Lift and caster [Archive] - International Full Size Jeep Association

Panoscopic

01-25-2004, 01:04 PM

I finished installing my 2" over ESPO springs. Everything went well, and I took the wag out for a test ride. It drove fine, but handing was very different, especially at low speed. Tucks in, and tires chirp with tight turns. It feels as if caster has changed. Is this normal, or is there a problem with the design of the springs?

I have not taken it in for an alignment yet, but was wondering with leaf spring fronts, how can caster be adjusted? I remember hearing that shims are placed on the spring perch.

Outback Jeep

01-25-2004, 01:55 PM

The ESPO 2" springs are stock springs just arched 2". Since they do the arching when they build the springs it is fine. (not just putting stock springs in a press and arching them 2") This could change the caster/ camber slightly because the shcakle is not at the stock angle any more. This in-effect makes the shackle 'longer' at normal ride hight. But, this is so minor it should not be noticable.

Brian Matthiesen
Outback Jeep---The Leader in Full Size Jeeps

Panoscopic

01-26-2004, 01:22 AM

Thanks Brian. I do notice a difference. Have not driven it that much yet, but the steering has even more vagueness than before. If I want to get it right, I assume there is a way to do it with shims that won't cost me an arm and a leg.

Outback Jeep

01-26-2004, 01:22 PM

Shims, would work however thay would only need to be, I'm guessing, only about 1/2 to 1 degree. Most shims start at 2 degrees'. It sounds like the problem might be in the rod ends. The lift was what made the problem noticable. Have a person turn the steering wheel back and forth, just a little, while you check every rod end for play. Rod ends should rotate but should have zero 'side to side' play or movement. After that check the ball joints. If you need new rod ends or ball joints please check out our prices and e-mail us at sales@outbackjeep.com if they are not yet listed on our shipping cart. After you check your rod ends and ball joints and they are OK, we will have to dig deaper to solve your problem.

Brian Matthiesen
Outback Jeep---The Leader in Full Size Jeeps