Bumpsteer

[kakirubi]

I think I may have a little bumpsteer on my TJ.  When I lifted it last year, I didn't know as much as I know now about driveline angles and control arm lengths, ect ect...  I also used the drop pitman arm that came with the lift.  When we did Ricks lift last week, we didn't use a drop pitman arm and his steering feels much better than mine.  We also were smart enough to make sure the front pinion angle was the same after the lift.  I am sure mine has changed.  My question is if I lengthen my lower control arms to get the same angle as Rick will that effect my anlignment.  Or could it be just going back to my stock pitman arm and checking that first.  I am almost sure that will effect my alignment though.

Advise please! :mrgreen:

 

[cwlongshot]

YES it will effect your alignment!
I have found that lifted TJ's really like to be at or near the max caster. SO lengthening your lower CA's will add positive caster, but watch the DS angles.

As for your pitman arm. I have the same lift as you. (I believe TeraFlex S4t) I ran the supplied dropped pitman arm for some time and experienced bumsteer but it wasn't awful. recently I upgraded my linkages to the JCR 1ton steering setup and went back to my stock pitman. the steering is MUCH better!! Its all about the relationship of your drag link to your track bar. You want them as parallel as possible.
Here is a reference pic if you are unfamiliar with the components in your front end.

Here is a pic of my new steering setup:

You can see the relationship of the angles in this photo:

Good luck,
CW

 

[beaker]

Nice reference pic.  That shows everything nice and clear.

 

[JeepinMaxx]

Nice reference pic. That shows everything nice and clear.

Ditto  :biggrin:  I'm saving this thread into my tech reference!

 

[Rubi04TJ]

Drop pitman arms aren't recommended on TJs under 5 inches, you want your drag link and track bar to be paralell and a pitman arm will not allow for that.

 

[massxj]

:sign_hijack: is there any drawback to going withe the inverted T steering   like cwlongshot did.  i think i like that set up  and all my TRE need to be replaced

 

[kakirubi]

Thanks guys, Ive been living with it for 2 seasons now,  when Im ready for an alignment I'll put the stock one back in!