Steering Stability

[Steel Guitfiddle]

Hello folks! I'm new to the forum and to the Jeep world! I just picked up 1982 CJ7 . The steering problem I'm having seems all backwards to me, but see what you guys think...
First off, I've never driven a Jeep of any kind very much before, but I do understand that it is not going to drive like a Buick.
That being said, for not having power steering, it sure seems very sensitive to me. Here's what I have observed so far: I have a tough time keeping in any kind of straight line at SLOWER speeds, say up to 40 mph. But when I get up to highway speeds, about 40-65, I have much less problems. It doesn't really make any sense to me. I've also noticed that when letting off of the accelerator at highway speeds, the Jeep seems to pull to the right. Its almost like the higher RPMs are taking the slack out. I imagine the wheels could used balanced and that might help a bit, but I feel like something else bigger in the steering/drivetrain must be off. What do you guys think?

BTW, I have looked at the thread on here that explains how to go through the steering and alignment, and I intend to go through all of that when time allows, but I want to see if any of you have ever experienced anything like this with your jeeps.

Thanks!

 

[BusaDave9]

If the steering gearbox was ever replaced it is possible that the replacement has a faster ratio to it. But don't replace the gearbox yet. I think the most likely cause is too much free play in the steering. Too much free play can actually seem like overly sensitive steering.
You mentioned a thread on steering. I am not sure what thread you saw but if it wasn't this one you need to check out this link:
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/
I think you have free play. It could be the front shackle bushings. Maybe it is free play in the gearbox.

 

[Old Dog]

I'd also check the toe in, if you don't have enough it will be touchie.
I set mine at 1/8" with 33" tires.

 

[phyrph0enix]

Take 5 minutes and inspect your motor mounts... If high engine torque is affecting steering, maybe your motor is rocking slightly.

More than likely though, it's misaligned or your tyres are worn unevenly. Make sure your camber bolts are tight (not even sure where they are honestly). But, I've seen loose camber adjusters cause drifting at low speeds and not at high speeds when centripetal force kicks in.

Make sure your steering column holders are secured at the firewall too...

Make sure all your tyres have the same amount of air in them...

Good luck!

 

[JR74CJ5]

I've also noticed that when letting off of the accelerator at highway speeds, the Jeep seems to pull to the right.

Thanks!

Same issue! Have been meaning to completely go through the sticky post mentioned as well...

I think a lot of my problems are the shackle lift, body lift and possibly the springs themselves, also i have a loose crossmember in the rear... So i figured i have a lot to do before asking the same question

I do have power steering though, so not exactly the same...

Maybe you have some similar parts to check out... Shackles etc...
Good luck man!

 

[Steel Guitfiddle]

Ok, thanks for all the help so far. I should've also looked into things a little more before making this post. Turns out, I DO have power steering (I'm an idiot), so thats that. Also, to address possibilities and rule out others, I'll list the facts:

First off, and after doing a good bit of reading on here, I think my main problem may be the shackle lift that is present. I intend to remove the lift and bring it back down to stock height, but I want to check some things out before I do that. I don't know if it has body lift and the shackle lift together, but it definitely has lift shackles in the front. I really don't know much about lifts at all. I've noticed that the shackles in the front and back are different lengths, I wonder if you need different length shackles from front to back to achieve a level lift? Either that or a body lift has been used to help level it out? I can put some pictures up later, maybe someone can give me some insight on all of this. It does look level though, so it is a nice cosmetic lift...I'm more for function. And with 31" tires, I don't believe I need a lift of any kind.

As far as tires go, they're all brand new 31" tires, so wear is not an issue, or present.

Engine mounts are a possibility, I will look into that also.

I have seen the Troubleshooting & correcting you steering thread and I think I'm going to run through that whole sequence when I decide how/when I'm going to remove the lift.

I apologize for making such a general thread without actually doing some good investigating. I suppose I sort of panicked when I bought a "restored" Jeep and I was running all over the road. I am excited to learn every thing I can about this Jeep though, and get to working on it!

Thanks again.

 

[BusaDave9]

I think my main problem may be the shackle lift that is present.

The bushings may be the issue. If they flex they could be causing your problems.

It does look level though, so it is a nice cosmetic lift...I'm more for function. And with 31" tires, I don't believe I need a lift of any kind.

