Jerks when turning hard

[Gclyne]

Hi,

I've noticed when I turn fast and accelerate in a low gear it sort of jerks. It's only when I turn really hard at slow speeds, such as doing a very sharp donut. Has anyone had this same case, and does any one know what it could be cause by?

I have 1" lift shackles which I know may effect handling but it shouldn't result in a jerk. Any advice? Thanks

 

[Old Dog]

Is this in 2wd.? Are the front hubs locked?

 

[Gclyne]

Yes it's in 2wd, hubs are not locked I believe but i will double check to make sure I'm not crazy.

 

[Gclyne]

Hubs are not locked

 

[73CJ]

Do you have a locker in the rear?

 

[Torxhead]

I'm thinking your tires might be hitting hitting the leaf springs during a hard turn. Meaning the steering stop bolts are not adjusted out far enough. But, does this seem to be a engine performance issue or caused by something in the suspension?

 

[Gclyne]

I don't believe I have a locker in the rear it's just the stock AMC20 no mods.

I am not sure wether it's engine or supsension. I have 2" lift springs and 33" tires, where are the wheel stops located at? By the shocks?

How can I better tell if it's my front or rear differential causing the problems. My enginer runs great it only has 60k on it as I drive it like a grandpa. You never know what the PO oils have done though.:/

 

[73CJ]

The stop bolts are on the inside bottom of the knuckle casting. Do your springs have a shinny spot from the tire rubbing?

 

[Torxhead]

The steering knuckles have adjustable bolts that will stop the tires from hitting the leaf springs on one side or the tires hitting the inner fender well. You could just turn your wheels while the vehicle is at a stop and check this. With a 2" lift and 33s, the tires might be hitting something. Some guys have to install longer bolts to do this.

 

[Gclyne]

Ok thanks for for info guys! Appreciate it and I will check this out tomorrow hopefully it's as simple as turning a bolt!

 

[tinhorn]

I haven't got the manual at hand now, but I swear that one of my books says my CJ5 has NO Ackermann angle. If that's the case with your CJ, one of those big meats on the front may simply be grabbing and releasing when you make slow, tight turns.

 

[Gclyne]

Thanks tinhorn how do you suggest I check for this problem?

 

[Hedgehog]

Front U joints can bind when turning very tight radius's. Nothing much to worry about. It is disconcerting though and probably best to avoud it if you can.

 

[Old Dog]

I haven't got the manual at hand now, but I swear that one of my books says my CJ5 has NO Ackermann angle. If that's the case with your CJ, one of those big meats on the front may simply be grabbing and releasing when you make slow, tight turns.

Your right there is no Ackermann angle built into the steering on cj's.

 

[b3uhbp]

Sounds like you are describing the outboard tire skipping, probably on dry pavement (no issue on dirt since it's loose). This is built into older jeeps and I don't think there is a way to correct it. It occurs because both wheels turn the same amount in a turn and since the outboard tire has farther to travel than the inside tire it chips. Newer car steering linkage is designed so the outboard tire turns in a larger arc which eliminates the skipping. The compensation for this is called "Ackerman angle".