Heavy Steering

[lifeisshort]

Hi,

Im new to the forum and have recently purchased a 1992 Sammy and im having some problems with the steering. Had a look in the forum and couldn't find what i was looking for.

I have chaged the suspension using Rough Country add-a-leaf and also exdended the shock mounts by 2" so as to keep original shocks.

My problem is that my steering is know very heavy (unsure if this is related to the mod's above).

If i have a 2" lift do i need to change the steering damper? will this solve the problem?

Or could it be to do with the tire rod ends? or something else?

Any advice welcome as i am a complete newbie.

Thanks
Alex

[Edweird]

I'd have to try it to see if they was anything wrong. Sjs don't have power steering as standard, so the steering will never be as light as a car that does. They also have big wheels for the size of the car.

[lifeisshort]

Thanks for the reply. im running 31's on the sammy so i thought it would be a little heavy. Really i just wanted to know is there anything that could be seriously wrong with it that would make it dangerous to drive (i ampricate that its hard without having a look). On the up side if i keep driving her ill have arms like pop eye soon hahaha.

So a PAS upgrade might be the way to go. Once the wallet allows.


Thanks

[dan_2k_uk]

they are generally quite heavy unless you are moving.

I find it best to start moving slowly then turn when you need to manoeuvre round a carpark.

Dan

[Edweird]

One of the problems is that the earlier zooks, like mine, had bigger steering wheels to cope, but later they added the more modern style smaller steering wheels, which makes it harder to turn. As dan said, if you're moving just a little bit it makes a big difference though.

[Newtomud]

to the club
I've got 31's and I found the steering surprisingly light for a vehicle with no power steering
Saying that I've never found the need to steer a car that wasn't moving.. Move and steer..
Or maybe I already have arms like popeye

[lifeisshort]

Hi Thanks again for all the messages.

In regard to the heavy steering this is when in motion. not to bothered if it doesnt turn when im not moving .

looks like it might need a garage visit

[Newtomud]

Might sound silly but...Check your tyre pressure before you go to the garage..Low pressure will make the steering heavier.

[lifeisshort]

Might sound silly but...Check your tyre pressure before you go to the garage..Low pressure will make the steering heavier.

Doesnt sound silly. was my first check. thanks

[Darrell]

I would get the front axle on stands and see how easy it is to move (should be very easy). If tight you could remove the damper and see if that is the problem. You could disconnect the ball joint on the pitman arm to drag rod and then see if the tightness is on the steering box/column or the ball joints including the one you've just undone. The lift will have moved the original drag rod angle but this is not normally any problem for a 2" lift and should have no effect on the damper. It could be the kingpin bearings seizing but I've not heard of them going tight, just wearing and being loose. Have fun and welcome to the club.