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Help With Steering

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Johns1967CJ5, Aug 19, 2023.

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  1. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    positive caster tilts the top of the kingpin axis back toward the rear of the axle...(it will raise the knuckle steering arms up higher, and will rotate the pinon on the back of the carrier downward).
    Is you your current 3 degrees of tilt positive or negative. If positive, then you could try using either the 2 or 4 degree shims (they would add to the 3 degrees you already have). If that current 3 degrees you measured is negative caster, then you are going to need the 8 degree shims - those will removed the the negative 3 degrees and give you close to 5 degrees of positive.
    Might depend on the thickness of the shim....Its been a while since I did mine, but I think I was able to add a 5 degree shim without having to used a new leaf spring pack bolt....Obviously, I did have to remove the existing bolt (use some c-clamps to hold the spring pack together while removing the bolt), add in the shim, and then bolt it all back together. If a longer bolt is needed, use it. Also, up to you, but CW is that re-using your U-bolts isn't great practice, but ymmv........heck, mine are usually so hard to get off from mushroomed bolt ends etc, that its easier to just cut them and replace.
     
    FinoCJ, Aug 20, 2023
    #21
  2. Johns1967CJ5

    Johns1967CJ5 Sponsor

    It has 3 degree positive caster right now (top kingpin tilted towards rear) my u bolts are brand new, should come off easy
     
    Johns1967CJ5, Aug 20, 2023
    #22
    Fireball likes this.
  3. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I would get 4 degree shims and be prepared to swap the center bolts. It will make a very noticeable difference in the way the Jeep drives.
     
    Fireball, Aug 20, 2023
    #23
  4. Johns1967CJ5

    Johns1967CJ5 Sponsor

    Thank you
     
    Johns1967CJ5, Aug 20, 2023
    #24
  5. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    For what it's worth here's the location of the marks on some original parts.

    On these two sector shafts, the mark seems to bisect the pins. That would say the neutral position is with the mark 90 degrees to the steering column:
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And here is the orientation of the mark on the pitman arm relative to the mark:
    [​IMG]
     
    Fireball, Aug 20, 2023
    #25
  6. Johns1967CJ5

    Johns1967CJ5 Sponsor

    Those marks are absent on the new parts. I'll try to find the old ones but probably tossed them. We'll see what happens with these shims, I'll keep you posted
     
    Johns1967CJ5, Aug 20, 2023
    #26
    Fireball likes this.
  7. Johns1967CJ5

    Johns1967CJ5 Sponsor

    So I was looking thru the service manual this morning and the caster spec is 3 degrees which I'm at right now. Should I still shim it with the 4 degree shims ?
     
    Johns1967CJ5, Aug 21, 2023
    #27
  8. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    The general consensus here is that you want 5-6 degrees. Mine is at 5 and it tracks pretty well.
     
    colojeepguy, Aug 21, 2023
    #28
    Fireball, FinoCJ and Johns1967CJ5 like this.
  9. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Yes, the factory caster spec is not enough for modern roads and vehicle speeds. 5-7 is where you want to be.
     
    Fireball, Aug 21, 2023
    #29
    FinoCJ and Johns1967CJ5 like this.
  10. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    X3....add more caster!
     
    FinoCJ, Aug 21, 2023
    #30
    Johns1967CJ5 and Fireball like this.
  11. Johns1967CJ5

    Johns1967CJ5 Sponsor

    I got the shims in, what a difference. It runs straight and true now BUUUT
    I still have around 3" of play in the wheel when turning, even with the tight steer.

    [​IMG]

    U bolts not tightened yet in pic
    [​IMG]
     
    Johns1967CJ5, Aug 30, 2023
    #31
    Fireball and homersdog like this.
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