Slight wandering issue

[smarks]

I am attempting to find the cause of wandering in my '01 LX w/ 53K miles. I have the 1.5" OME lift with ARB front and Slee rear bumpers. After the lift install, I took it in for an alignment and the bozo at NTB said he "struggled getting it within specs". There is also a slight rattle over bumps coming from the right front end.

Upon inspection, the only thing that I can find suspicious is that the right UCA is shifted on a horizontal axis within the bracket. By comparison, the driver side sits square in its bracket. With the right wheel in the air, I can take a screwdriver and get some play within the UCA bushing. Do you think this is the culprit?

Thanks in advance,
Spencer

 

[spressomon]

Any play in the front steering/suspension components can contribute to imprecise steering. So yes if your ball joint or inner UCA bushings are worn then this would be a contributing factor. Are they OEM UCA? However its very strange, with only 53k miles, you would have any suspension/steering components that are worn.

Did the alignment tech give you the print out of before and after adjustment specs?

What is the current measurement from your front hub center straight up vertically to the lower lip of the fender? Generally you want to stay at or below 21.5" or you'll get more torque induced and/or inaccurate steering. And you want to retain the OEM ~1" rake rear to front for best handling.

 

[smarks]

Spresso,
I'll search for the print out of the alignment as well as measure the hub to fender distance when I get home. While installing lift, bumpers, etc., it appears that the little old lady that owned this prior to me might have had a minor fender-bender that did not show up on the Carfax. I can only speculate that maybe that accident might have caused some premature bushing failure on the UCA. Also, this vehichle spent some time in a coastal environment due to some rust issues that I have had on some parts that I have replaced. Maybe that played a part in it as well...

Thanks for the response.

Spencer