74 CJ5 Every steering component new: Squirelly above 25mph

[ChesapeakeJeep]

Yes, I had the alignment professional checked. Caster was 1 degree which was out of spec from 2 to 4 degrees but close.

Had a four inch Skyjacker lift but everything new from the steering wheel to the tires. I can show pictures. I bought it knowing I wanted to put in new tie rod ends, ball joints, but that ended with axles, spindles, steering box, steering shaft, bearings etc.

The two shops (one that did the work) and the one that checked the alignment are at a total loss.

So am I.

I mean it is bad. I don't expect great, but I drive all old trucks and this one is downright scary.

 

[j6824]

Yes, I had the alignment professional checked. Caster was 1 degree which was out of spec from 2 to 4 degrees but close.

Had a four inch Skyjacker lift but everything new from the steering wheel to the tires. I can show pictures. I bought it knowing I wanted to put in new tie rod ends, ball joints, but that ended with axles, spindles, steering box, steering shaft, bearings etc.

The two shops (one that did the work) and the one that checked the alignment are at a total loss.

So am I.

I mean it is bad. I don't expect great, but I drive all old trucks and this one is downright scary.

Pics would help

Caster should be between 6-7 degrees...not sure where 2-4 came from

Tire size?

Axle swap?

Need details...specifics. Start from the top down. Each component replaced and what with...brand, model, etc

 

[Posi]

2-4 came from the shop that doesn't think outside the box.
Technically the shop that doesn't think outside the box should have said off by 2° + or - 1°
However, there is a 4" lift involved so the shop should not have used factory specs.
As mentioned 6°-7° should work.

 

[ChesapeakeJeep]

Thanks!!!

Ten Factory MG22139 Performance Complete Front Axle Kit
8126509 UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINT KIT
RT21010 HD MANUAL STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY
18050.8 HD NARROW TRACK STEERING KIT
J0994509 MANUAL STEERING GEAR
Horsepower Sales Complete Disc Brake complete conversion kit
SkyJacker complete 4" Lift Kit

33 inch tires.

 

[hagar]

Photo trickery or are those front springs bent ?
Were leaves removed ?

 

[ChesapeakeJeep]

Brand new springs. Must be the angle.

 

[j6824]

If the shop gave you a printout, post it up.

If not, get one from them.

Need to see the #s

 

[ChesapeakeJeep]

Here it is. Thanks.

 

[Basod]

As posted above your caster angle is to low- need shims to correct. Camber is fixed at steering knuckles.

The shackles look custom and really long- worth a measurement check and verify bushing play.

Have the tires been balanced? Also check them for runout I broke a cord on a set of wild country radial xt’s that gave me a bad ride on an old Chevy k10

 

[ChesapeakeJeep]

Thanks.....at a shop. I had thought camber from the start. Best explanation I've always heard is think of a chopper and a shopping cart to understand why it is important.

 

[j6824]

^I thought so too, but after doing some digging, they appear to be oem

Your drag link looks good

I'd start with the caster if it were me.

Tire pressure? Too much air and she'll be like a beach ball down the road.

Never heard much about the SJ springs on CJs, honestly.

 

[jdarg]

In the fourth photo the leaf spring appears to maybe not be tightly captured between the shackles. If you stick a big screwdriver in the right side between the spring eye and right side ofnshackle, can you pry the spring left? The spring swinging left and right in that gap would definitely make things weird on the road.

 

[ChesapeakeJeep]

Thanks. I will look. I took it to the Jeep Shop in Chester Springs, PA. They have great reviews. They did some work on a steering rod adjustment (will have to see exactly what) and put in shims to give is 7 degrees of caster.

They said it drives as good as any CJ5 with a lift they've driven (they have tons around the shop)

I have not got it back yet. Just have to pick it up, then I will follow up on this thread, I REALLY appreciate all of the help.

I completely understand that it will NEVER ride like a modern car. It plain and simple can't even if you had the most modern suspension ever it's physics.

Will give the review tomorrow. I just wanted it to be acceptable at 55.

 

[ChesapeakeJeep]

Solution: Put in six degrees of Caster. See shims.....

Night and Day.

Steers with two fingers upto 45mph. No different than a new car.

Above 45mph.....well it starts to wander. But it is a CJ5

 

[STSCowboy]

Those shackles look like Flexie Fliers! I had an off-Road only CJ7 that would scare the living out of me above 25mph. I was moving so I had to sell it before I got to go through it to figure out what was wrong but I’d start with replacing your shackles and following these guys specs.

 

[RiverandSand]

Above 45mph.....well it starts to wander. But it is a CJ5

Check you air pressures make all tires the same, I run 24 psi my 33s and can run 55- 60 without real noticeable wander.