Posted by Sherman in Idaho [108.162.245.23] on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 12:59:36 :
In Reply to: Re: Bias Ply Tires At Freeway Speeds posted by Paul (in NY) [173.245.52.145] on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 08:38:48 :
Yes, that's the final issue -- suspension and steering. Upgrade the tires, brakes, and engine and you've still got the simplest front-end system that can possibly be built. I look at my old trucks with the leaf springs and very basic front axle and steering linkage and compare it to even a cheap modern vehicle like a Kia or a Honda and the differences are huge. It's not even obvious to me what all the parts in a modern front end do. Hit a little bump or a patch of washboard on a downhill curve at too high a speed in any old truck and you'll pay severely for it. The old rigs are great for hauling a big load of turnips on the farm-to-market road or a bunch of rigging and tools on a rough cat trail to a logging operation or a mine, but cornering ability wasn't really even a consideration.