The reason I added the shim was to correct excessive amount of angle at the frount drive shaft and reduce the amount of caster from 6* to 3*.On full compression The steering box tie rod link rubs on the spring.The bump stops are set 2.75" from the u bolt flip plates .I am running Allpros 3"lift longer springs. Here is what I am considering (1) removing the smallest leaf,but I need all the lift I can get.(2)differant pitman arm(I am using allpros modified fj80 arm).(3)Taller arms (SKYs stage 6 arms appear to be taller).(4)higher lift springs.(5)Extend the bump stops for less up travel.(6)run it until it brakes and then deal with it(LOL)............Am I missing somthing? Every thing was ok until I added Roger Browns excellant shims.I have a hi pinnion front diff and still have a 7* angle at the frount U joint so removing the shims is not somthing I would like to do .

Got pics ?

Not that your description of the problem isn't good, they just help.

I think I'd consider a different pittman arm or clock the steering box .

I used to run into the same problem on my old AP high-steer setup with a 3 degree shim. While the contact did result in rubbing the paint off the tie rod, it did not seem to have any other negative affects. Before I had the bumpstops set right, it would bind up the steering, but raising the stops to limit the rubbing cured that.

I also had trouble with the pitman arm hitting the springs as well, again just enough to take the paint off the spring. A dropped spring hanger fixed that and also eliminated the need for the shims by tipping down the front of the axle, raising the pinion:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/CrossoverSteering/index.shtml#SpringHangerDrop

Just several of the issues you encounter when running relatively low lift with crossover steering.

How thick is the fat end of the shim (I'm guessing just short of 1/2")? Could always swap them out for a slightly thinner set made out of 3/8" stock, maybe reducing the angle to 2.5 degrees or whatever is the maximum angle that will fit in the thinner material.

well spanky.....having installed a set of Allpros with shims with the hi steer myself......there's a couple of solutions that can involve some time and money.

1----go standard x-over. Tie-rod is below the pack now. And the steering box pitman will never be a contact issue with the tie-rod as a bonus.

2-----grind and rotate the knuckles. Then either shim or rotate/shave the perches. modify shock mounts as needed.




3----you could convert to heims/rod-ends.....gives you the flexibility to space the tie-rod up.


4----let it scrape but that would not sit well with some.

ZUK

Are you talking about the drag link or the tie rod? If it is the tie rod rubbing on the leaf spring than a different pitman arm will not help. If this is the problem than I would consider turning the knuckles so your pinion is pointed at the transfer case and you end up with more caster, or if you do not want to do that get higher steering arms or bigger bump stops.

I think I will extend the bump stops and try a few of your suggestions .The heim joint was somthing I was thinking about but is not legal for on road and aparently strictly watched here.It is a bit more than a paint rubbing off but extending the bump stops should reduce it to a paint problem .The spring hanger is allpros and is a drop style.Knowing what I know now rotating the knuckles 5* is a very good way to solve many problems .I was hoping some one had success with a shorter pitman arm or a flatter style.It is the drag link rubbing or rather the rod that connects the tie rods from the steering box to the right hi steer arm rubbing the top of the spring .Too much caster is the problem ,I had 6* before the shims.The shims caused the rods to be closer to the top of the springs.I may try some 4 or 5" springs as I still have to add a winch.....As always thanks guys and I will try to post some pics

If the problem is the drag link (connects the pitman arm to the steering arm) hitting on the driver's side, then a pitman arm with less drop would help. I have an OTT pitman arm and am very happy with it.

The best solution by far is turning the knuckles. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I assume we're talking about a Toy axle here?
Why did you end up with so much caster? Did you mount the shackle hangers under the frame?