My CJ8 wanders the road like crazy. I understand this is fairly common in these cars. I checked the alignment and its good. Also, there is some play in the steering wheel, but not much. When I turn into a corner the car oversteers and needs correction. Otherwise in a straight line it just won't track. It's a little scary at higher speeds. A friend seems to think it may be a caster problem. Any ideas or experiences with this problem?
CJ wanders the road
- Thread starter karlward
- Start date
- City
- stafford
- State
- va
Mine doin the same thing , I think it's the longer shackles ( causing the incorrect caster ) I may pull them or add shins
- City
- beaverdam
- State
- MI
I had a Wandering jeep and checked the caster. This took care of 50% of the problem. It is not a permanent solution but does help.
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...Spring-Axle-Shim.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=101&t_pt=5502
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...Spring-Axle-Shim.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=101&t_pt=5502
Robert Slone
Legacy Registered User
- City
- Spring Hope
- State
- NC
steering box mounting brackets
hastings215
Basic User
- City
- New Orleans
- State
- LA
That was the main issue with my steering.
Broken factory bracket.
Replaced it with a SAMs HD bracket and a gear box brace. Really tighten up the steering.
- City
- stafford
- State
- va
I've got an AGR steering box and pump, HD BOX MOUNT, box support rod, and borgeson steering shaft
I think mine is caster and front wheel alignment
I think mine is caster and front wheel alignment
- City
- God's Country
- State
- AR
Yep, check caster first.
My steering was terrible, so I bought an AGR pump and box, and it was just as bad (wheel was easier to turn, but wandering was same). I think mine is 90% long shackles (have 2.5 springs to go on with Conferr shackles that are .5" longer than stock to correct) and 10% play in the steering shaft (going to go Borgeson at some point when $$$ permits).
Still though, check the cheap stuff first before you drop $$$ on a steering box etc.
My steering was terrible, so I bought an AGR pump and box, and it was just as bad (wheel was easier to turn, but wandering was same). I think mine is 90% long shackles (have 2.5 springs to go on with Conferr shackles that are .5" longer than stock to correct) and 10% play in the steering shaft (going to go Borgeson at some point when $$$ permits).
Still though, check the cheap stuff first before you drop $$$ on a steering box etc.
- City
- Dexter
- State
- MI
Easiest first check is to get someone in the Jeep with it running, parking brake on and/or rear wheels chocked, engine running (if power steering). Best to be on dirt or gravel, but pavement would work, just watch how much you try and turn the wheel.
You sit/lay on the ground in front of the Jeep.
Have your helper turn the wheel back and forth.
If things are worn out/loose/broken, it becomes pretty clear pretty fast, just watch for things to move relative to one another that shouldn't be.
The above is a good first check and can reveal a lot, but the list of possible steering issues is LONG and they should really all be checked if you haven't done so in your ownership (steering and brakes are two things never to mess with cutting corners IMHO). Lots of people instantly blame the steering box itself or the steering shaft to the wheel, but in my experience those are very rarely ever serious contributors.
Here's a list off the top of my head (there's a lot of threads on this on here already BTW if you search):
tie rod ends wore out
steering box bracket broken/cracked
spring/shackle bushings worn out
ball joints shot
wheel bearings loose/worn out
caster too low/negative
You sit/lay on the ground in front of the Jeep.
Have your helper turn the wheel back and forth.
If things are worn out/loose/broken, it becomes pretty clear pretty fast, just watch for things to move relative to one another that shouldn't be.
The above is a good first check and can reveal a lot, but the list of possible steering issues is LONG and they should really all be checked if you haven't done so in your ownership (steering and brakes are two things never to mess with cutting corners IMHO). Lots of people instantly blame the steering box itself or the steering shaft to the wheel, but in my experience those are very rarely ever serious contributors.
Here's a list off the top of my head (there's a lot of threads on this on here already BTW if you search):
tie rod ends wore out
steering box bracket broken/cracked
spring/shackle bushings worn out
ball joints shot
wheel bearings loose/worn out
caster too low/negative