84 cj7 steering won't return to center

[b3uhbp]

A little background. I've had this jeep for a year. 2.5" Rancho springs and slightly longer shackles with 32/11.50s, very modest lift. Drove pretty good, no death wobble etc. but had a little slop and drift in the steering so I checked tie rod ends, ball joints and wheel bearings, all checked out okay. I replaced bushings for sway bar, end links and springs which really tightened up the steering. Everything was good except the wheel wouldn't return to center, so I checked the caster and it was 4* positive so I added 2* steel shims but didn't seem to make any difference. Have not checked the alignment yet. So here is the question. Should an 84 CJ7 steering wheel return to center after a turn or is this just a pipe dream? I've read and learned a lot from this forum. What am I missing?

 

[Posi]

Yes, it should return to center, if it doesn't typically it's a toe-in issue.

 

[Old Dog]

Not a pipe dream, when you get it right, it will return to center.

 

[b3uhbp]

Well, alignment is about the only thing I haven't checked and I can check that myself. I assumed it would be caster angle but this will hopefully be an easy fix, thanks. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Torxhead]

You could get a tape measure and set the toe in to around 1/8". If that doesn't help try removing the spring shackles up front.

 

[b3uhbp]

Torxhead, I understand getting it set to 1/8" toe in but I don't understand your suggestion to remove the front spring shackles. Can you explain please? Thanks.

 

[Barry2]

Also ya might want to check for a drag in the steering box and the lube in it too.

 

[Torxhead]

You could get a tape measure and set the toe in to around 1/8". If that doesn't help try removing the spring shackles up front.

I meant reinstalling the oem ones to give you more castor.

 

[b3uhbp]

I did get around to setting the toe in. Drives pretty well but still won't return to center. The shackles are probably only 1/2" longer than stock but much better and stronger. I plan to recheck the caster angle and see if I need to replace the 2* shims with 4*.