2003 limited - poor tracking / body roll

[psc38]

Hi Everyone,

I bought a 2003, limited V8 about 3 months ago and I'm having some serious issues!

I have noticed while driving on the highway that the front end tracks into every grove of the road making handling difficult. It also feels like the back-end is loose, when the front tracks into a rut the back end seems to sway. It doesn't feel safe especially when loaded.

Any ideas on where I should start? The annoying thing is that on my test drive I didn't noticed anything and the inspection by a Toyota dealer didn't raise any flags!

Thanks in advance for the help.

Paul

 

[chaz]

theres a few things that may explain the tracking, like tire brand & wear, proper balance & alignment, etc. for the body roll it could be the shocks, do you have xreas or the soft OEM tokico? as for the rear, do you have the RAS, if so it may not be working properly or at all.

 

[WXman]

I agree with Chaz... there are lots of variables here. Could be anything. I put on a new set of Falken ATs two years ago and instantly my Jeep started tracking all over the road. It was terrible. And that was just from crappy foreign tires alone. So if you have a shock leaking or RAS bags cracked and leaking or the alignment is way off it could drive the way you describe and tires could make it worse also.

I would recommend that if you aren't comfortable with it yourself take it to a suspension and alignment shop and have them inspect it front to rear.

 

[psc38]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have it booked in for an inspection this week, I'll see what happens.

I have had the alignment checked and that was fine, I assume it must be the rear suspension. Fingers crossed its not too expensive!

Cheers

Paul

 

[Brazenhead]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have it booked in for an inspection this week, I'll see what happens.

I have had the alignment checked and that was fine, I assume it must be the rear suspension. Fingers crossed its not too expensive!

Cheers

Paul

If its the RAS don't forget to lube up! If in fact your suspension ends up being the culprit, you'd be better of replacing everything with a aftermarket set up. Hope it's something minor. Good luck!

 

[nghiS4]

I bought my '04 with 133k miles several months ago & it drove perfectly, although too floaty over bumps. Of course it was completely stock. After adding new suspension, drove great. But then added my 285/70/17 GY Duratracs A/T, it tracks pretty badly on the highway, especially over 70. Feels like the wind is pushing it side to side.

 

[LTDSC]

I bought my '04 with 133k miles several months ago & it drove perfectly, although too floaty over bumps. Of course it was completely stock. After adding new suspension, drove great. But then added my 285/70/17 GY Duratracs A/T, it tracks pretty badly on the highway, especially over 70. Feels like the wind is pushing it side to side.

whered you get it aligned? Sounds like they went to spec. Big-O locally knew these arms and he aligned it how his is. Drives solid. When i went to get tires changed i had them check it and they adjusted it, now it tracks all over the place. Im going to have them change my alignment BACK to what it was originally.

 

[nghiS4]

I got a lifetime alignment at Firestone. I'll go back at some point to see if they can tweak it to track better. Let me know what your alignment settings are when you go back to get it re-done.

 

[LTDSC]

I got a lifetime alignment at Firestone. I'll go back at some point to see if they can tweak it to track better. Let me know what your alignment settings are when you go back to get it re-done.

let me know if its hard to read. This is from when i first got it done.

 

[nghiS4]

A tad hard to read. Off to drink some coffee & maybe then I'll compare them...LOL....For comparison, here's mine. Again, it's not bad, but just seems it can be better.

 

[LTDSC]

Caster : 3.7
Camber 0.3
Toe: 0.05

 

[having fun]

Caster : 3.7
Camber 0.3
Toe: 0.05

Seems like the caster might be a little high, but, I'm no professional.

Mine are more in the 2.6-2.9 range. The rest of the numbers on the both of you 2 looks close to where I'm at.

My set up is close to yours LTDSC, except the stiffer rear. No issues like stated above.

The guys at Les Schwab on FLORIN & 99 did mine, and do all these modded/lifted 4x4's all the time.

 

[nghiS4]

Hmm...pretty close. You have Light Racing UCA's, correct? I still think it's my Duratracs. Of course, it could also be driving the 4R back to back with the S4 that makes it seem so off...LOL...

 

[LTDSC]

Hmm...pretty close. You have Light Racing UCA's, correct? I still think it's my Duratracs. Of course, it could also be driving the 4R back to back with the S4 that makes it seem so off...LOL...

Yessir, i have the LR UCAs and the caster setting was so the flat side is out. I believe that was +2.

 

[nghiS4]

Seems like the caster might be a little high, but, I'm no professional.

Mine are more in the 2.6-2.9 range. The rest of the numbers on the both of you 2 looks close to where I'm at.

My set up is close to yours LTDSC, except the stiffer rear. No issues like stated above.

The guys at Les Schwab on FLORIN & 99 did mine, and do all these modded/lifted 4x4's all the time.

Does yours track fairly solid & straight on the hwy? I've tried my Duratracs at 36, 40 & now 44 psi. Seems 44 is the best on the hwy. Pretty sure in my case it's my tires. Great for offroad, less so for hwy.

 

[LTDSC]

damn, i run 35psi all around.

 

[having fun]

Does yours track fairly solid & straight on the hwy? I've tried my Duratracs at 36, 40 & now 44 psi. Seems 44 is the best on the hwy. Pretty sure in my case it's my tires. Great for offroad, less so for hwy.

Mine did before the last off road adventure, has a slight pull to the left now. Still no pulling in ruts though.
Yes have the lr uca.

I have the same tires as LTDSC, set at 40 psi.

 

[nghiS4]

Mine's not really pulling in ruts, just feels like it sways a little sometimes. Usually tracks straight, just not as it did when stock. I've read some Duratrac owners feel the tires don't track real straight, & some have even said they feel they're unsafe & unstable. I think they're "ok," but I may try other tires & sell these at some point just to try different sets. I'm actually playing with the idea of getting a set of wheels & "mild" A/T's for street driving & keep the Duratracs for offroad...LOL... that'll make 3 full sets of extra tire/wheels in the garage hahaa...

Also, have you guys thought about getting a Firestone lifetime alignment? $189 for all-you-can-align for the life of the 4R. I figure it'll be handy after offroad trips.

 

[having fun]

Also, have you guys thought about getting a Firestone lifetime alignment? $189 for all-you-can-align for the life of the 4R. I figure it'll be handy after offroad trips.

I seriously been thinking about it, just because of above statement. I have had alignments done at several places, and the above location I stated, does the best job I have dealt with no matter how long it takes them, they make sure it is right or will tell you why they can't, ect.


I have seen performance cars come in and these guys will ask for out of spect alignments, and numbers, and they will do it with no guaranty. Those drifting type of cars.

 

[LTDSC]

I've thought about it, but the Firestone here in town sucks. Full of old people that dont do much specialty vehicles. Not sure if I trust them to make my alignment how i want. Not to mention if its NOT right, ill be bugging the crap out of them.