D-end wrote:
> I have a 1986 lifted with a Rubicon express 4 1/2" inch kit and 33 pro
> comp wheels and tires. Its a Cj7 Laredo and it wonders but not like a
> normal jeep, and the steering is terrible on the road. We tighted the
> wheel bearings or Warn hubs and it help but not near enough to fix it.
> What should I do and how can I tighten the steering? There is a lot of
> play in the steering and when you move the steering wheel just to feel
> the play, even when your parked, the body, springs and shackle along
> with the rest of the jeep kinda shake or move before the tires even
> turn. What should I do?
> Thanks,
>
> Justice
You are going to have to identify the worn out parts. When I got my 86
CJ7 it wasn't safe at 60 mph. All the front end parts were still 'safe'
with a little slop, but add up all the slop and wow.
To find things like worn tie rod ends you need to have someone work the
steering wheel side to side while you inspect each joint for movement.
A pry bar can be handy for this. If the joints even move up and down,
it will cause wander.
Then have the person on the steering pin it out to each side and watch
the ball joints for any play or a torn boot. A pry bar can help here
too. If any play is there, they need to be replaced.
You should also jack it up to take the weight off the front wheels to
test the wheel bearings for slop. Just wiggle the tire. If they were
worn and not just loose, tightening will not last more than a few miles,
they will go loose again before total failure. The ball joints also can
be pried on easier when the weight is off.
Last look at the steering column under the hood. It has a U-joint at
the top near the brake master and one at the bottom near the box. Mine
was also cooked there. I think a new column was the biggest 'fix' for
effect.
My 86 CJ7 Laredo now tracks perfectly straight, no more 'tacking into
the wind' or hang on for dear life when a trans****t goes by, it's stable
enough I can take my hands off the wheel at 70 mph and it tracks straight.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
Photos: http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com
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