First jeep!! need some help

[Hulk1991]

Hey guys,
I Just bought my First jeep a few weeks ago and been wanting one since I was a kid so Im hyped!!
I got an alignment done because the steering was not straight. The jeep is lifted with 33 inch tires I am not sure how much it is lifted. The jeep drives better then it did before but still not as straight as it should be . I never worked on any lifted vehicle before so I am not sure if the lift kit that is on it has anything to to with the way it drives. Any suggestions would be a big help thank you

 

[Shwane]

I've got a 3.5'' lift on mine and it tracks straight down the road. What is yours doing? Pulling one way or the other? Loose or sloppy steering?

 

[Germanshepherd]

How is tire pressure, even all around? That can cause it to pull but other folks will have better suggestions. Congrats by the way!!

 

[glwood]

The lift kit itself would not be the main contributing factor as to why your Jeep is not driving straight. That would most likely be attributed to the steering linkage being worn, or the trackbar ends/bushings having wear. As @Shwane said, please clarify what the issue is in more detail...

 

[JMT]

The lift kit itself would not be the main contributing factor as to why your Jeep is not driving straight. That would most likely be attributed to the steering linkage being worn, or the trackbar ends/bushings having wear. As @Shwane said, please clarify what the issue is in more detail...

X2.

Also, what TJ do you have? Year? Model? Engine? Mileage?

Lastly, to determine your lift, measure from bottom of coil spring to the coil spring isolator. Stock front is 12" and rear is 8". Whatever is above those two measurements is the amount of actual lift you have.

Well, lastly for real, congrats on your new TJ! It won't disappear! Lots of fun. Lots of knowledgeable folks here, and super nice.

 

[Hulk1991]

hmm hard to explain. It pulls to one side then ill straighten back and it will pull to the other side.

 

[Hulk1991]

thanks!! 2000 2.5 engine 139000. I have some work to do on it but Im sending it out to my body guy tomorrow to get it looking sexy lol

 

[Rob5589]

Welcome aboard!

Take some pics of the front suspension. Some like to install drop pitman arms, funky crossover steering links, etc, which can cause poor handling.

 

[Hulk1991]

 

[Hulk1991]

 

[StG58]

Right off the top, @Hulk1991, you've got bent suspension parts under there. That tie rod is going to need replacement for sure.

 

[Hulk1991]

Oh ok thanks!

 

[Rob5589]

That tie rod is way bent. If a shop aligned that thing, find a new shop. They obviously had no idea the tie rod was damaged. And since you have 33's look into a ZJ tie rod conversion.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/zj-tie-rod-conversion.2373/

Get a side pic of the pitman arm, to see if it is a drop or stock. The pitman arm comes off the bottom of steering box.

 

[Hulk1991]

 

[Hulk1991]

Hopefully that's a good pic

 

[Rob5589]

Oh yea, dropped pitman arm. Ditch it. They cause bumpsteer and wandering which it sounds like you have.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/should-i-install-a-dropped-pitman-arm.2926/

 

[Hulk1991]

Oh ok thanks for the help

 

[Rob5589]

No problem. We'll get you squared away. Or at a minimum, help empty your wallet

 

[bobthetj03]

Yep, that pitman arm must go. Get a factory pitman arm back on there and your wandering will subside. FYI.

Your tie rod has a sad face.

 

[Hulk1991]

Lol can't get anymore empty rob5589