Dropped radius arms to fix GQ shimmy?

[mabsydney]

So I've got this shimmy problem which is slowly getting worse.

My mechanic has replaced panhard bushes, fitted a RTC steering damper and done a weel alignment and balance and it's done sweet FA towards fixing the issue.

The last thing he told me was I should fit dropped radius arms (I have a 3" lift) at a cost of over $1200 and consider cro - mo tie rods.

Does anybody else smell BS here, or is this really what I need to do to fix a shimmy problem?

Also is it reasonable for me to expect some kind of gaurantee on the work I get done.........I mean I've already spent quite a few $ on fixes that haven't worked?

[YankeeDave]

snif snif

yep thats BS

First of all did he use genuine panhard bushes. they usually allow less shimmy.

have a look at the radius arm bushes. After this, drop boxes are cheap as. I made mine for less than $100 all up and i got all the bits laser cut.
but you can buy some for like $400-$500

there is even a guy here on outers can't remember his name who sells replacement drop arms for less than a grand.

[Slug]

You may have already done it but it needs to be asked anyway
Have you checked swivel hub bearings for the correct preload ?

My old GQ was a bitch until I found someone who knew of the issue...10 minutes and minus 2 shims later all was right with the world again

[Mick.]

Take it to a place that specialises in wheel aligning 4wds & trucks to check if you caster is out. If it's only a 3inch lift than you could just put a set of off set caster bushes in.

You may find the caster is fine and the radius arm bushes are stuffed. This is a very common problem for the patrols. The reason I think it's this and not caster related is if your caster was out it would have been out from the start and wouldn't get any worse.

Cheers Mick.

[mabsydney]

Thanks for the replies guys, I think I need to get a second opinion on it.

Hopefully it's something simple like you guys suggest.

Yankee Dave, yeah they were genuine panhard bushes

Slug, I don't know how to check the pre load, but I'll find somebody who does.

Mick, I'm already running off set bushes, maybe they are flogged tho?

Cheers,

Martin

[Mick.]

If the offset bushes are right i'd be checking your radius arm bushes.

I don't know from experience but i've heard the offset bushes do wear out pretty quickly.

Cheers Mick.

[mightymav]

toe the front wheels in a little bit

[jono]

The quickest and simplist way to increase the preload on your swivel hub bearings is pull one shim out of each bearing and if the problem goes away your swivle hub bearings are on their way out.
Hope that helps
Jono