Jeep TJ All over the road

[element5253]

Good Morning,

I just inherited this TJ and first time taking it out it seems to be all over the place when I hit a bump etc. I come from the lowered car world so not too familiar with these vehicles. What should I look into to get this fixed? I would love to drive it but just does not feel safe.

Thank you in advance!

 

[GoldenGorilla]

It looks like it is riding at or near stock height, which helps narrow down the issues.

My first guess with vague steering would be that the alignment is toe out, but our definition of wandering might be different. That definitely causes these to wander. You can do a pretty accurate toe in alignment with a couple pieces of metal and 2 matching tape measures.

But you should start with basics. It's an old vehicle now. Have a friend sit in the drivers seat and rock the steering with the on but not started so the steering is unlocked while you sit in front. Is anything loose or clicking? Is the steering box loose? Then do so with the engine running and move it with the power steering. Behind the drag link is the track bar running from the frame to the axle. Is it moving. Are the tie rod ends worn. And finally with the engine off, lift each front tire off the ground. Rock top to bottom to check for wear in the ball joints and side to side to check for wear in the tie rods and just generally be sure that the hub is secure to the knuckle. Are the control arms connecting the back of the axle to the frame in OK condition.

And finally if all the steering and suspension checks out, it's an old vehicle and is probably in need of some fresh shocks.

 

[element5253]

It looks like it is riding at or near stock height, which helps narrow down the issues.

My first guess with vague steering would be that the alignment is toe out, but our definition of wandering might be different. That definitely causes these to wander. You can do a pretty accurate toe in alignment with a couple pieces of metal and 2 matching tape measures.

But you should start with basics. It's an old vehicle now. Have a friend sit in the drivers seat and rock the steering with the on but not started so the steering is unlocked. Is anything loose or clicking? Is the steering box loose? Then do so with the engine running and move it with the power steering. Behind the drag link is the track bar running from the frame to the axle. Is it moving. Are the tie rod ends worn. And finally with the engine off, lift each front tire off the ground. Rock top to bottom to check for wear in the ball joints and side to side to check for wear in the tie rods and just generally be sure that the hub is secure to the knuckle. Are the control arms connecting the back of the axle to the frame in OK condition.

And finally if all the steering and suspension checks out, it's an old vehicle and is probably in need of some fresh shocks.

Hey Golden! I greatly appreciate the information. Being new to this platform, I am eager to learn more about it as it means a lot to me and want to get it running right. I will go through all this today. Just so I work ahead, are there any certain brand shocks everyone prefers or just any new shocks would do the trick? Springs should be ok to keep? to confirm, yes it is stock height!

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

Quick easy, check tire pressure. On stock height/tires, it should be what's inside the door jamb. Start getting 31s & bigger, pressure changes. Most tire places blow everything up to 35+psi

 

[macleanflood]

Black Max shocks are great and affordable.

-Mac