This is my first post about my first Samurai so please bear with me because I have a lot to learn.

I have A 1988 4X4 and installed new rims, 235 tires and a 2" shackle lift. Now the steering wheel is way off center to the right and the steering has a mind of it's own and wanders. I work at a GM dealership and we checked the alignment and everything is within specs. A co-worker has a highly modifed Sammy and he says I might need a Z link to correct the steering geometry but I've read on this site that they are not recommended.

Does a 2" shackle lift really mess up the geometry enough to cause squirrely steering and if so whats the best correction?

Thanks for the help!

2" shackles should not cause any fuss, have someone turn the wheel back and forth just the play amount, and watch all your tie rod and drag link ends and mostly your pitman to drag link they are always loose, z links are fine with mild lifts, above spoa (5") I would go with at least a stage one knuckle over setup.

Its a longer space from point A to point B and increases the possibility of movement from the frame (where the steering box is) to the spring/axle (where the tie rod is wheel side). If your not running new polyurethane bushing around the shackles already, you need to. the poly bushings are harder and will not allow as much "wiggle"

hope that helps

What kind of shackle do you use??

I bought a set on ebay by Stoney's Off road

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200205267777&rd=1

home brewed.

How are the bushings? I have seen shackles like that actually tilt from side to side when steering with bad bushings.

Longer shackles will take away caster, 0 caster will make it hard to keep straight.

I have installed a new steering damper, new shocks and am waiting for new poly bushings and a Z link- I will report back after the upgrades.

Shackle reverse ( Calmini has one ) will stop all the wandering and bump steer that stock Sams are prone to do.

UPDATE: I installed new shocks, steering stabilizer and poly bushings and it drives MUCH better. I ordered a 3" drop pitman arm so hopefully that will correct the condition completely. It still bounces a lot and has some bump steer but I guess thats just the nature of the beast.