WILD power steering....suggestions?

Hello All!

Quick question....

I upgraded the CJ to power steering with new leaf springs and shocks...went with sky jacker. I do have a steering stabilizer in place.

The ride? Well, pulling the trailer, offroading and in-town she is beautiful. On the highway, however, it is a whole different matter. The Steering wheel does not track, so where ever it is pointed, it goes. At 60+ miles an hour, she is down right scary!!! I never had this issue with manual steering. I feel as though I am always 1mm away from overcorrecting and rolling end over end down the highway.

Has this happene to anyone else? Is it all in my head? Someone suggested adding sway bars, is this a viable option? Any suggestions, even if it is for me to pull up my skirt and get used to it, are greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

Check to make sure the u-bolts are tight. They do stretch a bit after installation. Check all other steering and suspension components and frame for cracks. Changing suspension and steering can make existing problems show up because generally the new components are in better shape and don't hide issues. Also, what caster angle do you have? Ideal on a CJ is 5-7 degrees positive.

 

I imagine there could be a possibilty of a few issues going on at the same time, but the first question that comes to my mind is what is your caster angle up front? I'm assuming your sky jacker lift is a 2.5 or 4" lift? Were wedges installed with the new leaf springs? If not, your angle could be off which would yeild undesirable steering issues. Others here may know better, but I recall the desired caster angle to be roughly 6 degrees with the 4" lift. I'm not sure if it's the same for the 2.5" lift.

 

Sorry, as I was writing Ninkmill beat me to the caster question...R)

 

what steering gear did you install ?

 

x2 for caster issue...or just maybe he need a good align...

 

It is a crown unit.

 

I also agree on the caster but ,,,,,what about the steering box adjustment , could be set to tight ,that right there will not let the steering wheel center back up after a turn .

 

I just put a set of 5 degree shims on the front of mine and I can't believe the difference it made on how well it tracks now. the wheel centers itself. and there is no wonder at all, So much easier to drive. mind you mine is a manual box

 

O.k.....

-Caster angle..... Is there an easy way to check this? What kind of equipemtn do I need? Never done that before....Where to begin?

-Gear Box Adjustment...... Second verse, same as the first....what should I look for on the box?

Finally,
Will the box wear in over time?

Thank you all so much for your help and replies...

 

The EASY way to do this is to take it to your local tire shop or garage with an alignment machine, and ask them to set the alignment. Tell them you realize they can only set the toe, but you want the printout from the alignment machine. Should cost $50 or thereabouts. Then order shims to correct the caster, install them, and check the toe again.

IMO you're pretty much committed to checking and adjusting the alignment when you change springs. It's just part of the upgrade cost.

I would not mess with the steering gear until I had confirmed that the alignment is right. The adjustment is done with the steering gear on the bench. You'll need an inch-pound torque wrench. Any of the Jeep TSMs from the '70s or later will have the adjustment instructions. If this is a "new" remanufactured gear, I would assume that it is set up correctly - trouble with this part is much less likely than the alignment being wrong.

 

Thank you all! I like the tire shop idea. I do like to tinker, but compared to alot of people on this site I am a simpleton. I'll report back with where the caster angle was on the print-out. This gives me a great starting point.

Thanks again!