First Jeep - Unstable Feeling

[Beersy77]

Looking at a 2000 TJ on 35’s. The jeep is mint, no rust, sway bars solid, etc. Driving it at speed it seems stable but going slow there is an unstable feeling when turning. I think it’s the short wheelbase with the lift.

Would other owners say this feeling is normal for a first time lifted Jeep owner? My intention is to flat tow the unit behind a 40’ diesel motorhome.

 

[rasband]

Can you describe the "unstable" feeling more? Is it a lean (body roll), a steering not tracking the turn as expected, etc?

 

[GregBelleville]

We like pictures around here. Front end, suspension, control arms etc. It takes a LOT to properly build a TJ for 35s. Pictures will tell a lot.

 

[Wildman]

Looking at a 2000 TJ on 35’s. The jeep is mint, no rust, sway bars solid, etc. Driving it at speed it seems stable but going slow there is an unstable feeling when turning. I think it’s the short wheelbase with the lift.

Would other owners say this feeling is normal for a first time lifted Jeep owner? My intention is to flat tow the unit behind a 40’ diesel motorhome.

Some pictures of the Jeep would help also... And if you're going to flat tow it what tires are you planning on running?

Edit: Greg beat me to it...

 

[lBasket]

Dangggg flat towing? If you need a braking setup I got one for sell for like 60% off

 

[Beersy77]

Can you describe the "unstable" feeling more? Is it a lean (body roll), a steering not tracking the turn as expected, etc?

It’s a body roll for sure. As I turn at slow speeds, it feels shaky left and right. Quickly stops as you shift through the gears.

Steering seems to track well, although the only leaking fluid was from the steering box and the large nut on the bottom

 

[Beersy77]

Dangggg flat towing? If you need a braking setup I got one for sell for like 60% off

I might, need to buy it first

 

[Beersy77]

We like pictures around here. Front end, suspension, control arms etc. It takes a LOT to properly build a TJ for 35s. Pictures will tell a lot.

I will try to get pictures, I didn’t take many underneath when I looked at it today.

 

[rasband]

It’s a body roll for sure. As I turn at slow speeds, it feels shaky left and right. Quickly stops as you shift through the gears.

Steering seems to track well, although the only leaking fluid was from the steering box and the large nut on the bottom

Sounds fixable if the frame isn't awful, but likely a dry steering test would be valuable to identify all the steering issues. It sounds like the steering box and likely other components in the Y link.

 

[Duck Doctor]

Picture #9 appears to show rust towards the front end of the frame and possibly a patch welded to the frame directly above the skid plate.

 

[jjvw]

It's the JK bumper. It ruins everything.

 

[KennethS]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an actual off-road Jeep with those plastic running boards. Stockers around town, yes, but anything on the trails, no.

 

[Stockli]

Im sure that giant ass tire hanging on the tailgate is not helping things.


Geez lol

 

[KennethS]

Im sure that giant ass tire hanging on the tailgate is not helping things.


Geez lol

Are we looking at the same pictures? I see a swing out tire carrier mounted to the bumper.

 

[Stockli]

Are we looking at the same pictures? I see a swing out tire carrier mounted to the bumper.

All that weight back there has to effect handling

 

[LONGJP2]

Looking at a 2000 TJ on 35’s. My intention is to flat tow the unit behind a 40’ diesel motorhome.

Personally, I would feel more comfortable flat-towing something closer to stock.

The jeep is mint, no rust,

 

[JEEPSTEVENANAIMO]

It’s a body roll for sure. As I turn at slow speeds, it feels shaky left and right. Quickly stops as you shift through the gears.

Steering seems to track well, although the only leaking fluid was from the steering box and the large nut on the bottom

1. Dont change gears on a corner...
2. its a lifted jeep its going to hve body roll.
3. take a bunch of pics so we can see what is installed.