steering issues with just 3.5" RE lift

[1evilxj]

I have recently installed a RE 3.5 superflex and a RE adjustable trac bar along with RE sway bar links, Rustys HD damper. I have a issue with driving down a smooth road and it kind of darts from left to right no matter what speed. Its not horrible but bad enough where my girlfriend will not drive it because of it and sometimes she needs to. I find myself correcting the wheel constintly...? Everything seems tight including the TB mount and drag link ends. I am wondering if I install a drop pitman if i will help at all? Possibly a better steering set up to help but keep in mind doesnt see dirt much so does not need to be to beefy. thanks for any advice

 

[foxwar71]

Adjust your caster!!! Superflex kit should have adjustable LCA's, lengthen them out a little bit.

 

[1evilxj]

My kit only came with fixed LCA. Would drop brackets be a choice you think to make it better?.

 

[X E Ryder]

My kit only came with fixed LCA. Would drop brackets be a choice you think to make it better?.

Those should help but once you move that rear lower mount point the caster will be changing again - you may need adjustable arms.

Did you cal RE yet? They should be able verify a couple questions regarding their kit to make sure you address the fix.

 

[go1lum]

Pics of the frond end would be nice. What size tires? Are they balanced. Have you gotten an alignment?

 

[Wiggleworm]

^^x2 Did a 3" budget boost on mine and toe changed a lot. Drove horrible. Then it hit me. Check the toe in. After adjusting toe its driven great since.

 

[the_weirdo]

OP, the lower control arm mount on the frame is slotted which allows for some adjsutment. Measure your caster angle, if it needs to be adjusted then loosen the thru-bolts and the two adjusters at the back of the mount. Then adjust.

 

[Serious Offroad]

You guys forgot to mention that there are shims that need to be added or removed in order to adjust the caster via the lower control arm mount.

 

[Talyn]

You guys forgot to mention that there are shims that need to be added or removed in order to adjust the caster via the lower control arm mount.

x2. If you don't have adjustable you should use shims to set caster.

I have 3.5" of lift (adjustable LCAs, UCAs, JKS track bar, Iron Rock tie rod) and it steers better than stock.

 

[yaromb]

I have the RE Super Ride and had some steering issues after it was installed. Mind you, I did add the RE shock steeringthing, RE adjustable track bar and tie rod during the lift.

it took three alignments on a Hunter machine and switching the lower ball joints to adjustables, before my shop was able to get the steering and drive-ability to where it was at stock, without the car trying to turn right all by itself or all kind of funky behavior.

The Jeep in itself, does not have good ways to adjust all the necessary parameters required for a good alignment.

The more expensive solution is LCA drop brackets and adjustable LCAs. That will be my next step...

 

[Talyn]

Sounds like you should have found another shop. Its not that complicated of a steering arrangement. With a 3.5" all that needs to be adjusted is the toe, steering wheel center and an adjustable track bar.

Mine steered pretty much like stock with just an adjustable track bar and an alignment. I added the adjustable UCA and LCAs to fix a wobble around 50mph. Later I added a Iron rock tierod which improved the steering even more.

 

[yaromb]

The store is actually fine. Original alignment was done by 4WD who did the lift. Computer showed all parameters are on spec, yet the car pulled right. My mechanic found out later that when instlling the lift in the back, the original shop clamped the rear axles not 100% straight, causing this issue.

Adding 32s did not help as well...

 

[Talyn]

Ah. That would explain it, but the other shop should have caught it at the rear axle thrust angle.