Begging the Collective Mud Brain: after 1.5 years and 3 mechanics, post-lift handling still sucks!!!

[OVERRIT]

I think I have a pretty common set-up, but I STILL can't get rid of the twitchy, tippy-feeling handling on freeways.

It's a '97 LC, got the white color, and 1.5 years ago I set out to make it better:

Short Bus, step sliders, Slee double swing out rear bumper, 285/75/16 Goodyear MTRK's, OME 2.5" heavy lift.

Yellow 2* bushings NO help--all over the road twitchy/darty.

Graduated to Slee 3* bushings which got me +2.1* caster. Somewhat less terrifying.

Eventually found the best mechanic in Reno (TJ at National Sierra Motorcars), and he installed Slee caster bearings and did a washer mod. Got me up to +3.8* caster. Some better.

Did u-joints, wheel bearings, lengthened the panhard, installed a bearing to hold steering column at firewall (shouldn't there have been one there?)...and has been dialing in more toe-in...and there's talk of adjustable control arms.

On the last trip up to Big Rock Canyon north of the Black Rock Desert--pictures included--nobody wanted to drive on the freeway! Still twitchy at speed, and turning always inspires tip-over pucker. Friend drove it who has a LC with 4" OME and 35's and he says my handling sucks by comparison. Always feels like it wants to tip over when you turn, always moving around in its freeway lane (well, at least it pretty much stays in one lane now).

Just measured from flares to cement and the right side is .5" higher than the left. Is this anything???

It's headed back to the shop on Friday for a steering box transplant, but after all this time and effort, I'm no longer as optimistic as I once was.

I'm really hoping the Collective Mud Brain can help us zero in on the cause...

Many thanks and here are some pics...

G

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Just a few thoughts: Seems a lil ass heavy. Do you have a front winch to help balance it out? Twitchy usually means not enough toe in. How much toe in do you have?

 

[Qball]

you sure the front wheel bearings are good? Have you tried the wiggle test?

 

[9780LC]

I had this and know exactly what you are talking about. You need to tighten up your steering box so you gave less play in your steering wheel.

 

[OVERRIT]

Summit: yes, I have a winch in there--and yes it was loaded down for that trip, but the handling is equally awful loaded or unloaded.

Qball: bearings are newly replaced and wiggle-free.

 

[OVERRIT]

I had this and know exactly what you are talking about. You need to tighten up your steering box so you gave less play in your steering wheel.

Re-built steering box will go in this Friday...I'm really hoping that's it...

 

[Dragos80]

Steering stabilizer?

 

[scottryana]

Check the steering box to see if it has loosened up a touch that leads to a wandering/chasing feeling. Doesn't describe your tippy feeling though. Maybe put it on a frame rack and see if something is bent?

 

[OVERRIT]

Steering stabilizer?

I'm pretty sure TJ would have checked that, but I'll sure find out.

Oh, neglected to mention initially: the TREs have been replaced too.

 

[Qball]

Looks like you have reverse stink bug which definitely will effect steering. But your caster is at 3.8? Sounds like something is loose, I would jack the front axle up and check for play in the steering system.

 

[baldilocks]

Crazy question I know but, are your anti-sway bars installed? Are all the connection points solid? Have you gone though all suspension bushings? A worn steering box can contribute to wander but not so much the twitchiness you describe.

 

[OVERRIT]

How much toe in do you have?

Toe-in is .58* right, .25* left.

 

[OVERRIT]

Looks like you have reverse stink bug which definitely will effect steering.

Unloaded the rear sits 1" higher than the front; loaded it's about equal--but here's the kicker: handling is awful loaded or empty.

 

[OVERRIT]

Check the steering box to see if it has loosened up a touch that leads to a wandering/chasing feeling.

Hey Scott: can the steering box be tightened up? Don't you just have to re-build/replace it?

 

[OVERRIT]

Steering stabilizer?

are your anti-sway bars installed?

Yep and yep.

 

[OVERRIT]

Toe-in is .58* right, .25* left.

That's front toe-in...and will get that evened out Friday.

But rear toe is: Left -.17* and Right +.24* -- could that be a factor?

 

[9780LC]

The steering box is adjustable to a point. I believe it'll take two screw turns or so. Once the turns are exhausted, it is time to rebuild. I fixed my issues with a 1/2 turn adjustment. "How to" can be easily found through a search. It will take less than 10 minutes.

 

[OVERRIT]

The steering box is adjustable to a point.

Will give it a shot and check back in, thanks.

 

[lumbee1]

Hey Scott: can the steering box be tightened up? Don't you just have to re-build/replace it?

There is a screw on top of the steering box that can be adjusted. You should have 40mm of dead zone on the steering wheel according to the FSM. When I got my Cruiser, it was a two hander. Both hands HAD to be on the wheel at all times to control the vague steering. I checked the entire steering linkage before I came across a post about the adjustment on the box. Once I tightened mine up (2/3 of a full turn) my Cruiser drives great. 3 1/2 years later and still very smooth with one hand operation.

 

[inkpot]

Have you ever looked at the bushings in your rear control arms? There are 8 of them and they are important. They also must torque to 130#. The are also 2 more of them on the frame end of the front radius arms that may not have been replaced with all the yellow bushings.