Steering issue

[twistedlv]

@Mud dauber.
I'm not familiar with that brand. Those prices seem kinda steep with no shocks.
Most here will tell you that stock control arms are good up to about 3" of lift, maybe more on an LJ.

 

[Sj's TJ]

Hi Guys,

I have been reading along with this thread, I need a little clarification. I am limited in my 2005 LJ Jeeps lift by a low overhead garage door. So about 2 to 3 1/2 inches is all I can do at this time. Which I am OK with.

So, I will not notice a difference in my street ride or off road capability If I go with something like the kit below. It saves about 1000,00 to delete the adjustable control arms. Can I delete upper and lower like the kit below.

https://www.krawloff-road.com/product_p/rk-lj20sm.htm?CartID=1


This next kit is the next upgrade.
https://www.krawloff-road.com/product_p/rk-lj20fs.htm?CartID=2

DO I need this level.

The top level is this.

https://www.krawloff-road.com/product_p/rk-lj20xf.htm?CartID=3

I am also interested in what you think of this brand?

Thanks

I have not heard of this brand so I can't personally comment on their quality. All of those kits still need shocks. I would recommend, and from what I've seen on this forum, to avoid kits and just build one yourself. You get every piece you want and you get the quality. The shock of choice for ride and price are the Rancho 5000X around $200 on Amazon. You could go with the OME springs (~2.5" of lift) for about $167 each, so $334 total. Another option is BDS springs, either 2" or 3", around $235 total. You'll need an adjustable front track bar. Some options are RC for $130 or JKS for $230. You can maybe get away with no rear track bar relocation bracket for 2", but 3" you'll want one and they or $20-$30 depending on the brand. Quick discos for the front are optional and not required. Also at that height, stock control arms are just fine.

 

[CONJOB]

Hi,

I do have the Rancho Shocks. I got a set good for stock Height up to 2" I hope this is correct. I do not want to buy another set. I hear you, about build your own kit. I will see what I can do.

I'm not familiar with that brand. Those prices seem kinda steep with no shocks.
Most here will tell you that stock control arms are good up to about 3" of lift, maybe more on an LJ.

Is this for upper and lower arms?

 

[Sj's TJ]

Hi,

I do have the Rancho Shocks. I got a set good for stock Height up to 2" I hope this is correct. I do not want to buy another set. I hear you, about build your own kit. I will see what I can do.




Is this for upper and lower arms?

Those shocks should be good for the 2" lift as they run a little long. Yes, both stock upper and lower control arms are fine for up to 3" of suspension lift. Those BDS springs are a good bargain. I also read on here that Zone makes a good product for the $ as well. Good luck!!

 

[twistedlv]

Hi,

I do have the Rancho Shocks. I got a set good for stock Height up to 2" I hope this is correct. I do not want to buy another set. I hear you, about build your own kit. I will see what I can do.




Is this for upper and lower arms?

Yes. I'm running a a Zone 4.25" Combo lift, which is a 3" suspension lift + 1.25" body lift on stock arms. I do plan on upgrading them eventually, just because they are pretty worn out.

 

[CONJOB]

I should say I can use both stock upper and lower control arms? Though would it be best to get adjustable quality arms.

 

[twistedlv]

I should say I can use both stock upper and lower control arms? Though would it be best to get adjustable quality arms.

Yes.

 

[CONJOB]

I am going to run the stock control arms to test the theory. I am hoping that I will get fine ride quality with the stock control arms. I have Rancho 5000X shocks and some yet to be determined 2" springs and deal with some track bar issues, Then address the control arms, as they wear I can replace them. Good plan ?

Best Springs for all around use? I may place a winch on the front at some point.

 

[Sj's TJ]

I am going to run the stock control arms to test the theory. I am hoping that I will get fine ride quality with the stock control arms. I have Rancho 5000X shocks and some yet to be determined 2" springs and deal with some track bar issues, Then address the control arms, as they wear I can replace them. Good plan ?

Best Springs for all around use? I may place a winch on the front at some point.

That plan sounds good. My understanding from everything I've read here is that ride quality comes from the shocks. You have good riding shocks now. Adding a 2" lift shouldn't change that regardless of springs. I like my BDS springs and I've heard nothing bad about the OME springs.

 

[twistedlv]

Old Man Emu springs get recommended a lot. I have been happy with my Zone Offroad lift so far (only had it on 6 months).

 

[CONJOB]

I went ahead and purchased a stock Mod kit from Rock Krawler. The reviews of the kit are good, they have been making and upgrading their parts for a couple years so I am confident this kit is good for my initial needs.

So I went to a couple 4x4 shops and they say for 2" of lift you don't need any control arms. That is why they don't offer them in 2" kits. Makes sense.

I can put this kit on in my friends garage. He has a vehicle lift that will make this a pretty easy install.

 

[Scooterjb]

I just bought a 2001 TJ it's my first jeep and it's all over the road. Has some new steering parts and new shocks.steering appears to be tight and no slack. Its has a 4 inch lift. Does this look like a stock pitman arm? Could this be the culprit?

 

[Mrhp]

That is a drop pitman arm. Get it replaced with a stock one, and get an alignment. Have the technician dial in as much caster as possible. It will make the Jeep track better. I also like a bit more toe. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Scooterjb]

That is a drop pitman arm. Get it replaced with a stock one, and get an alignment. Have the technician dial in as much caster as possible. It will make the Jeep track better. I also like a bit more toe. Let us know how it goes.

Ok thanks. I thought it was the wrong one. I'll follow up when I get it replaced

 

[Scooterjb]

That is a drop pitman arm. Get it replaced with a stock one, and get an alignment. Have the technician dial in as much caster as possible. It will make the Jeep track better. I also like a bit more toe. Let us know how it goes.

I replaced the steering stabilizer yesterday. It drove better on my way to the alignment shop. The old one was shot. Had the pitman arm replaced today. Also had them set caster and toe like you said. Still not driving well. It still didn't handle well on their test drive. They came back and found a bad track bar bushing. Replaced it as well. Still not better. Any ideas? We've been scratching our heads

 

[Mrhp]

Well before an alignment is done, the steering and suspension has to be all tight. No way around it. Is there free play in the steering, or does it just handle poorly. Does it have sway bar disconnects.have the control arm bushings been shocked? How about the track bar ball end? These jeeps with larger tires need to have all good steering and suspension pieces. How are your shocks? Ball joints? How much tire pressure are you running, and even have the balance rechecked on the tires.q

 

[Mrhp]

Did you get a printout of the alignment? What are the specs of the alignment?

 

[Scooterjb]

Did you get a printout of the alignment? What are the specs of the alignment?

I'll check and see.

 

[Scooterjb]

Did you get a printout of the alignment? What are the specs of the alignment?

Almost everything in front in is new or close to new. Tires are new and shocks are new. Front end feels tight. No play in steering wheel or tie rod ends or ball joints. They even checked all that too. I trust this shop. They are very reputable.

 

[Scooterjb]

Almost everything in front in is new or close to new. Tires are new and shocks are new. Front end feels tight. No play in steering wheel or tie rod ends or ball joints. They even checked all that too. I trust this shop. They are very reputable.

I ment front end. Damn spell check lol