Wandering Jeepster

Jackdog, spent a couple hours today and replaced the front axle shims. Upon inspection, I had the 2 deg shims that came with my 4" lift kit in wrong (wide part pointing to the rear). I went ahead and replaced the 2 deg aluminum shims with 4 deg steel shims, made a world of difference. Prior to the switch, my commando would wander all over the road, especially above 50 mph, and even worse when I let off the gas, or applied the brakes. Now, though not a steady as my 2014 Chevy 3500HD, she is comfortable at 65 mph, and doesn't try to swerve when I let off the gas or apply the brakes.

Before the switch, I was running 2.3 deg negative caster (the caster towards the front) based upon measuring with my shop tool. Though I haven't measured, I suspect I'm 3.5 deg positive caster (the caster towards the rear).

 

I'll bet that negative caster was pretty spooky!

 

Glad you figured it out.
I have new ball joints and 2 and 4 degree shims ordered.

 

Got the parts and thought I would change the ball joints first. Got every thing down to the bare knuckles and noticed the ball joints were really tight. Got them pressed out and installed the new ones. Steering knuckles moved smoothly. Put everything back together and checked the caster. The angle meter read 7-8 degrees. Took it for a drive and the new ball joints made a big difference, can drive at 55 with one hand on the wheel. Got an appt. for alignment Tuesday and get a print out and go from there. If it is 7-8 degrees I may use the 2 degree shims to bring it to 5-6 degrees.

 

I like to run 6 in my Jeeps.

 

I bet it would be a handful.

 

Got a print out today
caster 4.5* left 4.7* right
camber 1.1* left 1.3* right
toe .15* left .10* right .25* total
Recommendations?

 

Assuming all suspension and steering components are in good condition I’d increase your faster to positive 6-7 degrees. 2 degree shims should get you there. I don’t remember degree to inches conversion but 3/32” toe in has always worked very well for me.

 

That's about what I run and it works great.

 

Everything is new except the spring bushings. ( on the list)
I've got 2* shims to install.
Now the toe, the guy at the shop said it was toed out a little. So I have to figured out how to get it toed in to an 1/8-3/32. I've seen threads on it here.

 

Toe out is bad for stability. Toe in should help.

 

Got the toe in set at an 1/8 and put 2* shims in and what a difference. Down a curvy road at 55 one hand on the wheel. Made me decide not to sell right now.

 

Congrats and tracking it down!

 

x2

 

My Jeepster I had years ago did the same thing till I upgraded the shackles. the front shackles would flop from side to side.