Suspension Terminology   Nov. 01, 2005 By Larry Harris   You are
on the way to your favorite trail. You hit a pothole. The
steering wheel is jerked violently left then right as the truck
is heading to the side of the road. You have bump-steer!  This
phenomenon is a result of modifying your tie rod and drag link
geometry. The tie rod and drag link, as installed at the
factory, are very close to parallel. Keeping these components
parallel reduces bump-steer. Installing longer shackles, lifted
springs, or a spring-over axle lift will change your tie rod and
drag link angle.  To compensate, you can install a drop Pitman
arm, a "Z" thingy (modified drag link) or the Linkage Steering
Kit offered by Calmini Products (presently only offered for the
Samurai). Any of the these will help to restore proper steering
geometry. Installing a steering stabilizer or power steering is
not a fix for this problem, it will just disguise it.
Installing an aftermarket suspension on your truck has some
trade offs. On the plus side