caster probs from 1" shackle lift?

[hoobness]

Is it possible that my crazy, uncontrollable jeep was born out of the 1" shackle lift I added?

I was reading a post from a while back and Snitty mentioned that -that can happen, and a remedy is to either remove the shackle lift, or correct the caster with some 1 - 2 degree shims. never thought of that.

I remember when i was swapping in my D44s that was a huge concern - KEEP THE CASTER THE SAME - the D44s were from a 88 grand waggy.

I swapped the axles and the shacles at the same time... Probably should have done them seperatly so I wouldnt have all these variables to track down!

Lets not forget I am still running without a front trac bar and steering dampner! Talk about a wild ride!!

reason for that is the trac bracket on the D44 doesnt line up with the YJ location. But thats a problem I am in the process of fixing - another post Ill be sure to show with pics, its very important and something I overlooked when i swapped the axles. But I found a solution and when its done Ill post it.

until then im driving a rollercoaster!! But anyway, opinions about the shackles - caster issue are appreciated!!

 

[redrooster]

Research what the original caster angle is supposed to be. When you figure that out, go buy a cheap magnetic angle finder from Harbor Freight and check your caster. If you don't have store nearby then order it from their website.
These things are also useful for checking pinion and driveshaft angles. They are well worth the $5 or less they sell for.

 

[redrooster]

Here you go:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34214

The bottom and sides are magnetic and the gauge reads all the way around. You can read it standing upright as shown or hanging upside down.

 

[TwistedCU]

RE: workin

I think it more likely that the problem may have been slightly amplified by the change in caster from your extended shackles, but a 1" shackle lift wont cause a "crazy, uncontrollable" Jeep on it's own.

How well is the front end aligned?

Besides, with no trackbar and the lack of a stablilizer don't you think you are putting the cart before the horse???

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

It'll steer like a cart before the horse, since the steering and all roadforce push the axle side to side. Longer shackles magnify the problem. Sounds like you already know the fix.

 

[Junkpile]

It's not the shackles alone, but I agree that they might be a contributing factor. No steering stabilizer? :shock: What about the condition of all of your steering components? Bushings? Balljoints?

 

[hoobness]

RE: Pics?

one of these days i want to go all HD heims if thats possible on a on/off road vehicle.

I imagine the balljoints and bushings are in the average condition of a 17 year old jeep. They are from a late 80s grand waggy.

I need a bracket for the axle end of the dampner to attach it. I have seen the rancho unit, looks like Ill probly go with that one when I get the $$. As for the tracbar, I have a guy that is going to fab something up that drops it from the frame where near where the stock YJ mount was. He'll then figure out something on the axle end. hopefully it fixes it. then ill get it aligned, and all will hopefully be ok...

 

[redrooster]

Save yourself some fab time and order the brackets from Blue Torch Fab. Have them welded on and you're good to go. Much better than bolt on bracket and probably cheparer too.