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WTF? Dog Tracking under Accel...

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Old 10-07-2010, 12:57 PM
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Are you positive its coming from the rear though, are you sure its not just the front turning abruptly and it makes you think its coming from the rear?
Old 10-07-2010, 01:07 PM
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Well Ill put it this way. If i didnt turn the wheel under acceleration, It would drift off the road.

I think were misunderstanding each other here.
Old 10-07-2010, 01:09 PM
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It really sounds like one of your steering components are way off
Old 10-07-2010, 01:16 PM
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1/16" toe in and the caster is not exact but very close.

so the alignment should be fine.
Old 10-07-2010, 01:18 PM
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Track bar and mounts/angles/bushings, steering box and bolts, tie rods.
Old 10-07-2010, 01:26 PM
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If the problem were in the steering components it would do it all the time, not just under acceleration.
When there's something loose on one side of the rear end of a vehicle w/leaf springs, it can allow the rear axle to shift under acceleration becoming cocked in the vehicle making it pull in that direction. For instance: If the left rear spring bushings are shot and allow the axle to move forward on the left but the right remains tight it can cause the rear of the vehicle to move or steer itself to the right. This would need to be compensated for by turning the steering wheel to the right to keep the vehicle headed in a straight direction even though all four tires are following a slightly different path.
That's why you see some vehicles "Dog-tracking" when you're following them.
The rear tires aren't following the front tires. Worn parts, a bent frame, or a mis-aligned axle are the causes of that.
Old 10-07-2010, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by ol"blue
If the problem were in the steering components it would do it all the time, not just under acceleration.
When there's something loose on one side of the rear end of a vehicle w/leaf springs, it can allow the rear axle to shift under acceleration becoming cocked in the vehicle making it pull in that direction. For instance: If the left rear spring bushings are shot and allow the axle to move forward on the left but the right remains tight it can cause the rear of the vehicle to move or steer itself to the right. This would need to be compensated for by turning the steering wheel to the right to keep the vehicle headed in a straight direction even though all four tires are following a slightly different path.
That's why you see some vehicles "Dog-tracking" when you're following them.
The rear tires aren't following the front tires. Worn parts, a bent frame, or a mis-aligned axle are the causes of that.

THANK YOU!!!
Thats exactly what i think is happening!!!

Old 10-07-2010, 01:37 PM
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He beat me too it but yeah... also when was the last time you checked your U-bolts on the axle? Had the same problem on my street rod and spent WAY to much money on the steering only to end up doing this because my u-bolts had come loose enough to allow the axle to slip sideways. Best of luck.
Old 10-07-2010, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by miglia-spyder
Haha ok i give up... It happens on flat pavement.
If you have loose u bolts on a rear axle the torque when accelerating will cause the rear axle to move forward on the side that is loose creating a rear steer condition. It will also move rearward on deceleration or compression braking. ( but they have to be real loose )

Seems like I type to dam slow!!
Old 10-07-2010, 02:01 PM
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Yeah the U-bolts make alot of sense. Ill go over the rear end today.

Thanks for understanding me haha
Old 10-07-2010, 02:07 PM
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OK...with engine OFF...first get a helper to waggle the steering wheel while you watch the steering gear. ANY play is bad.

Next, lift the front end off the ground, grab the wheel at noon and six and work it. Do the same at nine and three. Any play is bad.

While up there ON FOUR JACKSTANDS check the control arms carefully. PUt a pry bar on them and see if you can get any wiggle. Wiggle bad.

Next, air up all four tires to the same pressure. If you have a locker and your rear tire pressure is off even a few pounds, the diameter of the tire changes and the locker will thrust you sideways.

If none of these yield results, get a .357 mag, stand in front of the car and explain that if it doesn't knock this crap off you're going to put it out of your misery....then you can shoot it or take it to a mechanic, whichever seems best.
Old 10-07-2010, 03:02 PM
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I'd check the leaf spring's front bushings, the u-bolts, the front spring hanger boxes for rust/damage, and a broken main leaf in those springs. Also if your Jeep's lifted with blocks they can shift causing this.
Old 10-07-2010, 04:58 PM
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weird this topic came up, I recently noticed I had the same thing going on...after installing my 31's, I say check everything that was stated (i havnt had time to yet so if you find something post it up, I'm betting ubolts though), and to put it to a fair explanation for arguments sake lol, it's like a torque steer feeling in a fwd car (for those of you familiar with that) but from the rear, and I'm betting the correct diagnosis would be considered "excessive axle wrap" due to worn/loose rear axle components.
Old 10-07-2010, 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Diesel
Good idea, check all components and connections.




Rear steer only works if it is countering the front steer in unison.

If your idea was actually happening, and the bushing magically disappeared, it wouldnt cause the front to steer either way, you would either a. get a bad shake at all speeds, and/or b. snap the leaf bolt resulting in a fun filled day.
Thrust angle is the magic word. If the rear axle is not squared with the front axle, you'll have dog tracking, dog walking, crabbing, what ever you want to call it. If there is a bad bushing or loose ubolts on the rear axle, it is possible that the axle will shift and cause the steering wheel to be off center to compensate for the dog tracking.
Old 10-07-2010, 08:57 PM
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I saw a post somewhere, about a month ago. The bolt that holds the front of the leaf spring through it's eye had sheared off right where it threads into the frame nut. This would be on the other side of the spring eye from where the bolt head is.

I remember it was quite a pain to remove the broken off end from the nut too.


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