shimmy advice needed

[davet]

I replaced my front spring and frame bushings, kingpin bearings, adjusted the wheel bearings and have a newer stabilzer shock. I have 3-piece rod ends for steering linkage so thats tight. Seems to have started after I removed a leaf from my front spring pack. I'm running 31x10.50-15 BFG's on 15x10 aluminums on the street. My homemade steering shaft has a slight amount of side to side play in it at the slip joint and my front springs are very very soft. I haven't checked the toe in lately. Could any of these things contribute to the wobble? I've run these tires and rim size for years without problem. When it happens I have to come to nearly a complete stop to get it to settle down. I think the front springs are too soft and causing the axle to cycle up and down so fast that it's affecting the steering. Is that possible? Thanks.

[Posimoto]

I'd check the toe-in first. I had an incredible wobble when I'd hit a pothole and it turned out I had no toe-in so the wheels started cycling back and forth like crazy. Set toe-in and everything was fine.

[davet]

Thanks. I've always just set the 2 wheels parallel with each other. How much toe in should I set in?

[msbweiland]

I'd go with just a touch. Use a tape measure to set it. It'll make it track a lot better. After a few miles feel your tread. If you feel a feathered ridge on the outside edge of the tread you've gone too far. :D

[Boyink]

Take a look at:


We will initially set zero toe-in, which means the wheels are parallel. Then each tie rod is shortened one-half turn, which will pull the front of each wheel inwards the specified amount. The actual toe-in never needs to be measured if the wheels can accurately be set parallel for an initial step. What could be simpler?

[davet]

Thanks, I'll try that.

[66cj5]

Check the friction on the kingpins. Should have about 10 pounds of pull w/fish scale.

[davet]

Check the friction on the kingpins. Should have about 10 pounds of pull w/fish scale.

Thats with the felt seal removed correct?

[66cj5]

Yes. If there is to much friction, remove shims, If more is needed add shims. Also check the bearing cups for wear.

[davet]

Thanks.

[Grinsha]

The tires might be out of balance.
Mine did the same thing untill i had the rebalanced.

[iowa]

my jeep has a little shimmy
between 50-60mph
it has a shock attached to
the steering.
can one still buy these?
where?
thanks
dave

[sparky]

That "shimmy" is likely due to your tire balance, Iowa.