Front Lift Steering Problems
 

This is my first post so forgive me if I don’t get everything quite right.

This is my first cart but I am no stranger to mechanics, so how hard can it be, Right?

This started with a 4” block lift kit and some 23x10.5x12 AT tires, Simple.
I quickly discovered the right tire was rubbing on the brake arm and locking up the right tire on a hard left turn.
I thought that wheel spacers might solve the problem as well as adding some much needed stability. I installed 2” spacer’s front and back. It is stable now but still rubbing the brake.
After much research on this forum I guessed that extending the front axle would give me the clearance that I needed from the brake. The extensions I fabricated worked and gave me the needed clearance from the brake but another problem has reared its ugly head (this feels like whack-a-mole). It seems that any hard left or right turn will allow the inside tire to turn-in, independently of the other tire and contact the leaf spring (see pics).
Undoubtedly the tie-rods are off their normal position after the extension, but what would be the fix?
I can’t be the only one that has tried to make this kind of mod to a cart, so why is there so little info on it?

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

2000 Gas TXT Shuttle 2x2
4” block lift kit
4- AT 23x10.5x12
4- 2” Wheel spacers

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

Need to adjust the tie rods to achieve 1/8" toe in. When you raise the cart it effects the angle of the tie rods and their effective length.

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

Thanks for your reply.
I did adjust the toe in following the lift to the proper 1/8", no problem there and then.
The current problem didn't arise until I moved the front axle forward 2".
I'm thinking that since I moved the front axle forward I have changed the relative angle of the tie rods to a more straight line which allows them to pivot like a pendulum on their own.
I thinking that the proper angle of the tie rods should be with the wheel-end pointed slightly towards the rear of the cart. I'm guessing that I may have to modify the tie rod extenders in order to reestablish the previous hole locations prior to the axle move.
Am I on the right track here? Has anyone else done this?
Thanks again.

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

You have no thread showing at the tie rod ends, which would lead me to believe the toe in was adjusted at the rear of the tires instead of the front. Axle set 2in. forward would still have the rear of the tires pulled together causing them to interfere with other components. You still should be able to adjust out the new axle location. A set of ST spindles would be a huge improvement over those risers. My experience with those risers is you regularly have to check the bolt tightness to maintain alignment. Good luck, Bob

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

You are correct, there is no thread left on the tie rods.
I did however check dimensions both front and back and toed-in 1/8" in front after the lift, but used up almost all of the threads. The cart rode well following that adjustment.
After moving the axle forward the angle of the rods changed from a angle (outside ends pointing back) to a nearly straight across configuration. this actually elongated the distance between the outside ends. This additional length toed in the wheels considerably and without any threads left to bring it back.
I looked up ST Spindles and didn't find anything. Could you clarify them a bit for me?
Thanks for taking a interest in my problem.
Ken

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

ST spindles have raised spindle arms so you wouldn't need extensions, but they probably cost more
than a dropped axle lift kit, which maybe you should have bought to start with.

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

You are probably right. We all have to start somewhere. I have something in mind for the tie rod extensions I already have. This cart doesn't see a lot of action but I still like it to be right. I'll post some pics as I proceed.
Thanks all.

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

You need to read up on Ackerman steering geometry and also bump steer.

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

Yes you have changed the geometry of the whole factory setup. To do it in a better way, you would have had to move the steering box 2" forward.
Tie rod ext may work to get it back on track. But keep in mind you'll be changing the turning radius by lengthening the tie rod mount and gaining leverage on the 4" lift extensions causing them to flex.

If you don't get this to work out, I have a brand new 4" drop spindle kit thats been on the shelf for a while I'd sell for $125.00.

Re: Front Lift Steering Problems
 

Here's the ST spindles, not cheap and probably wouldn't fix the problem.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/3507869...&ul_noapp=true