98 SE 2.5L 5spd with 85,000 miles. Since purchasing in January I have removed 35”/12.50” MT’s and 3” of body lift. It now has 33”/11.50” stock JK sports and 4” of suspension lift. I have replaced the tie rod, drag link, stabilizer, and sway bar links. It’s also had two alignments along the way.
Ever since I bought the Jeep, shifting into 1st gear or reverse at still is a challenge. Rolling is much easier. For instance, I can shift into 1st rolling up to a stop with no issues. If I come to a complete stop, it gives me trouble. I can often shift into 4th at a stop and then 1st or reverse becomes a bit more friendly.
My first assumption was pressure plate/throw out bearing were past life and it was time for a new clutch. However I’m wondering if the over-the-top lift and wheel/tire setup and resulting stress on the steering may have some sort of impact as well. I haven’t done anything to the steering box or shaft.
Is this purely a clutch issue and I just need to replace it, or should I be evaluating the steering instead?
Ever since I bought the Jeep, shifting into 1st gear or reverse at still is a challenge. Rolling is much easier. For instance, I can shift into 1st rolling up to a stop with no issues. If I come to a complete stop, it gives me trouble. I can often shift into 4th at a stop and then 1st or reverse becomes a bit more friendly.
My first assumption was pressure plate/throw out bearing were past life and it was time for a new clutch. However I’m wondering if the over-the-top lift and wheel/tire setup and resulting stress on the steering may have some sort of impact as well. I haven’t done anything to the steering box or shaft.
Is this purely a clutch issue and I just need to replace it, or should I be evaluating the steering instead?