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Is this a Camber issue? LCA's on order

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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 06:06 PM
  #1  
Dieselguy's Avatar
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From: Goodyear Arizona
Default Is this a Camber issue? LCA's on order

Sorry, it has been a long day. I meant is this a CASTER issue......

I have about 4.75" of actual suspension lift on my Unlimited JK and still have the factory LCA's. I have been chasing a wobbling steering wheel for the last two weeks since I put 37" tires on the rig. I have had the tires re-checked for balance, and they check out ok. When traveling at 40 MPH the steering wheel wobbles slowly back and forth but only if I let go of the wheel. If I put two hands on the wheel, it doesn't wobble, but the Jeep seems to wander around the lane. This characteristic only happens between 35-40 MPH, and stops at freeway speed or below 35 MPH. It appears to be bump steer, and I am starting to suspect the LCA's need to be changed to adjustable ones. I measured my Caster yesterday and it is reading 2 degrees measured at the bottom of the C's like shown on this site. Do you think this issue will correct itself when I install the new adjustable arms? It is just strange that it only demonstrates this issue between 35-40 MPH, however it wanders pretty good at that speed.

Thoughts? Should I adjust to 5 degrees for 37's?

Last edited by Dieselguy; Jun 13, 2011 at 06:10 PM.
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 06:23 PM
  #2  
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Lower control arms will allow you to adjust the caster back into the 4-6 degree range, which is what I believe you want for that much lift, but could be wrong. Someone else may be able to give more insight into how much length you'll need.
2 degrees in too low, obviously.

Do you have an adj. Track bar as well?
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 06:48 PM
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Default .

Yes, I have an adjustable track bar. Axle is perfectly centered. At 2 degrees my front coil springs have a noticable bow to them. Im hoping this takes care of the wobble and wander. Just strange that it only happens at 40 MPH
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 07:22 PM
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Setting caster above 4deg should fix the flightyness.

For the bunpsteer, are you running a flip or a trackbar relo bracket with dropped pitman arm? Your steering angles may be off, or too steep, which could cause it.
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 08:25 PM
  #5  
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After you get the LCA's, and adjust the caster to what you think is correct, go to an alignment shop and see what it actually is.
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 08:32 PM
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I have a lot less lift than you and the caster degree you mention means a lot. The lower degree the more flighty my jeep is. I have played with my own caster with my adjustable lower control arms and I like the bigger numbers, but I doubt my driveshaft does. So find the area that works the best for you.

I don't know why it wobbles your steering wheel at only one speed area for your driving.
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