Drivers Caster 8* Pass 4*

jddelrosso · 09-06-2010, 06:36 PM

As stated in the title im having some caster issues. I installed a skyjacker 2.5" lift along with 1/2" lift shackles. I have new bushing in the springs and the shocks are new via the skyjacker kit. When I installed the kit I had pulled the sway bar and track bar and installed a GC pitman arm. That pitman arm was making contact with the tie rod going over bumps so I installed a Cherokee arm and the only issue I was having was wandering steering at anything over about 35MPH. I decided to go back to stock steering and installed the stock pitman arm and track bar and now have some scary bump steer, not all the time just over bad bumps. I had set my toe not too long ago so I believe that should be within normal range, so I measured my caster and determined that the angles are off driver to passenger. I thought that I may have screwed something up during the install so I jacked the jeep up, loosened everything, disconnected the track bar, put the jeep on the ground and gave it a good shake and then tightened everything up again. I remeasured and am still having the caster issue and it did not change by my re torque attempt. I am trying to make the jeep safe to drive on major roads and am not having much luck. any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Jeremy

**Mean Max** · 09-06-2010, 06:40 PM

Jeremy, can you post up some clear pics of the steering arms? This will help tremendously!

Max

jddelrosso · 09-06-2010, 06:46 PM

I will take some pics of the steering/axles/suspension tomorrow after work when there is some sunlight

jddelrosso · 09-06-2010, 07:42 PM

Something I forgot to mention and am not sure it is relevant but during the install of the lift I had to pry the springs to line up with the alignment pins. I am not sure if this is normal or caused by the fact that the track bar was hooked up during the install but I figured i would mention the fact.

**Mean Max** · 09-06-2010, 07:45 PM

That shouldn't be a big deal. As long as everything ended up where it needs to be, it should be fine.

Track bars on or off right now?

Max

jddelrosso · 09-06-2010, 07:51 PM

Right now I have just the front track bar on with the stock pitman arm. The draglink (?) appears to be almost parallel to the track bar which I have read is supposed to be good

**Mean Max** · 09-06-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jddelrosso

Right now I have just the front track bar on with the stock pitman arm. The draglink (?) appears to be almost parallel to the track bar which I have read is supposed to be good

If you're running a track bar, the drag link should be parallel with it.

However, an unaltered track bar combined with a lift will present a constant pull on the axle towards the driver's side.

Ditch the track bar & go for a ride.

Max

jddelrosso · 09-06-2010, 08:04 PM

I had taken the track bar off, and the bump steer was not too bad with the cherokee pitman arm. My main concern is that at higher speeds the steering is pretty loose. I am also concerned about the caster but if the bump steer and wandering was ok I would deal with that later

**Mean Max** · 09-06-2010, 08:11 PM

We have 2 YJs and neither one has had a track or sway bar in several years now.

As long as your other items are in good shape, the handling characteristics will be easily to get used to.

Check these items:
Ball joints
Wheel bearings
Tie rod ends
Leaf spring bushings (main eye & shackle ends)

Any of these items that have significant wear/slop will result in very loose handling.

Max