Castor shims??

[Malahki]

I installed the OME lift kit on my BJ74, re drilled the spring perches to move the axle ahead 1 inch and added 35 inch tires. Since doing so I have also installed the 4 piece tie rod end link kit, new steering stabalizer, sway bar extension and had a wheel alignment.

Needless to say the truck handles worse then ever. The only thing I can think of that is causing handling issue is the 2 1/2* shims that I used on the front. I used them on the back for a little more pinion angle but I think it may have been a mistake adding them to the front because it is changing the castor angle. Any thoughts on the subject would be helpful.

 

[Greg_B]

Take your truck to an alignment shop and see what the caster is. Should not cost much to simply have them hang the system on your wheels and get a printout. Have them check the toe-in too. Then you will know what you have, and where you need to go. I believe factory caster is 1 deg + or - a little. Most folks give a little more positive caster the larger the tire.

Your diff pinion face angle needs to match the pinion face angle of the t-case output flange it connects too (within a certain range...otherwise vibes will occur). Unless you are going to point the diff pinion right at the t-case flange...then you would need a double carden.

Search is your friend here with caster, toe-in, tire size and driveline vibes.

hth's

gb

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

You should not need to install spring shims with OME leaf springs.

X2 on getting an alignment done - look for a shop that has experience working on leaf-sprung 4x4s like J**P CJ/YJs, Chevy K5 Blazers, etc.

Good luck!

Alan

 

[Malahki]

I forgot to mention that I used the extended anti inversion shackles, that was the reason for the caster shims. However I screwed up big time and installed the front shims in the wrong direction. This brought up the pinion angle but made the caster angle that much worse. I cant believe the alignment shop didn't catch this. I have since re installed the shims in the proper direction and the truck handles great.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Glad to hear that it was a cheap and easy fix!

-Alan

 

[boogie74]

Hey BJ 71,

I'm interested in finding out about your sway bar extension. I recently did the 1" diff move and my sway bar is poping the rubbers on the front diff.

So yeah... I just wanted to know why and how you did the sway bar extension cause it might help me with my problem. The sway bar on mine bangs against the diff whenever I hit a bump cause the rubber wont stay in its bracket on the drivers side. Its probly not causing any damage its just annoying and I want to have everything right with the truck.

Cheers,

Gav.

 

[Malahki]

I am not sure what brand it was but basically along with new rubber bushings it is just a longer bolt with a longer spacer between the bushings.