I just installed a Rough Country 2.5 lift with 33x12.5x15 on the stock wheels on my 2004 Unlimited. This required Rough Country wheel spacers to avoid rubbing. I also added 1 3/4 inch spring spacers to front to level it updue to front end droop caused by winch weight. After alignment, I am getting a slight steering wheel shake at speeds around 45. After bringing it back to the shop, I am now told vibration is caused by the use of wheel spacers, and if I were to get aftermarket wheels with proper back spacing, ditch the wheel spacers, this vibration can be avoided. Does this make sense?
steering vibration
- Thread starter docleary
- Start date
Tires are balanced, & surface was clean & tight. Only thing I've noticed is that the driver side spring seems to be not centered on base of spring spacer, seems to hang over 1/4 inch towards front. If spring has shifted since the initial alignment, I'm guessing this could cause a steering shimmy?
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
The '04 does not come with adjustable cam bolts for caster adjustment, and I doubt the 2.5" lift came with longer lower control arms. How did the alignment shop correct the caster?
I suspect you need more caster. I add cam bolts to the axle end of the front lower control arms and max out the caster for a 2" lift, you will need at least that much caster if not more.
The spacers will behave exactly like a wheel with the same difference in backspacing, whomever told you an offset wheel would be an improvement doesn't know what they're talking about. Wheel spacers don't generally cause vibes.
I suspect you need more caster. I add cam bolts to the axle end of the front lower control arms and max out the caster for a 2" lift, you will need at least that much caster if not more.
The spacers will behave exactly like a wheel with the same difference in backspacing, whomever told you an offset wheel would be an improvement doesn't know what they're talking about. Wheel spacers don't generally cause vibes.
Update to my earlier post on steering vibration/wheel specer issues. I just had my tires rebalanced by someone else this time-they were off a bit. They agreed that the spacers shouldn't be an issue at all. I then picked up a Rancho steering stabilizer & just finished installing it. Easy installation. Took a long test drive and vibration problem is gone! Thanks for everyones input! I will report back if poblem returns.
