Swaying with a load fix, I hope!

[hdgapeach]

Didn't really know how to title the issue but here's the explanation:

My '76 CJ5 rides great down the road. No bump steer or caster issues and the steering is tight like it should be............so long as I don't have the hitch haul loaded. It has a 4" suspension lift and no sway bars front or rear. Never had them as far as I can tell.

I have a decent homemade rear bumper with a receiver for a hitch. I use a hitch haul sometimes to tote heavy stuff around and when I have a load on it, the Jeep has a tendency to get squirrelly on the road. My next upgrade is going to be adding a swing out spare tire carrier to the rear bumper. I want it to be capable of storing my hi-lift jack and maybe a jerry can or two.

Since my "he11 box" riding on the hitch haul causes handling issues, I imagine the tire carrier with the spare, jack and cans will probably cause the same problem. I also tow a utility trailer pretty regular and the tongue weight hanging on the receiver does not cause swaying. I really thought that would cause the same problem, but it doesn't.

What's y'alls suggestions that might reduce the swaying problem I have when toting a load? I really need to get the spare mounted 'cause the way my luck runs, it's only a matter of time before I'll need it!! I'm hoping a sway bar might be the answer but I wanted some input from y'all before adding one. The front has a homemade bumper and a Warn 6,000 lb. winch. Thought I'd add that info in case the added weight up front might factor in.

 

[Torxhead]

A couple of things come to mind to cut down on sway. Not having long spring shackles or skinny tires should be at the top of the list. A good set of off-road shocks would help also.

 

[hdgapeach]

Thankee sir. My shackles are stock dimensions and your suggestion did make me think I ought to inspect all the suspension bushing. It's been a while since I've upgraded to new ones. That could very well be a contributor.

Tires! Never would've thunk it, but now that you mentioned it, they are narrow tires. They're all terrains with a tall and very flexible sidewall (due to the light load rating). Been looking for a good excuse to go to a larger set with a more aggressive tread. Now if I can sell the idea to the better half............

 

[IOPort51]

I don't know how much weight you are carrying on the hitch carrier but the weight distrobution is totally different from a trailer tongue. just a question of leverage. I picked up about 4oo# of rocks up in okyhoma, once upon a time,and thought I would cruise back at 60 MPH. didn't happen quite like that, first little twitch or bump and things got exciting preppy quick. The truck is a lot better for hauling and the CJ may pull a trailer just fine but it doesn't stop it for squat.

If there is no other choice I guess I would say some try some new shocks, check the tire pressure and keep your head in the game.

 

[caveman]

Because of the leverage, Putting 100 pounds in the hitch haul is like putting 200 pounds in the back of the jeep. You don't say how much you put back there. If your tires can stand it, Try putting more air in your tires. A heavier set of tires and/or shocks would help also.

 

[Fastatv]

Didn't really know how to title the issue but here's the explanation:

My '76 CJ5 rides great down the road. No bump steer or caster issues and the steering is tight like it should be............so long as I don't have the hitch haul loaded. It has a 4" suspension lift and no sway bars front or rear. Never had them as far as I can tell.

I have a decent homemade rear bumper with a receiver for a hitch. I use a hitch haul sometimes to tote heavy stuff around and when I have a load on it, the Jeep has a tendency to get squirrelly on the road. My next upgrade is going to be adding a swing out spare tire carrier to the rear bumper. I want it to be capable of storing my hi-lift jack and maybe a jerry can or two.

Since my "he11 box" riding on the hitch haul causes handling issues, I imagine the tire carrier with the spare, jack and cans will probably cause the same problem. I also tow a utility trailer pretty regular and the tongue weight hanging on the receiver does not cause swaying. I really thought that would cause the same problem, but it doesn't.

What's y'alls suggestions that might reduce the swaying problem I have when toting a load? I really need to get the spare mounted 'cause the way my luck runs, it's only a matter of time before I'll need it!! I'm hoping a sway bar might be the answer but I wanted some input from y'all before adding one. The front has a homemade bumper and a Warn 6,000 lb. winch. Thought I'd add that info in case the added weight up front might factor in.

I'm def not a suspension expert but I would think a sway bar might be your answer here, especially if you have a really "soft ride" suspension. I have two friends with CJ5 's, and soft ride suspension installed, and both have a great deal of sway.....and that's without a load. Both are adding some sort of sway bar and their telling me the sway bars are a "quik release" type. For road driving, have the sway bar connected, then disconnect when off roading. If you would like, I can try to get more info from them.

 

[hdgapeach]

I don't know how much weight you are carrying on the hitch carrier but the weight distrobution is totally different from a trailer tongue. just a question of leverage. I picked up about 4oo# of rocks up in okyhoma, once upon a time,and thought I would cruise back at 60 MPH. didn't happen quite like that, first little twitch or bump and things got exciting preppy quick. The truck is a lot better for hauling and the CJ may pull a trailer just fine but it doesn't stop it for squat.

If there is no other choice I guess I would say some try some new shocks, check the tire pressure and keep your head in the game.

Don't know the exact poundage, but I can pick the "get back" box full of stuff by myself without much straining. I'm guessing less than AMC 150 lbs. My trailer tongue weight is more than that sometimes. I've hauled the trailer full of firewood out of the woods and down the road without problems. Stopping hasn't been an issue with the trailer. Good brakes all the way around and the smaller trailer are probably the cause for the "no" issue with that. The trailer is a 5' X 8'.

I'm taking your advice with the shock suggestion. They were on it when I bought it in 2000. New shocks can't hurt! Thanks, head's always in the game; it's a CJ for heaven's sake!

 

[hdgapeach]

Because of the leverage, Putting 100 pounds in the hitch haul is like putting 200 pounds in the back of the jeep. You don't say how much you put back there. If your tires can stand it, Try putting more air in your tires. A heavier set of tires and/or shocks would help also.

Shopping for shocks as we speak. Possibly tires also. Until new kicks are bought, I'm going to see what results I can get out of air pressure adjustments with the narrow tires that's on there now. I'll let y'all know if there's great differences with the loaded ride.

 

[hdgapeach]

I'm def not a suspension expert but I would think a sway bar might be your answer here, especially if you have a really "soft ride" suspension. I have two friends with CJ5 's, and soft ride suspension installed, and both have a great deal of sway.....and that's without a load. Both are adding some sort of sway bar and their telling me the sway bars are a "quik release" type. For road driving, have the sway bar connected, then disconnect when off roading. If you would like, I can try to get more info from them.

I imagine your correct. A sway bar definitely wouldn't make the problem worse. The 4" lift is nothing I would consider a soft ride suspension. Now that I have corrected the reverse shackle hack job that was on it when I got it, she rides like a dream compared to then. Still, I'd consider it a little stiff.

I'm going to consider adding the sway bar last. I want to make sure bushings, shocks and tires are not contributing to the problem before adding a bar. I may be paranoid but I don't want to hide fixable problems by solving this issue with a sway bar right off the bat. Biggest question I have about a sway bar is which one, front or rear? Or both? I don't even think I'd need the quick disconnects. I go off road, but don't do the trail riding thing. When I'm off road, it's in the interest of hunting, fishing or farming around mid-west Georgia. Articulation isn't a big priority for me. Getting out of the mud hole and up the hills, is.

Thanks, I'd appreciate any links you can send me about the sway bar set up they use.