Stiff Steering After Suspension Kit Install

[DrdPrtRlf]

Had a local shop install a a Fox Stage 2 suspension kit, coilovers w/ Grimm UCAs and rear shocks. After getting tires aligned steering is a little stiff. I don't think it's the alignment because it doesn't pull and tracks straight enough down the road. But coming out of a turn it doesn't want to return center.

Read on a Taco forum that it could just be the uniball stiffness and needs a little time wear in.

Just curious if anybody else has experienced this so I can stop worrying

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[Rockhound]

At about 5000 miles I put Fox 2.0 struts and shocks on with Delta Joint Icon UCA’s. Then had it aligned. I did not feel anything different in the steering response. Even though your UCA’s have the uniball opposed to the ball joint, it doesn’t sound right that you have stiff steering. Would greasing and cycling the suspension help?

 

[Grandaccess]

I have a Rough Country Lift I do Not have any stiffness or difference in the way the truck handles at all
However! my truck only has 20k on it "After" my alignment at Mr. Tire in upstate N.Y within the next 4000 miles my new tires were Toast! I think they may have used the wrong specs when they did the alignment

 

[mr.wonderful]

Sounds like something is binding in the suspension. Did they center your steering wheel, and provide an alignment sheet after the work was done? This sounds like more of an issue with the shop that did the work

 

[Msfitoy]

Definitely not right...anything that can over power the power steering would be causing a shit ton of stress on your steering system...try turning the steering wheel with the engine off (no power assist) but with ignition unlocked and see if you can turn it...

 

[9zero1790]

Something is wrong. mines lifted and the steering feel was the same before and after. the cycling of the suspension actually feels nicer in the front than stock.

 

[Russd]

Caster maybe off? Maybe try another alignment shop.?

 

[JasonTremor]

If it isn't returning to center, it likely needs more caster adjustment in the alignment. Without a proper alignment printout, that would be the first thing to get checked.

 

[Cyclereckr]

I have a Rough Country Lift I do Not have any stiffness or difference in the way the truck handles at all
However! my truck only has 20k on it "After" my alignment at Mr. Tire in upstate N.Y within the next 4000 miles my new tires were Toast! I think they may have used the wrong specs when they did the alignment

Looks like zero tow in and the camber is way off

 

[Grandaccess]

Looks like zero tow in and the camber is way off

It was done by Mr.Tire in Bigflats, N.Y I still have the printout sheets they did
both front tires are exactly the same, and it drives good without pulling?
it just sucks I lost a set of tires in 4000 miles and nothing I can do about it .... my whole truck only has 20k on it

 

[Burnt Money]

If you want to see what may be going on while turning the wheel. Get 4 pieces of at least 1/8in sheet metal or plexiglass that are roughly 12in by 12in. Take 2 of them and put a grease in between them and like your making a grease sandwich. Push them together till they are both square with each other. Then do the same with the other two. Put them in front of the tires then drive on them. Now you can get someone else to turn the wheel and it will turn easily for them and your not having to deal with the tires grinding on the ground. Hopefully this makes sense lol. We used to call them grease plates. Used them for checking toe on race cars.

 

[airline tech]

Looks like zero tow in and the camber is way off

From the pic it stands out very clearly, excessive (-) camber. (/)

 

[DrdPrtRlf]

Sounds like something is binding in the suspension. Did they center your steering wheel, and provide an alignment sheet after the work was done? This sounds like more of an issue with the shop that did the work

The shop that did the install didn't do the alignment. Short drive to the alignment shop and after the alignment no real difference in the steering. Caster was +4.0 deg so a little out of factory spec (2-3.5) so i really dont think its an alignment issue.

Had a more mechanically inclined buddy of mine look under the truck while I turned the wheels he said tie rods and CVs looked ok.

Where else could the suspension be binding?

 

[Russd]

There’s only two pivot points in the front. Upper and lower ball joint. That and caster should be the only thing that would affect return steering that I can think of.

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