CJ7 steering and suspension ride

[razor1115]

So, just like everyone else, I am looking to make the ride in my CJ7 better. I joke that it's just one step above a tractor, but wasn't so great driving to Ouray, CO (22 hrs one way). And then, driving back.

I have an '85 with a leaf spring 3" lift. I have brand new Pro Comp 16" wheels with BFG KM2s (285-75R16). The tires actually ride pretty well.

Here is the gripes:

I bought the Jeep with a steering box that I could almost turn the wheel a 3/8 turn before any steering output from the front wheels. Knowing I had another at home, I swapped it, and it's much better (however, NOT great). I still have some play that at hiway speeds causes overcorrection in steering. How do I get this perfectly tight like a new car?

The Jeep also wanders alot. It uses the full lane width. All the bushings and joints are tight. I want this to track MUCH better at higher speeds. When we hit any pot holes or bumps here in the Midwest (and we have PLENTY), the Jeep tries to change lanes.

Now for trying to pass a semi tractor - the wind off the truck pushing my aerodynamic brick of a Jeep around is really not comfotable. Couple that with the steering and wandering, and at times, it gets a little white knuckled. :shock:

Lastly, I know I have leaf springs, but dang! I was in Ouray during an FJ four-wheel meet. Out on the trails, those guys left me IN THE DUST. In fact, every newer vehicle did. My Jeep was TOTALLY capable, but wasn't as quick as newer technology to drive at their pace. Is there anything other than fabbing up my own coil lift CJ suspension? Does one all ready exist? Would this solve my driving/steering issues?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

What brand of lift springs are you running? Some are inherently stiffer than others, and lift springs ride a lot stiffer than stock (flat) springs due to the large increase in arch and spring rate. One option would be to convert to a spring over axle setup with stock YJ springs, they're relatively flat and ride pretty well compared to most lift springs.

Also check your shackle bolts and make sure they're not overtightened. If they're too tight, the shackle will not move and allow the spring to lengthen as it compresses. Many will run a nylock nut on the shackle bolts so they can leave the nut a little more loose.

As for wander, have you had the jeep aligned? If everything in the steering and suspension is new/tight it should drive pretty well with the proper toe-in. My YJ has about 6" of lift with a spring over and it drives pretty good down the highway with no swaybar or trackbars, very similar to how a CJ would be setup.