ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: zuki1018 on June 13, 2011, 12:06:51 PM
-
87 Sami with the following mods related to driving/steering:
3" Calmini lift springs
6" shackles (3" of lift rear; 2" front)
1" rear driveshaft spacer
RRO shocks
Drop pitman + Stage 1 and 2 high steer (pretty close to level)
All new wheel seals/bearings, rebuilt whole front axle/knuckles
31" TSL. Fronts are like new
This truck will knock your teeth out if you have any that are loose. The other issue is pretty hard bump steer and a lot of higher speed swaying. If i touch the center line with a tire, it really pulls it hard. Now this is the only sami I have drivin so I dont have a comparison. Upgrading the shock up front should fix bump steer. Anyone else with a similliar setup?
One thing I did notice is the "U" shape stablizer bar up front is missing via previous owner. This could be a major factor I suppose. The other is I realize TSL's are not the most comfy street tires.
Anything else I can check besides alignment?
How about the knock your teeth out ride over tiny bumps? TIA
-
I had the same symptoms in a Heep I had. The previous owner put shackles that were way to long on it messing up the geometry.
Zig
-
Thx. I could easily lower them back to "close to stock" and see if there is a noticable diff. I have read mixed reviews on Calmini 3". Some say its too rough, others liked it. I just wonder how this compares to SPOA with stock springs. We dont do any hard off-roading... mostly woods riding.
I realize its not IFS ride quality but I thought my brothers older CJ was bad years ago!!!
-
Definately check back on the thread. There are a lot of people here that have built mank Sami's and will have some good insight on the kit.
Zig
-
Quick thing to check is your tire pressure. It is probably in the 30 range, should be in the mid-to-low 20's.
-
Quick thing to check is your tire pressure. It is probably in the 30 range, should be in the mid-to-low 20's.
def. All the simple checks in order. tire tread/pressure, new bushings on leafs... already replaced the bearings and tie-rods (upgraded actually).
Thx.
I did shorten front shackles back to smallest/factory. Waiting a test drive on the shaking front end still. Any ideas on rough ride?
-
Okay so a test run didnt change anything.
The truck just has like slop in the steering. Like constanly micro-steering left to right. This left/right action is very responsive is the main issue. Its like I am drunk driving and swerving. Hard to explain it exactly.
There is 'some' play in the steering box and the steering U-Joint. This would fix the play but its still gonna leave it VERY sensitive to where i correct to stay in my lane and it literally pulls me that way.
-
Go with Zukipilots suggestion, get those shackles down to a decent size. :)
-
And put bolts that fit real snug in the bushings, All of them! I run mine at under twenty pounds on hwy and about four off hwy. get a good steering stabilizer that hooks from your tie rod to the front diff tube along with the stock steering stabilizer also.
-
Ditch the swampers. Try a quality radial
-
Get under the front of your rig and have someone steer the vehicle left and right. Look for any worn parts.
Zig
-
Thx for all the ideas. Shackles are at stock with no change.
All parts up front are new bushings, new grade 8 harware, and snug.
I will replace drag link shock next and steering shaft u joint near firewall. Rag joint looks okay.
I going to try finding some diff front tires to test drive before buying new.
-
More research lead me to tightening up the screw on the steering box. This fixed about 85% of the scary steering.
The other 15% of play is coming from the steering shaft right where it leaves the firewall (upside of the u-joint). I assume there is a bearing or bushing of some sort that is replaceable?
Lowered shackles seemed to help the bumpy ride 'some'.
-
not sure that you could buy that bushing ! you might have to buy another shaft and try to rob it, or smash the upper tube a little with the bottom one pulled out and get it tight, I could not imagine anyone hearing a noise from it. Who needs plastic?
-
My 2 Bits;
Also check your front wheel bearings, You will need a Torque Wrench,
the correct way to "set" them is in the FSM.
You can use a 2" socket if you don't have the metric equivilant.
Second, as a thought, make sure your back suspension is "All Tight" too!!
A broken center bolt, loose spring bolts, cracked spring in the rear can make it feel like a steering problem.
CAPT