Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

My steering is "hard", meaning not as easy as other roadsters I hang out with. I've replaced the steering box, everything is lubed, and my car came with a "new" idler box. Could that be the problem? Tires are 195/60-15 Can the idler box be done wrong? Before i take everything apart, I'd like opinions. Thanks Pat

Got a lot of caster dialed in? Just at slow speed or is it stiff all the time?

Sitting still, and moving. Alignment specs as per Gordon, enthusiastic driving mode. Pat

My main curiosity is the idler box. Is there a potential for binding? Pat

Are you comparing your car against a similar year model? The later years 69 & 70 turn much easier due to the recirc ball type steering implemented in those years. Previous to those years the steering was harder.

IMHO,....I've also started out using Gordon's alignment specs...and being able to do my own alignments, I can tell you from my perspective, that changing only his camber specs, which I believe were 1 to 1 1/2 negative degrees, (I don't remember without looking up my notes) to zero degrees, made a significant, and desirable difference, especially at zero speed, like turning about in my driveway, which I felt was important (to me, personally), and that change had negligible (not really noticeable to ME) effect at 90+ miles an hour on the freeway...again, IMHO....
Additionally,...FWIW,...I have the "upgraded" RB steering box in my '67 _ Stroker /5-Speed.... , and I don't race or autocross,.. just a dude trying to enjoy my ride.

The specs on 311s were very mild
1/3 to 3/4 pos camber right side usually half of L , 1/2 to 1 pos caster 1/8 toe in ...of the 30 I did in70s and 80s
Sounds like you need to separate a joint to trace it or a stethoscope with someone working the steering while your listening
New Ball and sockets Ca be rather tight until it gets 200 miles on it

Tire pressures, compounds and surface type (asphalt, concrete) affect contact patch and dynamic friction, which make a huge difference in steering effort, especially at low speeds.

Just drop the cross rod off the steering box and idler, then turn with the steering wheel an the idler by hand to check for binding.
From memory, the two cross rod splines are tapered and are reasonably easy to separate from the base of the steering box and idler box.