Hey all

So the SAS on my 88 Trooper has been done and have wheeled it. I have found the following

I kept mine SUA, which makes for tight quarters for steering linkage. The driveline angle and travel is awesome, however, I found that without a bumpstop the drive line will hit the slave cylinder. Resolution bumpstops! (duh)

I also have found with my spring selection (FJ40 front springs) that the axle is about 5" forward of stock. I altered the pitman arm to keep things tucked, but unfortunately the drag link hits the front diff cover (barely). It did manage to bend slightly. The steering is also a little vague, but I think this is due to the fact that I need to replace the bushings and have too much slop in steering.

HAs anyone noted that steering felt more vague after the SAS? I can drive at highway speeds, but it requires concentration. I also have noted that it takes more "turn" of the wheel to turn the rig now. Has anyone else dealt with and resolved? I am running 36s.

My thoughts are to move the steering box forward so its in front of the axle, fab up a new drag link, and relpace the bushings. I have thought of replacing the OEM steerng box with something with a tighter ratio. I have heard that 70s Chvey MOnte Carlo steering boxes have a short steering ratio and could be an option....

Any help on this would be appreciated.

I am not a SAS guy, but wouldn't a longer pittman arm make the steering "faster"?

James-

How's the alignment? Too little caster would make for vague steering. Did you move the spring perches when you did the axle?

How bad are the TREs in the steering linkage?

Finally, what about that loose nut behind the steering wheel?

Good Luck,
Michael

Alignment was done by yours truly(with a 2x4 and a steady eyeball... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />) I do know that this is an issue.

TRE's are all GM one ton and brand new (less than 2k miles anyways, checked last time I was under)

I did not move the spring perches on the axle. When I did the sas I mounted on the outside of the frame to keep in line. Mounts are super sturday and gusseted. I do know that bushings need to be redone, and I will be putting new u bolts and spring plates as well. I really think once I get the alignment done and the new bushings, this will help ALOT. Thanks for the input. Keep you posted. BTW, I pick up my new project next month... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My rig steered slower due to the arm on the axle being longer than the stock pitman arm. It takes some getting used to for sure. I liked the extra leverage it gave me on the trail.

I agree, that off road, it is awesome. I am hoping to gain some of the streetability back though. I am going to dig into it in the next couple of weekends. I have found a local 4wd club that is really good. I will keep you posted. Anyone near Ruidoso, NM?