Rookie question? Steering Wander?

[rust n bolts]

Hey Guys,
I just purchased a 1980 CJ7 . Has problems, but with some time I hope to make it a fun ride. Two questions: It has big mud tires and the faster I go down the road, or hit a bump, the more it wanders. 40 mph, change lanes and it swerves back and forth a few times. Looks like the original steering stabilizer, so I thought I would replace that 1st. It has no modifications, so I think I just want to go stock. Suspension look good for 30 yrs old. Any suggestions. The carb is new, not rebuilt. I was told by the guy I bought it from that it's supposed to have an electronic choke, it's just not hooked up. It hesitates when I accelerate, and this he said is the problem. I see no wires or connection on the carb. What is he talking about? Any ideas on this? Thanks in advance.
P.S. Look like original spark plug wires. Will replace tomorrow.

Edited thread title for better description. -CJ

 

[elwood blues]

rust n bolts,
Welcome to the site

I pretty sure about the fact that replacing the steering stabalizer isn't going to fix your problem. You've got something other than that going on, bad tie rod end, or possibly bad ball joints. I'm just not exactly positive though.

Do you know what brand of carb is on there? Without knowing what kind of carb it is, it's tough to guess, but the choke being stock open would give you a hesitation at take off, and if the carb uses the electric to close the choke, that we be why... Again, only a guess.

 

[coldwater]

We need a bit more info about your Jeep. How big is big mud tires, and how much lift is on it.

 

[rust n bolts]

No lift. Just bought it yesterday, and I'm at work now. I'll check the size tomorrow. Will post additional soon. Thanks for the reply.

 

[rust n bolts]

I really have a lot to learn. When you say bad, do you mean bent, or something I should be able to see right away? The carb I'll have to get more info on tomorrow. Just bought the jeep yesterday. Thanks for the reply.

 

[coldwater]

No lift. Just bought it yesterday, and I'm at work now. I'll check the size tomorrow. Will post additional soon. Thanks for the reply.

Most front end issues are pretty easy to figure out, and fairly easy to fix...most times. A steering stabilizer is not the problem, they are simply a shock absorber for the steering system. It takes the force from a side hit, like hitting a rock or stump when off road, instead of sending the force right into the steering wheel. It should never be used to hide a front end wobble or looseness. It would be great if you could post a picture or two of the front end as well.

 

[My1stnicejeep]

If its not lifted and has big tires most likely it will have big shackles.Big shackles will cause the problem of wandering.

Or a combo of parts getting worn over the years.1 leads to another and so on

Balljoints TREs Spring Bushings ETC Kinda or tough to narrow it down.A picture would help

 

[LongHorn]

I really have a lot to learn. When you say bad, do you mean bent, or something I should be able to see right away? The carb I'll have to get more info on tomorrow. Just bought the jeep yesterday. Thanks for the reply.

Bad ball Joints wear out inside. To check them you need to jack the wheels off the ground. Grab the tire on top & bottom then shake it back forth vigorously. If you feel play they are shot. Keep in mind they are top & bottom, Left & right ball joints. Tie rods wear out inside too. You check them buy grabbing the tie rod & trying to twist it. If you can move it easily it's toast.

 

[BajaEdition]

I wonder if you could post a pic of the steering gear from the front so we could see the geometry.

 

[rust n bolts]

Thanks for the replies. I hope to post a few pics and more info Sunday.

 

[rust n bolts]

Steering Wander?

Hello Again,
Here are the pics requested, relative to my steering wander. I hope this gives you some ideas for me. Thanks again.

 

[kicknjeep]

well they are 31" tires, hey nuts n bolts can we get a pic of your leaf spring shackles?

 

[Old Dog]

In the last pic something look strange, your spring pearch looks like it's sitting on an angle. Like kikenjeep said a pic of your shackels would be nice.

 

[rust n bolts]

Hello again,
Here are 2 additional pics. 1-2 days off per month, and today is it. I hope to get it registered today and take it to a better backyard mechanic than I am. I just don't want to be chasing parts to find the problem. Any advise would be great. Thanks.

 

[coldwater]

I don't see any big problems that stick out. So just go over the basics. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you check all of the steering components for movement. There should be little to no play between the steering wheel turning, and movement at the tires. Also, get a look at the pitman arm to be sure It's responding with the steering wheel. Any delay in turning the wheel and the pitman arm moving = a bad steering box. You should be able to find the problem pretty easily, as it looks to me like your front end is in pretty good condition over all.

 

[kicknjeep]

I agree with CW just do as he advised for a good start.

 

[mmerlina]

Your wandering steering problem I am going to bet is a little bit of everything.. like mine was. Your biggest problem I bet is your steering box mounts have weakened and are allowing the box to sway back and forth.

Easy diagnosis -- have a friend put it in neutral, start the jeep and turn the wheel back and forth, back and forth.. in the mean time you get out in front and look at your steering box. It'll probably be swaying about an inch from side to side.

If it is.. there are a couple options, they sell an aftermarket heavy duty steering bracket I think it's about $100. They also sell an aftermarket steering brace that ties the steering box into the frame on the passenger's side. I didn't know about the HD bracket until after I replaced mine with a stock one, so I went with the steering brace.

After you check that out, check your ball joints. I've also been told the stock shackles weaken over time and tend to allow some swaying of the suspension.. I've yet to change mine.

Good luck!

 

[LongHorn]

Your wandering steering problem I am going to bet is a little bit of everything.. like mine was. Your biggest problem I bet is your steering box mounts have weakened and are allowing the box to sway back and forth.

Easy diagnosis -- have a friend put it in neutral, start the jeep and turn the wheel back and forth, back and forth.. in the mean time you get out in front and look at your steering box. It'll probably be swaying about an inch from side to side.

If it is.. there are a couple options, they sell an aftermarket heavy duty steering bracket I think it's about $100. They also sell an aftermarket steering brace that ties the steering box into the frame on the passenger's side. I didn't know about the HD bracket until after I replaced mine with a stock one, so I went with the steering brace.

After you check that out, check your ball joints. I've also been told the stock shackles weaken over time and tend to allow some swaying of the suspension.. I've yet to change mine.

Good luck!

These pictures show both the H.D. steering bracket & steering brace.

 

[mmerlina]

I've heard several people buy the HD bracket from Sam's Offroading and be very happy with it.. Specialty Products Bracket

You can buy a cheap brace (not recommended, this IS steering we're talking about..), or MORE makes a nice brace..

Cheaper: 18021.02 - Omix-Ada - Heavy Duty Steering Box Brace for Jeep CJ 1976-86 : Tellico 4x4
MORE: SB9037 - MORE - Heavy Duty Steering Box Braces for Jeep : Tellico 4x4

... all this information is IF this is your problem, but by the looks of the pictures.. it's probably a big part of it.

 

[fishinfool98]

Looking at your first set of pictures I noticed the pitman arm coming off of the steering
Try and tighten the pitman arm up and see if that changes any thing