Suspension woes

Re: Suspension woes w/ pics

I spoke to an off-roader that owns the local tire shop and the first thing he asked was if the springs were on backwards. I said I did'nt know but they seemed to be. I looked at them this morning before work and measured from the eye to the centering bolt from both ends and it measured the same. :?

The steering stab will not help this condition. It's all in the suspension. I have a stabilizer to install yet, but it's not going to affect body roll.

I also checked my driveline angle and it was 21 deg. with 3/4 in of TC drop. Did I see somewhere on here that it should not exceed 15 deg.???





The pics are bad, I know, but it's my camara phone.

 

I emailed Rancho yesterday and have not heard back from them yet.

On a street tire, I run higher air pressures to get max life from the tire. I have always sacrificed ride for longer life on the tire. I'm still within the pressure range for the tire though. My tires are listed at a 40psi max. I have used this routine for 30 yrs with good results.

 

I'm thinking bushings. The Black Diamond suspension I have specifically mentions their use of the steel sleeved rubber bushings as providing better performance in ECJs over poly bushings.:v6:

Edit: A quick look at their website has made a liar out of me, they now use poly bushings w/ the lift I have. They did used to say that though.

 

I'm not sure that the higher pressure will get you any additional tire life. If the tires are overinflated for the weight of the Jeep, the centers will wear instead of the edges. You will get better fuel mileage at higher tire pressures though.

There's a method to determine the best tire pressure for the vehicle weight. I haven't done this, but I think Sparky has - on a flat concrete floor, put a puddle of water (talcum powder? something) and drive slowly through the water. The 'footprint' of the tire tells the tale - center dry, overinflated. Edges dry, underinflated. Even coating = the right pressure.

 

See post #22 for pics of the spring/shackle.

 

OK, I just got off the phone with a guy at 4WD Hardware. He has heard this complaint before and the likely problem is my shackles. The center bolt has a sleeve that may need trimming depending on the springs you are using. I installed them as is and there is a gap between the shackles and the springs and the hangers. I'll correct this tonight and post my results.

 

JACKPOT!!!! The shackles were the culprit. I took the sleeve out of the middle between the plates and tightened up the spring and hanger bolts. Went on a test drive and it was 90 percent better. I'm sure an aftermarket sway bar will complete the system. Thanks for all the input guys, it's great to have this resource here in the forum. Now I can enjoy the new toy!:drool:

 

So can you change your plans again and come to the show now? I wana see that Jeep in person!

 

I wish, now I have a noisey bearing in 3rd gear. I'm hoping it will quiet down, but I'm not that lucky. We plan to keep it local until I see if its gonna hold up. After sitting for 7 years, it's hard to tell how this thing is gonna act.

 

Completely drain/flush it and fill with fresh fluid,, I never trust any fluids that have sat that long. Good luck on the upgrades/repairs and most of all,,,take it out and play with it!!:driving: