steering wander and steering slop

[krtwinger]

I have a 83 CJ7 that I bought recently that appears to have a 3" body lift. When driving down the road at speeds above 30 mph the vehicle tends to wander from side to side and constantly needs corrected. It feels like there is a lot of slop in the steering wheel as well, about 2-3". I have read and am unaware of where to start. Some mention caster angle while others mention steering gear. would a 3' body lift cause issues like these. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Buuushman]

If you don't have a a suspension lift I would not worry about caster angle- check the mounting brackets for the steering box first- they tend to crack and break turning the box loose and that sux going down the road. Also thoroughly check your steering linkage for worn joints- have a friend cycle the steering lock to lock while you look for things that appear loose/worn.

 

[IOPort51]

X2 it takes two to look at this problem.

If you don't have a a suspension lift I would not worry about caster angle- check the mounting brackets for the steering box first- they tend to crack and break turning the box loose and that sux going down the road. Also thoroughly check your steering linkage for worn joints- have a friend cycle the steering lock to lock while you look for things that appear loose/worn.

 

[Sasquach]

I have a 83 CJ7 that I bought recently that appears to have a 3" body lift. When driving down the road at speeds above 30 mph the vehicle tends to wander from side to side and constantly needs corrected. It feels like there is a lot of slop in the steering wheel as well, about 2-3". I have read and am unaware of where to start. Some mention caster angle while others mention steering gear. would a 3' body lift cause issues like these. Any help would be appreciated.

Did you read this? http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/

 

[Iron Duck]

I had the same prob with my 84 CJ7 . P posted a thread titled over responcive steering in steering and suspencion. I recieved great advice from a cople out friends maby this thread will help you out as well look it up under suspention and steering "Eric Palmer over responcieve steering."

 

[ftwflh]

I m working on this problem too.I am down to getting the front end aligned.Have put in a steering shaft,dropped pitman arm,new steering dampener,wheel bearings and a tie rod end.Wandering solved just has a pull now.