Bilstein level, but now twitchy steering & wandering

[ohengineering]

Hi all,
Are we seeing common complaints of twitchy steering or "wandering" after level kit install? I've got 5100's up front set at 2.8" (I think..I have a terrible memory), and my steering is really twitchy now at highway speeds, and I find it wandering occasionally even at low speeds. If I have to I'll set the system up in SusProg and take a look at the effects this had but I figured I'd approach the hive mind first!

Unfortunately, no caster adjustment on the 1500 so I can't do anything there..

Thanks!

 

[14blackouthemi]

Dumb question but did you put the spring cup/perch/seat on the bottom on the right way?

 

[ohengineering]

Dumb question but did you put the spring cup/perch/seat on the bottom on the right way?

No worries, it was installed correctly

 

[stimpy433]

I have mine set @ 2.8 and no problems, it drives just the same as before they were installed. I'm assuming you did get it aligned after you installed them...

 

[reddevil78]

You have to align after the install just like stimpy said if not you'll be all over the place. Even if you notch it up some or some down either direction you have to align each time.

 

[quietpeen]

mine are set at 2.1 and no twitchy steering or wandering

 

[Cmsharp]

Me too. Bilstein's up front set at 2.1, front alignment, no problems that ive noticed

 

[WilliamS]

Mine are at 2.8 and its smooth as factory.

You need an alignment, are you sure everything is tightened properly, and are you 100% sure they are installed correct. I see a thread every few months where the spring perch is upside down which compresses the heck out of the spring and makes it very stiff which would be very "active" on bumps and imperfections in the road

 

[localdanishdood]

Set at 2.8 and the steering feels fine. I had the alignment done but I do "wander" to the left ever so slightly but I'm not sure if it's the alignment or if it's the Trail Grapplers.. there's a bunch of posts about trail grapplers walking left so the jury is out


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[Marciel]

May just be the rack and pinion steering, I think fabtech is the only one who makes a steering stabilizer but don't quote me.

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[JasonK94Z]

Same setup here. A proper alignment to factory specs and no wandering etc. feels just like factory.


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[ohengineering]

Thanks for the replies, all.
The shocks and spring perches are definitely installed correctly, I was an ASE Master tech before moving on to the corporate world Alignment was done, I can tell it's slightly off but not enough to do this.

The Ackerman is unchanged with this, but maybe I've got a tie rod binding or something dumb.
As I said, figured I'd ask those who've driven theirs for their experiences before crawling under.

Thanks all!

 

[novelmike]

Thanks for the replies, all.
The shocks and spring perches are definitely installed correctly, I was an ASE Master tech before moving on to the corporate world Alignment was done, I can tell it's slightly off but not enough to do this.

The Ackerman is unchanged with this, but maybe I've got a tie rod binding or something dumb.
As I said, figured I'd ask those who've driven theirs for their experiences before crawling under.

Thanks all!

I am confused on a couple statements you made....
The caster cannot be adjusted on our trucks.
The alignment was done but you can tell its off.

I think you need to get it aligned again. All things are pointing to the alignment not being in spec. Especially if you're sure everything has been installed correctly. And you even said you can tell the alignment is off!
Also, I am not positive, but I think there is some adjustment in the caster angle of these trucks.

 

[TomT]

I have the same setup at 2.8 up front (although I did switch to Zone upper arms) and also raised the rear with stiffer variable rate springs and Bilsteins to keep the factory rake or close to it.

I have noticed mine wandering a bit when the front tires (35s) are at a high pressure or when I have a good size load in the bed causing the truck to sit nose high. Check your tire pressures and maybe drop them a bit to see if that helps.

 

[2015RamWV]

Set at 2.8 and the steering feels fine. I had the alignment done but I do "wander" to the left ever so slightly but I'm not sure if it's the alignment or if it's the Trail Grapplers.. there's a bunch of posts about trail grapplers walking left so the jury is out


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Is your sitting level at 2.8 or did you have to add a block in the back?

 

[localdanishdood]

Is your sitting level at 2.8 or did you have to add a block in the back?

It sits level per the tape measure and looks level most of the time.. at some angles it can look nose high

I like it though, looks badass and I only tow small boats in the summer so I don't need a rake


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[localdanishdood]

Is your sitting level at 2.8 or did you have to add a block in the back?

Also.. I would of kicked myself everyday if I went 2.1 and it just didn't look level enough


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[2015RamWV]

Thanks man I appreciate it I think that's what I'm gonna do and then add air bags in the back for when I haul my camper

 

[69GWC]

Hi all,
Are we seeing common complaints of twitchy steering or "wandering" after level kit install? I've got 5100's up front set at 2.8" (I think..I have a terrible memory), and my steering is really twitchy now at highway speeds, and I find it wandering occasionally even at low speeds. If I have to I'll set the system up in SusProg and take a look at the effects this had but I figured I'd approach the hive mind first!

Unfortunately, no caster adjustment on the 1500 so I can't do anything there..

Thanks!

So did you ever figure your truck out and get the twitch out of the steering. ?
Mine is twichty at hwy speeds and was with the stock tires and still with my 35s.
i have had my front end aligned twice after I leveled it and both times I was told is was dead on.

 

[TomT]

I’ve noticed that mine gets a bit twitchy with a load in the bed. Basically whenever weight shifts off the front and more towards the rear.