Spring over problems.

[Rock Binder]

I finally finished the spring over on my scout. When i attempted to test it out, i was dissapointed. I experienced very radical death wobble when travelling at around 15-20mph. The whole truck was jumping up and down. It looked as though the knuckles were going to break off. I double checked all of the knuckle measurements before welding, and i set the caster at 0 degrees. I also installed a new tie-rod. I am wanting to know what might be the problem? Could it be that the new tie-rod isnt adjusted right or did i not set up the knuckles with enough caster? Obviously i screwed up somewere. Thanks.

[Old Scout]

Put the caster at 3-5 and the toe at 0 to 1/8" in and get back to us. Are the balljoints new and tight?

[RustoleumWhite]

Also good tires?? Crappy, out of ballance tires can make a big differance too.


Wheel bearings tight?
What is your steering set-up?
Shocks??
Why did you set the caster at 0º?

[mtroy]

You did not say, but were the shocks mounted? I tried driving mine without them and nearly scared myself silly.

Why 0 degrees caster? I put mine at 5-6...can't remember for sure.

[Rock Binder]

i Guess i just didnt see why there would be a problem when setting the caster to 0. Yes the shocks were on it. The ball joints are old, they need replacing. Im guessing that could also be my problem. My steering is just a z-link with a tie-rod from FST(heim joints). Its not cross-over(i dont know what you would call it, its just stock.) The tires have the usuall rock rash, they didnt wobble before the spring-over so i didnt think they would be a factor in the severe death wobble. I guess its time to grind the knuckles off again. Thanks for the help.

[RustoleumWhite]

Before you grind the knuckles:

replace the ball-joints, also check the wheel bearings while your at it.

If still wobbly (after looking for slop in your tie-rod/drag link) get a set of caster shim (say 4º) and toss them in. SEE if it makes a difference. If it does, you can either leave them in if the pinion angle is acceptable, or then cut-n-turn (again)... but a few bucks and some time could save you allot of unnecessary work.

If it still wobbles with the shims (and they are installed correctly), then you need to look elsewhere.


Oh, fyi "stock" steering is cross-over... but "high steer" is where you bring the drag link and/or the tie-rod up above the springs.

[ih4ever]

turn your knuckles to 5 deg, and call me in the morning... my bill is in the mail :flipoff2: :flipoff2:
never do an soa and have the knuckles at 0 deg :shaking: :shaking:

[bassdude]

Before you grind the knuckles:

replace the ball-joints, also check the wheel bearings while your at it.

If still wobbly (after looking for slop in your tie-rod/drag link) get a set of caster shim (say 4º) and toss them in. SEE if it makes a difference. If it does, you can either leave them in if the pinion angle is acceptable, or then cut-n-turn (again)... but a few bucks and some time could save you allot of unnecessary work.

If it still wobbles with the shims (and they are installed correctly), then you need to look elsewhere.


Oh, fyi "stock" steering is cross-over... but "high steer" is where you bring the drag link and/or the tie-rod up above the springs.
thats a damn good idea. if i cut and turned my knuckles a second time and then still had the same problem things would probably get broken. i set mine back 5degrees and it rides rock solid. :D

[Rock Binder]

Ok. I have the new ball joints and will be installing ASAP. Thanks again for all of your help.

[Snoopy]

Did you put new spring bushings in? Are yours wore out? A ton of little things can be wrong, not just one big thing.

[Rock Binder]

Yes, all brand new spring bushings. Im gona do the ball-joints for know, like you say.(since they have not ever been replaced.) Hopefully that is all of my problems. Hey snoopy, I have a question about your scout 2 cages. If i ordered one from D and C Extreme, would be easy to incorporate the front seats with harneses to the cage? Thanks.

[Snoopy]

Putting seat bases on our cage kits is about as easy as its going to be. I have door bars that I can send ya that'll connect the main hoop to the front spreaders, then you can biuild the bases off that.

[Rock Binder]

Ok cool, thanks alot.