Another Caster question

[ftwflh]

What would be the correct angle with a 4in ProComp lift and 1in shackle lift?
The shop that did my allingment tried to set it to factory specs but that drove terrible.All my steering parts are tight.The main problem is it follows the grooves in the road bad and doesnt return straight after a turn.I have 2deg steel shims right now.
Like any input you can give

 

[tarry99]

What would be the correct angle with a 4in ProComp lift and 1in shackle lift?
The shop that did my allingment tried to set it to factory specs but that drove terrible.All my steering parts are tight.The main problem is it follows the grooves in the road bad and doesnt return straight after a turn.I have 2deg steel shims right now.
Like any input you can give

Camber is pre-set..............Caster on a Jeep? 4-6 degrees.

But with your 4 inch lift and another 1 inch at the shackle you have further complicated things in your steering geometry...........Again check your Caster using a digital scale off a flat surface.......and check the angle on your drag link to your spindle.......you may also have some Bump Steer issues. Pictures would be great!

 

[thescot]

Some what a lesser means then a digital alignment rack is to buy a degree finder and slap it on the outer axle where the upper and lower joints are to check things. Id make sure your happy with the PC lift first far as ride,vibes and articulation goes. Many including myself have removed leafs from the packs to soften and lower it back down to eliminate various issues.

 

[PaRenegade]

This could be several things other than your caster. Tire pressure, tire balance, ball joints, steering gear, frozen (rusted) front U-joint, or a poor alignment shop mechanic. Jack the front end up by the axles to remove the load on things, then start looking for loose parts.

 

[ftwflh]

This could be several things other than your caster. Tire pressure, tire balance, ball joints, steering gear, frozen (rusted) front U-joint, or a poor alignment shop mechanic. Jack the front end up by the axles to remove the load on things, then start looking for loose parts.

All my parts are tight.I am happy with the ProComp lift(little stiff but great for what I do).I have a 4in drop pitman arm and the drag link is almost level.
What I need is what deg. of caster is best for my lift.The shop that allinged it a couple years ago gave me a print out but all they could do is recomend the stock settings.Nothing to compensate for the lift.I am runnning 2 deg shims and it is at +4deg and is fair but I am wanting it a little better.
Any more input?

 

[tarry99]

All my parts are tight.I am happy with the ProComp lift(little stiff but great for what I do).I have a 4in drop pitman arm and the drag link is almost level.
What I need is what deg. of caster is best for my lift.The shop that allinged it a couple years ago gave me a print out but all they could do is recomend the stock settings.Nothing to compensate for the lift.I am runnning 2 deg shims and it is at +4deg and is fair but I am wanting it a little better.
Any more input?

Your lift really has nothing to do with it short of where it is currently right now : Meaning this is simply a static check.........not a guess..... The check should be on the ground with any added weight that you may normally carry......like two people in the cab............it should be checked as if your running down the road......If the lift & shackles have altered it then it needs to be corrected to 4-6 degrees.........if you have 4 now then go to 6...........but all components of the front end "everything" will effect how it drives. Even a rear axle out of line will effect it.

Pictures again would be great............

 

[ftwflh]

I may try going to 6 deg and see how that does.
What tire presure do you think will do best all around driving.Currently run 30-32 psi

 

[jeepboy45]

ftwflh,

I had a very similar problem.... Several years ago, I put on new springs, with a 4 inch lift. And I also made front shackles to gain an inch or two.

I recently did a tie rod flip and got rid of my drop pitman (which I highly recommend) as well as replaced my worn out steering box...

Everything else was new and tight, and I felt like I could proceed with caster correctin.

In my case, I created a caster issue with the front shackles. I took measurements and determined I needed 6 degrees of correction. I put in 6 degree wedges and it is like night and day now. Wheel returns to center, tracks better, and just "feels" better on the road.

Hope that helps..

Brian

 

[PaRenegade]

I may try going to 6 deg and see how that does.
What tire presure do you think will do best all around driving.Currently run 30-32 psi

If you have 2 degree shims and it gives you 4 degrees, move to a 4 degree shim and that should give you 6 degrees which is right between the 5-7 degrees recommended.
Tire pressure could vary and only you can make the call. I've heard a lot of guys run about 25-28 but it all depends. There is no "one size fits all" answer.

 

[tarry99]

I may try going to 6 deg and see how that does.
What tire presure do you think will do best all around driving.Currently run 30-32 psi

Not sure what tires you have????.........varies among tire size and manufacture,so use the manufactures spec's printed on the tire and adjust from there........a softer tire will give you a little better ride while sacrificing handling.
Again personal preference ..........no answer is right for everyone!

 

[ftwflh]

Running Mastercraft Courser MTs 33/12.5/15 30-32 lbs.
I am going to try the 4deg shims.
Thanks I will let you know how it is in a couple weeks.

 

[CJs 7]

Looking forward to hearing how it works with the 4 degree shims. I have gone through the same thing with mine. I have a Rubicon Express 4.5" just the way it comes, also running 2 degree shims and it's not bad, but feels like it could be better.

 

[Dolamite]

Running Mastercraft Courser MTs 33/12.5/15 30-32 lbs.
I am going to try the 4deg shims.
Thanks I will let you know how it is in a couple weeks.

Have you installed the 4 degree shims yet? I'm interested to hear if it helped at all.

 

[ftwflh]

Have you installed the 4 degree shims yet? I'm interested to hear if it helped at all.

I am having a hard time finding 4 degree shims that are 1 3/4 in wide.
ProComp has them on back order and not sure when they will be in.Can find Warrior Products that size either.
ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET A SET

 

[Dolamite]

The narrowest I've seen is 2". Perhaps you could find a machine shop near by and have them custom make you a set.

 

[tarry99]

I am having a hard time finding 4 degree shims that are 1 3/4 in wide.
ProComp has them on back order and not sure when they will be in.Can find Warrior Products that size either.
ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET A SET

Grind or machine off the extra 1/4"

 

[ftwflh]

I took a tape to my springs and 2in will work.That will make my hunt a little easier.

 

[PaRenegade]

Running Mastercraft Courser MTs 33/12.5/15 30-32 lbs.

How do you like those tires? That's what I'm putting on mine. I had their predecessor on for years. They were called OTD's and the tread pattern was slightly different, but they were a good tire.

 

[ftwflh]

How do you like those tires? That's what I'm putting on mine. I had their predecessor on for years. They were called OTD's and the tread pattern was slightly different, but they were a good tire.

So far they have done great off road and in mud.Not the best in loose sand.But holding up good.I would give them a 8 out of 10

 

[ftwflh]

Finally found a set and got the ordered.Should have them next week