[matt_g]

Hi Folks,

I did a Sydney to Brisbane & back trip in my <21k km 2010 Jimny last xmas, and was thinking of doing the same this year, but was wondering if there's any solution to make the steering heavier / firmer for highway driving? I found that the thing that was most wearing about the drive was the looseness of the wheel, and feeling like I had to hold it on centre.

Is there a accessory or adjustment that can do this? A quick googling, suggests Return-to-centre steering dampers might be the solution. If anyone's got any recommendations, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

[Jezza86]

could shim the king pins up to maximum design spec, 4.5kg initial torque.
bottom line is solid front axle will always handle like solid front axle...

[droverdave]

What about adding more castor?

I hear about "castor correction bushes" which i assume spin the diff back to where its supposed to be when lift kits are installed. How about installing for mentioned bushes to spin the diff more and add more castor over standard (assuming no lift kit installed)

I'm unsure if this will have a detrimental effect on other stuff or not....

[JrZook]

^^^this. Add more castor

[zukenutter]

I used to run slightly over corrected caster, highway and cornering was great, very firm feel. When I swap back to smaller rubber I'll be lowering by 20mm to achieve positive caster again.

[royce]

give it more toe in, thats what sets stability at speed

[Reubs]

Run the recommended tyre pressures as per the placard.

[zukenutter]

^^ best place to start

[Mike57]

Adding castor will make the steering feel heavier and will allow it to self centre more positively after cornering. Slight additional toe in will add to straight line stability and also take some of the vagueness out of it at speed. Lowering tyre pressure adds drag which will also increase steering stability so all three responses above are correct. Tyre pressure is the quick one to check then a good wheel aligner can check the toe in for you. The need for castor correction depends upon whether you have a lift. If it is stock height the castor should be OK.

[matt_g]

Thanks for the suggestions, for what it's worth the tyres are LT BF Goodrich AT 215/75 r15 on the standard wheels, and I have them at the pressures stated on the plate in the door (which always looks under-inflated). Aside from that everything's stock.

cheers,

[vet 180]

A little tow in and a good steering dampner