steering problems after lift

[skunkape87]

I have a 87 gw w a skyjacker 4 inch lift on it and the steering is totally horrible on it it just wants to walk all over the road so I constantly have to countersteer anyone have any ideas of what might help bring it back to somewhat normal

[Stuka]

Few things.

1: Did you add a dropped pitman arm?

2: Did you do any other work at the time? Tie rod ends, etc?

3: Are you sure the springs are not backwards? The larger eye should be to the rear.

4: If the above numbers are not the case, you need to have it aligned. My guess is your caster angle is out.

[skunkape87]

The previous owner installed it I can see the.Pitman arm is stock not sure.if he did anything else at the time or did tierods the leafs are on right as well

[Stuka]

A stock pitman arm with that lift (Which is closer to 5") is going to cause some steering issues. Especially if there are bumps in the road. You will get what is called "bump steer". Which is when you hit a bump, either with one tire or both, the jeep will jerk to the side. Typically to the passenger side.

Here is a link to a drop pitman arm. If it doesnt have a bend like that in it (stock is stright), then buy this one. You will need a large socket and a pitman arm puller to get your stock one off.

If you still have issues, I suggest getting an alignment done. Or heck, maybe get it done regardless. Your toe could be out, which can cause wandering as well.

[serehill]

sounds like more information & pictures would go a long way.

[carnuck]

You want the rod from the steering box to passenger's side to be as close to level as possible or bump steer will occur. That's why I went high steer on my SOA

[skunkape87]

after looking again the pitman arm is a drop model i was also thinking my steering box might have a problem because ive been hearing loud clunks in the front when i go over bumps and ive looked the front end over and cant find anything loose that would be causing that

[jaber]

Sitting in your drive, engine off, have someone turn the wheel from side to side and see what has play in it. everything should be tight...

[carnuck]

after looking again the pitman arm is a drop model i was also thinking my steering box might have a problem because ive been hearing loud clunks in the front when i go over bumps and ive looked the front end over and cant find anything loose that would be causing that

Loose ubolts on the axle do this.

[Stuka]

The most common issue for the clunk is either the rear spring bushings sliding back and forth inside the spring mount, or a loose trac-bar. In which case with that much lift, the trac-bars should have been removed.

[skunkape87]

u bolts are tight and the track bar has been removed, i will take a look at the rear springs tomorrow, also i know my ball joints on the one side need replaced could that make the steering extra loose?

[Stuka]

Front springs, rear spring eye. Sorry I was not clear. Have somebody turn the tires while sitting still and see if the rear eye, of the front springs, slides back and forth.

Bad ball joints will certainly make the steering feel flighty. If its too bad, you risk the tire and knuckle assembly falling off.

[skunkape87]

thanks a lot for the input guys im gonna check out the leafs this weekend if the rain holds out and doing the ball joints next weeked hopefully eerything gets back to normal thanks again

[RockRollin]

Check the caster. My experience is that anything below 2º negative will give you a very wandering ride. If it returns to center well, the caster may not be the problem