Steering

[Germy]

I have a new shaft, ps pump and lines, new ps gear box, 1/2 inch steel bracket, new drag and tie rod. Tie rod flip complete. It's all over the road. Where should I go from here?


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[Torxhead]

Alignment, high lifts do a good job at screwing these up. As old as the CJ is, everything you have not listed could be worn out also.

 

[hole]

Ball joints too

 

[Scooter402]

I was also going to say ball joints. Check your wheel bearings, spring bushings, etc. Basically anything that holds the front (and rear) axle to the frame, any joint/connection in steering. Check them all for ANY slop at all.

 

[Germy]

Ok, the alignment is way off. I know this. They are kinda facing inward. Any way to properly align at home?

 

[Scooter402]

Measuring from the same height in the sidewall between the tires in front of the axle, and then behind the axle, you want to aim for approximately 1/8" of toe in. That will be a VERY rough "driveway" alignment, but at least it may help get it handling better until you can take it to an alignment shop.

 

[Torxhead]

Germy, first thing I would consider for front end wandering would be the castor alignment. Going to a minimal front spring shackle length can help and you might have to add wedges to the front axle also. An inspection here can be made with a protractor/level. Ball joints, front spring bushings, and wheel bearing tightness have been mentioned.

 

[Old Dog]

I don't remember who linked to this awhile back but It's a really good read with lots of info in an easy to read doc. http://mysite.verizon.net/res108eps...ilderfiles/Steering-and-suspension-basics.pdf

If you know all your tie rod ends are new (right?) and the ball joints are good, than I think a good alignment is what you need.

 

[Germy]

Have to check ball joints. Probably have to pay someone to replace them. Looks like a b....

 

[tarry99]

Have to check ball joints. Probably have to pay someone to replace them. Looks like a b....

Once you get "EVERYTHING" checked or replaced thats Loose, worn, bent or broken & fixed up there ( this includes spring bushings and shackles )then you can try to align the front end...............doing so now is a waste of time.

 

[Germy]

Ball joints

 

[hole]

Germy, ball joints aren't that bad to do. You can use a ball joint tool/press or a BFH and some old sockets to drive them in and out. Make sure you use geaseable ball joints (I used Moog)

 

[Germy]

How would I press them in? Getting them out I'm sure with be easier

 

[tarry99]

How would I press them in? Getting them out I'm sure with be easier

Go to Harbor Freight and buy a cheap ball joint press kit.........you'll never get those in and out without damage unless you make or buy the proper tools. There is a ton of force on those joints and if there rusted even harder.

 

[Germy]

Go to Harbor Freight and buy a cheap ball joint press kit.........you'll never get those in and out without damage unless you make or buy the proper tools. There is a ton of force on those joints and if there rusted even harder.

Ill look into it. See how much it is. I'm kinda scared to mess with em. I have to research it more.take brakes off, then I get nervous.

 

[Germy]

Ok, saw a few vids. Easy enough with the tool, would save me 500 bucks. I'm concerned with how to get to the joints. The knuckle has to be removed. Do I replace that while I'm at it?

 

[tarry99]

Ok, saw a few vids. Easy enough with the tool, would save me 500 bucks. I'm concerned with how to get to the joints. The knuckle has to be removed. Do I replace that while I'm at it?

Your replacing the ball joints, top and bottom on the spindle. You will probably have to rent, buy, borrow a pickle fork which is most times needed to get the two ball joint tapered shafts top & bottom released from the Large C shaped casting on the axle......the tool acts like a wedge and forces the shaft out of the housing once you remove the top and bottom nuts.
Once out you now have the spindle and the upper and lower joints............pay attention to which way they come out and steps to get them out.....its like a 1,2,3,4 on the way out and a 4.3.2.1 going back in.........
Look on You Tube there is some instructional video's on there that should help you.

You may also be able to rent that ball joint set at a NAPA store?

 

[Germy]

Your replacing the ball joints, top and bottom on the spindle. You will probably have to rent, buy, borrow a pickle fork which is most times needed to get the two ball joint tapered shafts top & bottom released from the Large C shaped casting on the axle......the tool acts like a wedge and forces the shaft out of the housing once you remove the top and bottom nuts.
Once out you now have the spindle and the upper and lower joints............pay attention to which way they come out and steps to get them out.....its like a 1,2,3,4 on the way out and a 4.3.2.1 going back in.........
Look on You Tube there is some instructional video's on there that should help you.

You may also be able to rent that ball joint set at a NAPA store?

So the axle, back plate and spindle all come off as one? Trying to visualize. The mechanic told me to look into u joint replacement too.

 

[Germy]

So the axle, back plate and spindle all come off as one? Trying to visualize. The mechanic told me to look into u joint replacement too.

Isnt a u joint in driveline?

 

[tarry99]

So the axle, back plate and spindle all come off as one? Trying to visualize. The mechanic told me to look into u joint replacement too.

The U-joints in your front axles..............at the spindle where it turns.