1981 Jeep CJ5 Swaying

Tiny
GMONTOG
  • MEMBER
  • 1981 JEEP CJ5
Steering problem
1981 Jeep CJ5 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual? Miles

How to correct swaying of the jeep while going at speets >35mph. I have almost lost control of the jeep once it starts swaying by trying to correct it. I have fixed the stablizer shock and steering column bearing and the rims and tires are new. It has a 2.5'' lift and I just bought it 3 mos ago. Im scared I may lose control and roll it.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 8:34 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Did you install the lift. Did lift affect CASTER. Have you visited a REPUTABLE alignment shop w/ state of the art equiptment. Have you detected play in your steering system (steering gear, tie rod ends, etc.). Love Turddog
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
GMONTOG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No, it was already on the vehicle when I bought it. Not sure if it affected the castor or not. I plan to go to 4 wheel parts to check the alignment tomorrow. I have some play in the steering, but dont want to replace the steering gear box if it isnt necessary. Is detecting inner and outer caster easy to identify and or fix?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Sorry took so long, was cropping and down-sizing my '46 WILLYS into a Avatar.

Not an expert on alignment, nor mechanic, or paid at this site. Got here like you. Owned nothing but CJ5s and 1 Willys since I started driving in 1981........Have been my own mechanic for most of this time. I am very knowlegable on most problems, have rebuilt 3 of my own from GRD - UP......helped on many more. Your lift may affect Caster.

Toe in----Toe out .....refers to frt of wheels being closer or further apart

Camber.....is the top of your tires leaning INWARD or OUTWARD (viewed from frt. a "V" or a NEG. "V".........Camber to my understanding, coupled w/ caster helps keep you straight

CASTER is these above elements, coupled with ROTATING the whole AXLE rearward (using the welded on spring mounts[factory] or using Wedge-like shims between the springs and their mounts.... to "manually[EZ]" rotate axle, without grinding off and re-welding the spring mounts) .....CASTER is BASICALLY making your wheels track like a SHOPPING CART. Helps Jeep steer itself.

I just changed my steer gear for excessive play, it would stay straight if I held slight pressure L or R (did not wander by itself, up to 60 mph) if measured from 12 o'clock around wheel I had 5 inches of play (L or R depending on "HUMP in center of road, which side I was on)......now have 3/4 inches of play, found OEM Saginaw steering gear on Ebay for $179 could not pass it up
......Whats your thoughts?.....Love, Turddog (slow typer)

ORIGINAL PLAYLIKE A FULL 1/8 OF A TURN ! ! !


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/411289_straight_in_right_lane12_oclock_1.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/411289_straight_in_left_lanePLAY_from_12_oclock_1.jpg



NEW GEAR, ZEROED (CENTERED), INSTALLED (little play now)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/411289_center_steering_shaft_1.jpg



Note homemade steering gear Brace (saved about $60) attached to FRONT Towing Reciever [closest to you]

TO anchor bolt on gear (angle iron covering green), RT side of output on gear, FRAME does not TORQUE or twist while steering (this was additional lost motion, or play)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/411289_AINT_IT_PERTY_1.jpg



Can also tell you the secret on how your HEAT/ VENT works .....if you don't know you may not be getting 100% from heater!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 10:22 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links