New jeep with SOA and 33" swampers

[Dexter Shark]

I bought a 1973 Wag off Ebay and have it delivered this afternoon. It has a SOA and 33" tires. It drives kind of loose on the road. Is that bump steer? I guess is it normal? I don't have a problem driving it, but my wife thinks its unsafe since it drives so boatlike. Any input/insight regarding SOAs is appreciated.

[joe]

Loose steering is not normal. You have some steering/suspension issues to deal with.

[River Beast]

snap some shots of the steering setup.... we may be able to hlep to 'fix' some of it.....

[FSJeeper]

Check to see if the previous owner installed a 4" drop pitman arm on your steering gear, if not, you are probably having some kind of bump steer issue.

Second, check the freeplay in your steering wheel. If it is more than 1/2" your steering gear needs to be adjusted. More than 1 inch, probably needs to be replaced. FSJ steering gears start getting loose around 100K to 125K miles like clockwork.

Since yours is a 73, you could have tie rod issues, wore out front wheel bearings, and worn steering column/shaft issues.

Also keep in mind Swampers are not well known for delivering smooth performance on the highway. Your problems could be just the tires alone.

Good luck with your new FSJ!

[Dexter Shark]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to take some pics this week. It does seem like there are some steering column vibrations.

[Stuka]

FSJeeper: I have 166k on my jeep and have less then .5" of play in my steering wheel...

[FSJeeper]

Originally posted by Stuka:
FSJeeper: I have 166k on my jeep and have less then .5" of play in my steering wheel...Stuka, I can always count on you to disagree! LOL

Anything is possible with our FSJ's but has it ever been adjusted during that period of time, you don't get much adjustment out of the steering boxes.

[Stuka]

hrm..I guess it doesnt kinda seamm like we always clash lol :D

As for adjustment I am unsure...I never have adjusted it. not sure if it matters but most all its life it had 6" wide rims with 7" wide bias ply tires. So having less steering resistance may have made a differance?

[heydave]

Wasn't 73 soa from the factory?

[joe]

Originally posted by DLyons:
Wasn't 73 soa from the factory?Just the trucks were SOA Dave. The Wags were always SUA.

[Jake_S]

FSJeeper, my '84 GW has over 200K, and the steering is still tight. I don't think the DSPO knew how to change the oil, let alone adjust the steering box.
Jake

[FSJeeper]

OK, OK

I take it back. The FSJ steering gear is known to last without adjustment or maintenance forever and ever. Never suspect your steering gear being part of any steering problem. They are bulletproof!

Have I redeemed myself now?

[blt2krl]

LOL, FSJeeper, I just replaced my steering gear. It leaked and was very loose. Do ya think 37 tires and a detroit locker had anything to do with that? smile.gif

[FSJeeper]

blt2crl,

It couldn't have been the steering gear, they are bulletproof, remember!

I blame your steering gear problems on those revolvers! I'll add that to the list of problems they have! tongue.gif

Stuka, see what you started!

[mtn goat]

So, how does one adjust this clockwork like loose but bullet proof stearing gear.

[Sycho15]

Is the front pinion pointing directly at the transfercase output? I'm betting they rotated the front axle during the SOA and messed up the caster-angle. The cure could be as simple as shims, or as much as grinding the welds that hold the knuckles on so you can rotate them back to stock.

[Marc_01]

I never knew that you could adjust the play in a steering box.. i guess that makes me a DS?

[blt2krl]

Those POS Revolvers! smile.gif

[Midnightwagon]

ya how do you adjust it i want to know...............please thanks

[Iron Horse]

Steering gear adjustment procedure can be found HERE (http://www.ifsja.org/tech/steering/boxadj.shtml). This is from the IFSJA Tech Library BTW.

I just did this a couple weeks ago...pretty easy.....just don't overtighten. I suggest tighten some...then test drive.....tighten some more....another test drive.....you get the picture. :D

Have fun,