prelucir

I noticed that since I put on the Dynatrac 44/60 pro rocks that my steering is softer. When I am driving down the interstate and the wind is blowing, I cannot drive a straight line. I am constantly swerving from side to side. I have also increased tires from 35 in to 37 in.

I am wondering if I need to improve the stiffness of the steering stabilizer?


I have NO death wobble, bump wobble or shimmying. If you have ever loaded up the back of a pick up truck to its max weight and drove it down the street. You then know the front end is very light and swerves heavy with small adjustments in steering. That is what I am feeling. However, I still have the stock rake to my Jeep.

-John

jedg

In another thread you said you have 3.5" of lift. What is your caster set to. What you describe is a symptom of not enough caster. (a steering stabilizer will not fix your issue)

prelucir

I do not know what a caster is. I did have a front end alignment done. It seems to drive straight when the wind is not blowing.

jedg

Take read of this - https://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-tech/...affect-my-jeep

Rednroll

If you had front end alignment done, then they should have provided you with an alignment sheet print out. That will show your caster values. Post them up.

Also, with 37s it's time to upgrade your Track bar, tie rod and drag link if you haven't done so already.

prelucir

I did up grade all three. Thanks.

prelucir

I did read this. I don't understand a lot of it. Jeep goes back into the shop soon to regear the front axle. I will ask them to correct it then. Thank you.

resharp001

Okie dokie……You have a lifted jeep witht PR44/60 combo. You’re pretty well invested in this thing already. Honestly, take the time to understand caster…..it’s kinda a big thing, especially when it comes to handling of your jeep. I’ll revert to my favorite picture here again....but it’s with a factory axle whereas you have a PR44. On the factory axle, there is 6* of caster built in. That means with your pinion flange sitting parallel with the ground, the C’s have a 6* tilt to them. This tilt is “caster”. The more perpendicular to the ground (straight up and down) the C’s are…..the more flighty/crappy steering you’re going to notice. <perfect opportunity for Rednroll to dig up the Pabst boyz vid on caster>. You’re PR44 axle has 10* of caster built in I think (without looking)….but someone can correct me if wrong. Anyhow, same concept.



Most of us with a 3.5” lift will run in the 4-5* range of caster. Just because you have a certain amount of caster "built in" to the axle, doesn't mean you run that.....it just means you have a greater range of adjustability to work with. From the factory the JK runs 4.2* caster as reference. When you get an alignment, just take note of the caster line that will be on the print out. Not to hound on it or anything, but take the time to really understand your set up rather than just hoping some shop will fix things right up for you. If you don’t, it’s gonna be one long and frustrating ownership. You should already see that others are willing to help you out with info, so if you don't understand just keep asking questions and STRIVE to understand rather than throw your hands up and pay someone else to just make it right. Dealers will be worthless for your suspension, and shops are going to be hit and miss. They are concerned with profits and selling you both labor and parts as a priority.

jedg

The regular PR44 has 6 degrees. The PR44 Unlimited comes with 10 degrees.

Regardless, the rest is spot on.

resharp001

I'll give Rednroll credit for digging up this classic beauty previously. The bicycle example in this vid is pure example of the effect caster has on steering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t76BVhtBMnE&t=133s