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Looking to improve steering

mkii

mkii

CJ-8 Member
City
MOREHEAD CITY
State
NC
Hi all,

I had a local shop put on a new 4.5" Rubicon lift

All seems fine, but after getting her back, the steering seems looser... squirrely and tends to feel like it's wandering.

I'm not a stranger to 'unique' steering, but I definitely think this has room for improvement.

What is the first place I can look to find improvement?

Should I just look at a new steering gear first, and then work my way away from that?

Any advice and/or experience is much appreciated.

Thanks,

M
 
I have a that lift also, I'd agree that castor is probably the first place to look. Did the shop put on the drop pitman arm that comes with the kit? If so, look at getting rid of that and flipping the drag link and tie rod. Those drop arms kill your turn radius.

Try to stay dry today...
 
Thanks John ... yes, this thing is gonna run right over us. Don't expect much wind, but been raining all day, and more on the way

Good thing the 8 is tucked into the garage
 
Definitely lose the drop pitman arm if there is one and do the flip. Also, and I know you don't want to hear this after spending the money, but I first went with a CJ specific lift on my old CJ7. Even after the flip still didn't like it. I then replaced the front springs and hangers with YJ ones. Much better. Ever since I have always done YJ springs up front with no complaints. Supposedly this swap is just to help with flex, slightly longer wheelbase (1") and softer ride. But I feel it also helps with steering for those same reasons.

Just my experience and virtually ever other CJ7 / 8 owner I now personally.
 
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The rubicon express lift kit uses wider YJ style springs. Not sure if the are YJ springs or specific for there CJ kit for CJ (does that make sense?)

Sent from my SM-J320P
 
Also make sure you have a good front and alignment in the tires are fighting each other


 
So, took the advice here and had the shop put in castor shims... The owner drove it after each 2 degree, 4 degrees and 6 I think. He said it made things worse, so took them out. He says he's out of ideas. Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to drive it with the shims installed.

I'll post pics of my setup.

Anyone know of a shop where they absolutely know what they're doing? I'd be willing to trailer it a fair distance if I had good confidence that I'd get educated and experienced work. Not sure I'm getting that here in my small town in NC.

88a4bba8c789f5be06d5314b1f13fb81-1.jpg


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Can someone explain a bit more how losing the drop arm and 'doing the flip' would work?

Sent from my SM-G935V
 
Caster will always tighten up the front end because it forces it to self center. Are you sure that the shop put the shims in with the thick end forward?
 
Yes, the drag link should be in the outer hole and not on the inner. Good catch.

Sent from my SM-G920V
 
mysunnshine said:
Caster will always tighten up the front end because it forces it to self center. Are you sure that the shop put the shims in with the thick end forward?
Click to expand...
I specifically asked them that... Said they did. Not real happy with them, that's for sure.

Sent from my SM-G935V
 
Sorry, guys... I don't follow. Staring at the pics trying to figure it out

Sent from my SM-G935V
 
mkii said:
Sorry, guys... I don't follow. Staring at the pics trying to figure it out

Sent from my SM-G935V
Click to expand...

On the passenger side, your drag link is attached to the steering arm where the tie rod should be, so your steering is crisscrossed
This could possibly move one tire further left or right than the other, and or bind up


 
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