improove turning radius?

[strada-caster]

So, the strada has a horrible turning radius. curb to curb of 43 ft. when most other small trucks have 35-36 ft.

Obviously I'd like to have this improoved but am worried about the consequences...

I only see one way of doing this...grinding down the bolt on the idler arm that comes into contact with the hard stop on the lower control arm. If I do this what parts may fail at a quicker rate? should I do this?

Is there any other way do achieve my goal??

Thanks.

[strada-caster]

bump..

is this a stupid idea?? is that why nobody has anything to say about it?

[mararmeisto]

First, don't grind down the idler arm, grind down the stop.

Second, this is only going to give you the littlest amount of improvement.

Third, biggest improvement gained from changing steering rack, box, arms and knuckles... or vehicle.

You probably didn't get much of a response because there aren't many Stradae (is that the plural of Strada) over on this side of the Pacific. That being said, I'd look to a 4X4 shop or a lift shop for ideas.

Out of interest, how long is the wheelbase on the Strada? Sounds like it is a bit longer than the Delica.

[strada-caster]

according to http://www.cars-directory.net/specs/mit ... 1_8/16979/ - never measured myself.
strada - 2960 mm wheelbase 6.8m turning radius
delica - 2240 mm wheelbase 5.0m turning radius


I don't feel that changing the steering rack/box would change the radius at all...I'm comming into contact with the stop on the control arm. that is what is limiting my turning ability. I can't force the tire past the stop.

Changing the control arms and knuckles would be expensive and how would that change the turning radius? unless the hard stop/bolt on knuckle where in a different position. (thats the initial change I want to achieve without spending money).

[mararmeisto]

Wheelbase length will make a difference as well, and it may very well be that is the single biggest difference between the Strada and the Delica.

My third point spoke more to the idea of changing the whole steering arrangement (or the vehicle) if you want a better turning radius. There is generally only so much that can be done without changing parts, and because all of those parts are inter-related, well, you've got to change most of them in order to get different specifications. Adjusting toe-in, camber or caster doesn't do much to affect turning radius (usually nothing, in fact), because they only affect the set of the wheel itself.

Try a 4X4 shop, tell them the front end is 'similar' to a Mitsubishi Montero and see what they can do for you. If money is not much of an object, they just might be able to fit something together. Otherwise, you just might have to settle with having to make 5-point turns at the end of streets, or looking for the intersection with the left-turning lanes on both sides in order to pull-a-u'ie.

[strada-caster]

I might get around to a shop but most likely not...doesn't bother me so much that I want to spend money on it.

[shorepig]

Strada caster...

My Mighty Max p.up also has an absolutely terrible turning radius. So much so, that sometimes it even effects my ability to parrallel park! It drives me a little bit crazy, and it looks like I don;t know how to drive when I try to park! I am used to driving a VW westfalia, and they can turn on a dime! I couldn't figure out any logical way to improve my trucks turning radius.