Post lift P38 problems

[etcatmeat]

I am having a couple issues since the lift was installed on my 1999 p38. The lift was pretty substantial, about 5.5 inches in the rear and 4.75 inches in the front (with tires) The alignment was done, yet it still pulls to the left. I tried switching the tires around (they are brand new Cooper STTs) and it didnt really make any difference. Also there is a vibration at certain speeds...AlanB says that he had front driveshaft vibrations, how do I verify that is the same vibration I am feeling...or is it my tires....or somthing else? If anyone could shed some light I would appreciate it, I am trying to plan a trip to Zion next weekend and want this baby ready for a long drive.

 

[mcnabj]

Well if it still pulls to the left there must be something wrong with the alignment. Who performed the alignment and did you get a print out of before and after specs? I would imagine that you caster is way off after the lift as well. Did you find a way to correct the caster b/c it is not normally adjustable. BTW, do you have more pics of your Rover? I think it looks great. Good luck and let us know the results..

 

[FB111]

Remove the front driveshaft and see if still vibrates.

 

[noee]

It's not pulling left because of wheel alignment, it's pulling because when you lift that high, the panhard causes the front axle to move to the left, maybe by as much as 1/2". Get out a string and eyeball it and you will see.

I think you might consider an adjustable panhard.

 

[mcnabj]

I lifted a jeep cherokee 4.0 4 inches and it did move the axle to the left due to the track bar(panhard bar) being too short. The vehicle did not steer left as a result. The front view looked strange b/c the axle shifted to the left though. The panhard wont effect the toe on a vehicle. I think that your caster has been changed due to the lift and may be different on both sides. This could cause a pull to one side. Hope this helps..

 

[MikeD]

You'll definately need front and rear drive shafts.. great basin's are great and the owner is a stand up kinda guy.. and a panhard.. and then you get to muscle a 3 ton truck around that dosn't want to be 5 inches higher for the rest of its life.. enjoy

 

[etcatmeat]

Looks like im going to get a panhard made...hopefully that will take care of my alignment. I havent got a chance to get her in the dirt yet, once I take care of my issues, I will take some pics that are worthy of posting here...

 

[ewen]

RTE will rework your old pan hard rods but the shipping and down time will kill you. try an enginnering shop to weld in an adjuster. The steering on your truck will now feel very light and you are probably getting a lot of bump steer due to close to zero caster angle. I ve done a similar lift and am working thru similar problems. If you have any play in your steering components the reduced caster will magnify them. Check the box and all ball jointsfor ANY play or wear. There is a couple of companies out of the UK who sell excentric front raduis arms bushings for the classic and DI and im wondering if they do the same for the P38. If that doesnt pan out let me know as im going to oversize the holes that attach the radius arms to axle casing so i can rotate the axle back to its original castor then weld in large machined washers each side to hold them in their new place.

Also. you have more lift in the rear which will pull your rear axel further off to the left than the front causing you to "crab" down the road. Try putting in some weight in the back to level out the truck and try again.If you park on level ground and take a 4ft level and put it against the wheel arch and measure the offset relative to the body and then compare the opposite side you will notice about 3/4 inch????

The drive shaft vibration is almost certainly coming from the front as it is much shorter than the rear one and therefore opperates at a steeper angle than the back now. Take it off and drive around for a short time to check....not to long as you may fry your VC.

Good luck

PM me if you want to talk shit about P38s. Or should we call em P39s now ?

 

[etcatmeat]

West Coast Rovers here in CA says they can make one for me next week, hopefully that will cure my problems....I just need to get the driveshaft on order I guess from great basin where everyone is recommending me