of, or behind the front wheel axis' because no other nessecary components occupy that area. Standard Beetles are "rear steered", or have steering arms, and steering aparatus behind the front wheel axis' as well, but only because the design warranted such an application. The steering box convieniently mounted on the upper torsion tube, and unequal length tie rods connected a common Pittman arm to rear facing steering arms. When designed, I think that Supers could have gone either way. I believe it could'ive been "rear steered" instead of "front steered" and the framehead would'nt look much different, but don't know if it would'ive made much difference in what was supposed to be such a humble, and conservative automobile.

[PJL54Oval]

On the subject of Ackerman angle. To find the corect angle for the steering arms, you draw a line throught the front ball joint to the center of the rear axle centerline. The tie rod should fall somewhere on that line. For front steer vehicle, just mirror the angle forward of the front axle centerline.

[Steve C]

Hi

Something to be aware if your running excesive castor, the same forces that keep the steering wheel straight when going forward will work against you if you ever spin your car and find yourself going backwards fast, the steering will wip itself into a full lock condition.

Steve