Upper Control Arm Swap

[Kenova]

I'm sure a number of people have swapped the front upper control arms side for side to gain caster.
Does anybody have any idea as to how much caster can be expected from this swap?

Ken

[cjbiagi]

I have not done it but if I remember correctly it's a lot, like 9 degrees or so. I assume you could dial it back with the lower cam bolts. I would be interested to hear anyone's result on this too.

[monzaaddict]

In this thread, Dick Baumhauer(r.i.p.) said 9 degrees, I assume of positive caster after swapping upper control arms side to side. He would have known from his experience auto crossing Cosworth Vegas. His statement that 9 degrees positive caster is excessive would be correct for a low speed, manual steering, quick ratio wide tire auto cross car. Positive caster gives high speed, straight line, stability. viewtopic.php?f=10&t=42836&p=252496&hilit=caster+control+arms#p252496

[monzaaddict]

Without moving the lower ball joint forward, I think the wheel is going to hit the back of wheel well when turning.

[chevyart]

i think monzaaddict is on to something. think it was smiley that told me that swapping the uppers had a bad effect on your steering. hope he chimes in and explains. art in nyt

[Smiley]

You get about 5 degrees swapping the uppers.
I would not do it to a street driven car with manual steering and a V8.
It adds hi speed straight line stability but it increases steering effort.
It might be good for a drag car or drifting,
or in a car with power steering.

[chevyart]

thanks for that info smiley. Art in NY