74 Steering Issue????

[boogie74]

Hi All,

I just wanted to ask if any of you have had steering issues with your 70 series cruisers? My steering has always been a bit off. Pulling to the left (Right hand drive vehicle).

About six months ago I rebuilt the front end, moved the diff forward an inch, replaced the tie rod ends and drag links and more recently I bleed the power steering, put in extended sway bar connects, bushes, caster shims, and shocks. Then got a wheel alignment.

The problem is that my rig still pulls to the left. Not to bad but I've always got to grab the steering wheel and hold it straight when driving. It just wants to run off the road. I'm running 33x12.5x15 Cooper STT's. Would the wheel size have anything to do with it? Is there a way to change the wheel camber on the BJ74 left front wheel?

There is a problem but I'm not sure if it's the way these rigs are built or if I have a major front end problem. Be good to hear any ideas or experiences.

Cheers,

Gav.

 

[NTFJ45]

Hi Boogie,

You can get camber kits, maybe take it to a 4wd suspension specialist to check the set up.

Here is a link to the camber kits, and specialist will sell the same gear
Toyota - Camber-Kits - AutoCarParts.com

 

[Gold Boy]

new ball joints and a wheel alignment worked wonders for my 74's steering, which you have already done.

 

[boogie74]

Thanks for the replies,

I've been looking for offset knuckle bearings to fix the problem. Just cant seem to find any suppliers.
The front end is set up alright as far as I know. The 4wd shop where I got the alignment done said they do the offset knuckle bearings but at $500. It is something I can do myself once I find the part. I just wanted to know how other peoples cruisers handled. Its not a sports car but it should still track straight down the road. If you took yours hands off my steering wheel you would hit a tree within 50 metres.

Couldn't find them on your link NT. I'll just keep looking or go to the bearing shop and have a talk to them.

EDIT: Found what I was looking for. Eccentric Knuckle Bearing. Looks like you fit it to one side. In my case the left. I will have to get camber, caster and toe in measurements to have something to compare the changes and have a target camber degree to aim for.

SSTC-10 Fitment Guide - Safe T Steer

Enjoy!!

Cheers,

Gav.

 

[Malahki]

I have the same set up as you with the axle moved ahead, caster shims, extended shackles, 2 1/2 OME lift, 35x12.5/15 tires, new tie rod end links and a wheel alignment. My 74 goes straight and smooth.

A good alignment shop should give you a computer print out with all your measurements for caster ect...

Is it possible that when you moved your axle ahead your new centering holes on the spring perches are not perfectly even??

 

[boogie74]

Is it possible that when you moved your axle ahead your new centering holes on the spring perches are not perfectly even??

Yes I have suspected this and I will measure the wheel distances from front to back wheels to give me an indication of the alignment of the front diff move. However I did measure it when I drilled and checked it numerous times before I drilled the pilot holes for the spring locating bolt.

The problem was exactly the same before the diff move. It didn't positively or negtively effect the steering. I think negative camber is the issue. I'll see when I get the results back from the alignment shop.