Reduced Turning Radius On Suspension Lift

flyin6 · May 2, 2009

I have the Superlift 6" suspension installed on my Sierra Denali. Lift and alignment along with ride is A-OK. B U T, it has a much wider turning radius. I don't like it at all. It seems like docking the Queen Elizabeth! Comparing it to my H2, the Hummer turns in maybe half the distance.

1. WHy did this happen?

2. What can I do to correct it?

Matt_ · May 2, 2009

turn the wheel lock to lock and take a picture on each side of what is limiting the turning. There should be a tab on each knuckle that makes contact with the lower control arm... if that tab is touching the lower control arm then there's nothing you can do

flyin6 · May 2, 2009

turn the wheel lock to lock and take a picture on each side of what is limiting the turning. There should be a tab on each knuckle that makes contact with the lower control arm... if that tab is touching the lower control arm then there's nothing you can do

I'm screwed!

The suspension lifts which utilize a new knuckle seem to limit turning radius. I am wondering why that has to be??

J-man67 · May 2, 2009

So you don't flip it faster? Also, I don't remember correctly, but I think it may be due to the track width increase as well. I remember reading something about it, although it still doesn't make sense to me. I hear you though man, they suck to park. Whenever my g/f and I go anywhere, where parking is tight, we take her TL.

RClurg84 · May 2, 2009

If you did get the turning radius decreased, wouldn't that possibly cause the tires to rub the back side of the wheel well? I know I rub inside if I lock the steering all the way on either side, on the inside tire for the direction I'm trying to turn. Yea it sucks but I've learned to live with it.........:-(

J-man67 · May 2, 2009

If you did get the turning radius decreased, wouldn't that possibly cause the tires to rub the back side of the wheel well? I know I rub inside if I lock the steering all the way on either side, on the inside tire for the direction I'm trying to turn. Yea it sucks but I've learned to live with it.........:-(

That makes sense too.... Have you trimmed anything?

RClurg84 · May 2, 2009

If you did get the turning radius decreased, wouldn't that possibly cause the tires to rub the back side of the wheel well? I know I rub inside if I lock the steering all the way on either side, on the inside tire for the direction I'm trying to turn. Yea it sucks but I've learned to live with it.........:-(

That makes sense too.... Have you trimmed anything?

Haven't really worried about trimming anything inside, might just try the zip tie trick. Only thing trimmed is the bottom inside of the fenders. Which I need to figure how much more I want to trim if any at all. I'll take a picture of the trim area after I get it back from the dealership. Maybe someone can give a little advice on how much more I can trim without messing things up.

Matt_ · May 2, 2009

i had to trim quite a bit... talking about the FRONT wheel wells, do you need to trim more of the front or the back of them?

J-man67 · May 2, 2009

You can drill a hole through the front, then zip tie it towards the front of the truck. The back of the wheel well, just trim the plastic up to the metal. Its harded to explain, i'll see if I can find some pics on other forums.

Zembonez · May 2, 2009

turn the wheel lock to lock and take a picture on each side of what is limiting the turning. There should be a tab on each knuckle that makes contact with the lower control arm... if that tab is touching the lower control arm then there's nothing you can do

I'm screwed!

The suspension lifts which utilize a new knuckle seem to limit turning radius. I am wondering why that has to be??

It's just a clearance versus steerin geometry thing. When the spindle relocates the center of the axle for lift, other suspension components that did not move get in the way. It's a give and take situation anytime you alter the original design (which was designed for function - not lift)

stlavsa · May 2, 2009

turn the wheel lock to lock and take a picture on each side of what is limiting the turning. There should be a tab on each knuckle that makes contact with the lower control arm... if that tab is touching the lower control arm then there's nothing you can do

I'm screwed!

The suspension lifts which utilize a new knuckle seem to limit turning radius. I am wondering why that has to be??

It's just a clearance versus steerin geometry thing. When the spindle relocates the center of the axle for lift, other suspension components that did not move get in the way. It's a give and take situation anytime you alter the original design (which was designed for function - not lift)

Its really not that bad, parking is still easier on these than a 3/4 ton + truck.

flyin6 · May 2, 2009

turn the wheel lock to lock and take a picture on each side of what is limiting the turning. There should be a tab on each knuckle that makes contact with the lower control arm... if that tab is touching the lower control arm then there's nothing you can do

I'm screwed!

The suspension lifts which utilize a new knuckle seem to limit turning radius. I am wondering why that has to be??

It's just a clearance versus steerin geometry thing. When the spindle relocates the center of the axle for lift, other suspension components that did not move get in the way. It's a give and take situation anytime you alter the original design (which was designed for function - not lift)

I suspected that was the reason, but I don't believe it has to be this way. So what can I do to get my turning radius back short of getting another truck?

I installed a straight axle in the front of my tundra. It sits 16" taller than when it was stock. The tires hit both ways when I turn them, however I perfer it that way. Atleast I get to choose a little or a lot of rubbing in favor of a reduced turning radius!

J-man67 · May 3, 2009

turn the wheel lock to lock and take a picture on each side of what is limiting the turning. There should be a tab on each knuckle that makes contact with the lower control arm... if that tab is touching the lower control arm then there's nothing you can do

I'm screwed!

The suspension lifts which utilize a new knuckle seem to limit turning radius. I am wondering why that has to be??

It's just a clearance versus steerin geometry thing. When the spindle relocates the center of the axle for lift, other suspension components that did not move get in the way. It's a give and take situation anytime you alter the original design (which was designed for function - not lift)

I suspected that was the reason, but I don't believe it has to be this way. So what can I do to get my turning radius back short of getting another truck?

I installed a straight axle in the front of my tundra. It sits 16" taller than when it was stock. The tires hit both ways when I turn them, however I perfer it that way. Atleast I get to choose a little or a lot of rubbing in favor of a reduced turning radius!

I fuggin LOVE that Yota!!