Front Suspension Lift Causing Premature Breakage

[rrdstarr]

"but I'm talking about the impacts that are more than shocks can handle)?" I'd think you would break A-arms and tie-rodsand twist the frame if you are hitting that hard! But yeah, lowering the tire pressure does lessen the "impact" to the steering system when offroad. I also have a steering stabilizer which abosrbs a lot of "felt" impact to my hands. XOC/Ian seems to think that steering stabilizers allow the impact to be spread to weaker parts like the centerlink, idler arm, and tie rods. Everyone has a different opinion on the subject???

[Walrus]

Originally posted by XSAL
At the end of trail run on Sunday (6/16), I can now see some wear on the centerlink

What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.

[XSAL]

Originally posted by Walrus


What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.

I know I am paranoid about this... Well, I read this thread from XOC board.

I think I can see a little twist or up and down motion with the center link, but I'm not completely sure if that really means that my CL is shot.

I had my mechanic friend take a look at my CL, and he says that it's still okay. Right after I got off the trail yesterday, the steering wheel felt like it had little more free play than before, but I could not tell if there was anything different about the way my xterra drives.

I guess I'll keep my eyes on it to see if it gets any worse...

[Stormy]

Originally posted by Walrus


What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.

Normal:



With added pressure:



If you look closely, you can see where it's hitting the frame.

[cmxterra]

Currently...

Calmini upper control arms
Sway-a-way torsion bars (Nismo)
Rancho AAL
SLR shackle
Calmini Idler arm brace.

I did have the AC upper control arms but due to an alignment issue (I could not get them into alignment, that and the fact that the bushing were going to hell) I switched.


Replaced the center link