ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: vuzuki on July 27, 2012, 05:22:04 PM
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So a while ago I posted here about my samurai wandering, got a reply saying to check for play in the knuckles. There was play so I completely rebuilt both sides. It went away for a while and has now come back and there is no play. It wanders when it has been sitting in the sun all day and not when it's cold. it's an 88. Any help would be appreciated
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Check your Rag joint, steering gear box (and mount bolts), all steering joints. What kind of tires do you have on it are they a soft tire compound or a hard one? Do you have OTT, Z-link, drop pitman, or stock? Is it SPOA? Are the U-bolts tight, leaf springs tight at the shackles? Are the spring bushings worn out? Are you running stock leaf springs, are they sagging really bad?
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I used to get a bit of wandering in my old Samurai. 2in lift shackles, 3in lift spring under and a 3 inch body lift could have contributed to it. I was told a shackle reversal (putting the shackle at the rear of the spring and mounting the spring solid in the front) would make a big difference.
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Doughboy,
What is my rag joint? I'm running 27" winter tires, and I am completely stock. I haven't checked the u bolts, leaf springs or bushings but I imagine I am running the original springs.
I guess I never thought about all of that contributing to handling for.. some reason, But it started doing this out of the blue like.. last week. it drove perfect when I bought it..
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The "rag joint" is the rubber joint in the engine compartment it's on the steering shaft just above the steering gear box. It is also called a "steering coupler".
http://www.rocky-road.com/samurai-steering-coupler.html (http://www.rocky-road.com/samurai-steering-coupler.html)
Also winter tires are normally a very soft rubber compound so they will get even softer as they heat up which should stick better to the road but may feel like your wandering. If you ever have the chance, go feel a winter tire and a mud tire and an all season tire with your bare hands you should be able to tell the difference.
Also check the tires to see if they are scalloped (may also called cupping)
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+cupped+tires&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Mqb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Um4UUMn2CMq3rQHj6oC4Cg&ved=0CE4QsAQ&biw=1050&bih=638 (https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+cupped+tires&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Mqb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Um4UUMn2CMq3rQHj6oC4Cg&ved=0CE4QsAQ&biw=1050&bih=638)
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as usual just a silly question, my shackle bolts were like butter. Tightened everything up, drives like a dream
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Shackle bolts were "like butter",strange.Oh,guess you mean loose or fluid like butter??Still dont get it.