Although the shackles may not be your problem I agree that it's nice to keep it low.

I apologize for making such a general thread without actually doing some good investigating.

No need to apologize. Logging into Jeep-CJ.com is a good way to research a problem. If my suggestions don't help I'm sure someone else will come up with some other ideas.

 

[phyrph0enix]

I apologize for making such a general thread without actually doing some good investigating.

#1. Smarter people have done dumber things before! Don't apologize!
#2. Talking through a problem is usually the best way to narrow down the issue!
#3 Aren't you glad you have power steering!? It's like an upgrade that didn't cost anything!!!

Good luck!


Actually, it's funny... I had a similar problem with my jeep; and now that I've removed the 3" body lift, my steering column fit nicely in place! The PO hadn't extended the column length, so the wheel was flopping around cause it wasn't bolted in behind the dash... Idiot!

 

[Steel Guitfiddle]

I'm going to resurrect this thread as I finally have a weekend coming up where I can start working on the Jeep! I hate living in an apartment, btw...

After looking up some things about suspension lifts and doing some measurements, I found out how many true inches of lift I have and how it was achieved. As I said before, I knew I had 5" shackles and stock springs up front, which gives 1" of lift. The back has stock shackles and I checked to find 1" lift springs. I've decided I like the 1" lift, it looks good and will keep the 31" tires nice and clear.

My question is, would it benefit me to get some 1" lift springs up front and then put stock shackles up there? I ask this because of what I have read about lift shackles and how they throw off drive-shaft angle and whatnot if not properly accounted for with wedges. I just wonder if the 5" lift shackles would cause noticeable problems and if getting lift springs there instead would make it better. Because new springs aren't necessarily cheap, and if it ain't broke...

Let me know what you guys think, you've been a lot of help so far!

 

[PTCJ7]

I just replaced my steering gear box thinking it was the cause of the wandering (rocking from side to side) but it has not solved the problem. Any ideas?

 

[sertshark]

I'm waiting to hear an answer on this as well. How long are your shackles (measuring bolt to bolt)? My jeep wanders as well, and my front shackles are aftermarket (4 inches bolt to bolt), while my rear shackles are stock. I've thought about putting stock shackles on as well, instead of putting shims in.

How long are your shackles in front?

 

[BusaDave9]

I just replaced my steering gear box thinking it was the cause of the wandering (rocking from side to side) but it has not solved the problem. Any ideas?

I'm waiting to hear an answer on this as well. How long are your shackles (measuring bolt to bolt)? My jeep wanders as well, and my front shackles are aftermarket (4 inches bolt to bolt), while my rear shackles are stock. I've thought about putting stock shackles on as well, instead of putting shims in.

How long are your shackles in front?

Yes long shackles can cause wander. But but bushings with too much flex is very possibly the issue. You may be able to fix your wander with new bushings. It's hard saying. It could also be bad steering linkages.
Have you checked out this link: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/
Excellent information by TDHofstetter on troubleshooting steering issues.

 

[PTCJ7]

My Front shackles are 3" same as Rear and I believe them to be stock. Bushings and all other related parts are original on my '81 CJ so I think I am going to go down the list of items on the "Troubleshooting and Correcting Steering" thread and see where it leads. I know for sure its not the steering gear box!

 

[Sasquach]

Looking for a single cause is probably not going to solve steering problems for most. Wheel bearings, king pin/knuckle bearings, tie rod ends, steering gear box, steering shaft all wear and get loose with each contributing a little. Now if you have a poorly engineered lift then you add whatever problems that may be causing such as steering caster being out of spec from extra length shackles etc.
Everything needs to be checked and corrected as needed and I havent read TD's thread in a while but recall it to be thorough and the first place to start.

 

[LongHorn]

If your tie rod ends, draglink ends, wheel bearings, steering gear are all good & tight.
Your frame & spring bushings are tight, front end is correctly aligned, tires balanced & in good shape.
I'd have to ask if the PO installed a locking differential.
My "Detroit Locker" will noticeably twitch the front end when you get on or off the gas pedal.

 

[Sasquach]

^^That too!

 

[PTCJ7]

Sertshark, found my problem yesterday causing cj to wander: U Joints on front axle. Rusted out, no lubrication, jammed in one direction, free in the other. Changed both sides out and jeep is pointing straight as an arrow.