In need of Help!!

Medevack1

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2013
Location
Winston Salem NC
Hey guys I’m in need of knowledge, I’m new to the forums. I live in Winston Salem NC, I just became the owner of an 87 Sammy and looks like there are some minor problems with it. Apparently the turning signals are not working and the steering has a lot of play in it , the Sammy does have a 6" lift and 31" wheels. NO RUST
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. If anyone is near me or know how to fix it I’m all ears. thank you in advance.....
 
That are a few Sammy's in your area, hopefully they have experience. The steering play, could be numerous things! Anything between the steering wheel, to the wheels on the ground. 6" can wiggle A Lot! You'll need a friend to help you find where the "play" is. Start by working the steering wheel back & forth, while looking for things that move, & or don't move.
 
Normally I wouldn't direct someone form one forum to another .... but .....
But to gt the best help you find forum wise for a specific vehicle, Samurais, go here....

http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/contenty put while the whe


Tell them Lizooki sent ya , I'm an old timer there.
Until then ....

1-turn signals - check the fuses and bulbs first. The fuse panel is on the firewall under the dash in front of the drivers left knee.
2- play in wheel - you'll basically need someone to turn the steering wheel back and forth as you look for the problem.
1- follow the steering column to the round rubber disc ( rag joint) make sure the rag joint is in good shape.
2-check the pitman arm coming out of the steering box. There is some adjustment if the arm doesn't move as much as the steering wheel does.
3- next is the knuckles ( joint in the axle housing where the front wheels turn. Look for slop and play. Also check with the tire off the ground. This is a rough one. Bearings, seals, felt wipers and other things can cause play here.
4-drag link/steering arms to the wheels. With 6" of lift, it's quite possible you're gonna need a panhard bar. Just the addition of all the flexy stuff to get an off-road suspension can allow everything to stay put as the wheel turns. The panhard bar will locate the front axle and provide a solid, but hinged attachment to the frame. This helps make the steering work as it should.

I'll be happy to answer any more questions ..... I've been driving a Samurai for 26 years and I am the 2nd longset owner on the Zu bbs.


Matt
 
Your caster angle is bad. When the PO installed the spring-over perches, he rotated the axle so the pinion was pointing roughly at the output of the transfer case. From the pics, it looks like he went waaay too far for even that. However, on a Samurai, they are typically welded on parallel to the factory perches. Driveline angle will be correct, and stock caster is maintained. Without doing it right, your Sammi will never track correctly. It will wander the road and the steering won't want to return to center. To fix it, you can either cut and turn the knuckles, which isn't easy, or cut off the perches and weld them on properly. Again, not really easy, but easier than turning the knuckles.
 
catfishblues said:
Your caster angle is bad. When the PO installed the spring-over perches, he rotated the axle so the pinion was pointing roughly at the output of the transfer case. From the pics, it looks like he went waaay too far for even that. However, on a Samurai, they are typically welded on parallel to the factory perches. Driveline angle will be correct, and stock caster is maintained. Without doing it right, your Sammi will never track correctly. It will wander the road and the steering won't want to return to center. To fix it, you can either cut and turn the knuckles, which isn't easy, or cut off the perches and weld them on properly. Again, not really easy, but easier than turning the knuckles.
Click to expand...

Thank you,
 
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