Hi all, 1st post here need some help...

vehicle info: 1994 suzuki samurai rock crawler on 79-85 toyota axles.

GM power steering

Lock rite locker up front -- 37" goodyear mtr's -- stock axles and birfs.


Here's the problem: Steering is fine with hubs unlocked. power steering works great no issues.

With hubs locked I get a bind in the steering. It happens in either direction and is not constant. Rarely will it go lock to lock. It's not in the power steering. It's got to be in the axle.

Unlock the hubs and all works fine.

In reverse it seems to steer better.

I happens if moving or not. Steering will bind while vehicle is not moving on any type of surface.

Only happens when both hubs are locked. Just 1 locked and all is fine.

Doesn't matter if I'm in 4wd or 2wd if the manual hubs are locked it binds.

Wheels turn very easily when front end is off the ground. Truck running or not. Hubs locked. No mechanical bind to be found. If you get out and jack up the front end while steering is bound up it all comes free. No unusual noises.

5:71 gears, Lock rite locker, All Pro High steer arms

Any thoughts??

 

a front locker on a dry surface will cause binding. broken birfield will also cause binding.

 

It's more than the typical locker steering issues. It won't turn even while standing still.


It's a mechanical bind that when leaning on the steering wheel the whole axle shifts on the springs while the steering box tries to turn the wheels. It just won't turn.



I won't rule out a broken Birf on the passenger side. I was just in the drivers side and dissassembled the birf, cleaned, and greased the whole deal. I'll do the passenger side this weekend.

Although I have only had this rig for a few months it's been around for a few years. Built by a guy in PA. then sold to another who had it for just a few months. I bought it from the second owner.

The builder is active on Pirate and very helpful with questions. Said he never experienced this. I have no reason to doubt him.

Something is up in the front axle. I've not the only one who it has happened to. Just don't know where to look after the pass birf.

Guess I'm going to have to pull the 3rd and look for broken parts in the locker.
Jer