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Wandering Jeepster

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by jackdog, Jun 9, 2022.

  1. Jun 18, 2022
    Robert Wight

    Robert Wight New Member

    Houston, Tx
    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2021
    Messages:
    23
    Jackdog, spent a couple hours today and replaced the front axle shims. Upon inspection, I had the 2 deg shims that came with my 4" lift kit in wrong (wide part pointing to the rear). I went ahead and replaced the 2 deg aluminum shims with 4 deg steel shims, made a world of difference. Prior to the switch, my commando would wander all over the road, especially above 50 mph, and even worse when I let off the gas, or applied the brakes. Now, though not a steady as my 2014 Chevy 3500HD, she is comfortable at 65 mph, and doesn't try to swerve when I let off the gas or apply the brakes.

    Before the switch, I was running 2.3 deg negative caster (the caster towards the front) based upon measuring with my shop tool. Though I haven't measured, I suspect I'm 3.5 deg positive caster (the caster towards the rear).
     
    Lockman, jackdog, Fireball and 2 others like this.
  2. Jun 18, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    Feb 9, 2018
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    5,622
    I'll bet that negative caster was pretty spooky!
     
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  3. Jun 19, 2022
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Glad you figured it out.
    I have new ball joints and 2 and 4 degree shims ordered.
     
  4. Jun 24, 2022
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Got the parts and thought I would change the ball joints first. Got every thing down to the bare knuckles and noticed the ball joints were really tight. Got them pressed out and installed the new ones. Steering knuckles moved smoothly. Put everything back together and checked the caster. The angle meter read 7-8 degrees. Took it for a drive and the new ball joints made a big difference, can drive at 55 with one hand on the wheel. Got an appt. for alignment Tuesday and get a print out and go from there. If it is 7-8 degrees I may use the 2 degree shims to bring it to 5-6 degrees.
     
  5. Jun 24, 2022
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2014
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    478
    I like to run 6 in my Jeeps.
     
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  6. Jun 24, 2022
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Apr 9, 2014
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    I bet it would be a handful.
     
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  7. Jun 28, 2022
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Got a print out today
    caster 4.5* left 4.7* right
    camber 1.1* left 1.3* right
    toe .15* left .10* right .25* total
    Recommendations?
     
  8. Jun 28, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Assuming all suspension and steering components are in good condition I’d increase your faster to positive 6-7 degrees. 2 degree shims should get you there. I don’t remember degree to inches conversion but 3/32” toe in has always worked very well for me.
     
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  9. Jun 28, 2022
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Apr 9, 2014
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    That's about what I run and it works great.
     
    jackdog likes this.
  10. Jun 29, 2022
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    526
    Everything is new except the spring bushings. ( on the list)
    I've got 2* shims to install.
    Now the toe, the guy at the shop said it was toed out a little. So I have to figured out how to get it toed in to an 1/8-3/32. I've seen threads on it here.
     
    Ol Fogie likes this.
  11. Jun 29, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    Feb 9, 2018
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    Toe out is bad for stability. Toe in should help.
     
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  12. Jun 29, 2022
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
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    Got the toe in set at an 1/8 and put 2* shims in and what a difference. Down a curvy road at 55 one hand on the wheel. Made me decide not to sell right now.
     
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  13. Jun 29, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    Congrats and tracking it down!
     
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  14. Jul 18, 2022
    dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    western New York
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2010
    Messages:
    965
    x2 (y)
     
  15. Apr 25, 2023
    Rodney

    Rodney Member

    Sierra Foothills
    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2021
    Messages:
    366
    My Jeepster I had years ago did the same thing till I upgraded the shackles. the front shackles would flop from side to side.
     
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