I believe stock caster is +1 degree isnt it? Those caster angles are way off my friend...someone correct me if I'm wrong please!
Steering is all over the place..Need opinions
- Thread starter FJ40 Newbie
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do a 6 degree shim maybe?
1911
chupacabra
What is your caster angle?
A power steering conversion will not compensate for an incorrect caster angle.
There is your problem right there. Stock spec is +1 degree; can be more for larger tires. You need to shim the front axle like Alaska60 said.
pb4ugo
SILVER Star
He's SOA, shouldn't he do a cut & turn?
he needs to find out whether that has been done already
Yup. It's not hard if you can weld. If not find the local TLCA chapter and find someone who has done it before.
- Thread starter
- #29
I think we have discovered the issue. The SOA lift has the knuckles at a funky angle. The knuckles were never cut and turned. So, it is either spend $750 and get the knuckles cut and turned or change the lift to a 2.5 inch SUA lift with all new suspension and springs, etc.
I am leaning toward the lift and doing it myself. Also going to tackle front disc and fix the rear while I am at it. There will be a lot of questions to ask, but it looks like something I should be able to do.
I am leaning toward the lift and doing it myself. Also going to tackle front disc and fix the rear while I am at it. There will be a lot of questions to ask, but it looks like something I should be able to do.
$750 will be a similar price to going back to SUA. You have to remember that you'll need to put new spring perches on and fix/undo everything else that was done during the SOA. If you can't do these things yourself you're likely better to pull a full axle from something else to put in.
Depending on how you want your truck to be when all is said and done (SOA or SUA) I'd consider finding someone who can do the cut and turn properly. Having them measure what angle you need and then helping them do it so you can pickup some of the skills involved.
- Thread starter
- #31
Here is the pic of the alignment. It no shakes at about 65mph, I assume too much toe in now.
Don't assume.
(in my limited experience, too much toe-in does not cause the shakes...)
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Your problem is caster. Based on those numbers you must have super scary steering. If your front shackles are stock length install some 6 degree shims and your steering will go from super scary to livable. If you have extended shackles you can shorten to stock length and install less degree of shim.
We like pictures, so post up some of the front end so we can see what else was done wrong on your SOA conversion.
- Thread starter
- #34
pics of the front end.
Here are pics of the stock springs that the PO bent to make the ride height what he wanted and the shims under the springs. (Are these the shims that everyone is reffering to?)
Here are pics of the stock springs that the PO bent to make the ride height what he wanted and the shims under the springs. (Are these the shims that everyone is reffering to?)
- Thread starter
- #35
as you can see why I am leaning towards the new lift to make this thing right. Attached are photos of the rear shock mounts where they were moved from and it looks like the stock position is still there if I want to go SUA.
- Thread starter
- #36
I believe I can go to SUA 4" lift from cool Cruisers and keep a similiar ride height and have to only change the rear shock mount position on the axle. Basically cut the SOA shock mount position off and be in business.
I will loose about 2" of lift from doing this but will still be able to clear the oil pan from the driveshaft. This appears to be all I would need to do. I would think the driveshaft length would be ok with 2 inches of less lift? It is all getting changed eventually as well.
I will loose about 2" of lift from doing this but will still be able to clear the oil pan from the driveshaft. This appears to be all I would need to do. I would think the driveshaft length would be ok with 2 inches of less lift? It is all getting changed eventually as well.
inkpot
SILVER Star
Your front springs are a disaster waiting to happen. Get rid of them. When your suspension compresses, it is going to cause a buckle where the two long leafs are bent and nesting together. They must be able to slid back and forth as the curve of the springs makes them longer/shorter. That bend is also causing way too much castor problem for the small amount of shim that is installed now. John
- Thread starter
- #38
I couldn't agree more. I will be in Dallas this week, so I think it might be an expensive trip to CCOT. I am swinging by ACC in Atlanta tomorrow with the rig to get their opinion as well.
