The steering sucks on my 2000 Tj. We bought it last summer and are doing small upgrades when funds are available. The steering has gotten worse after installing new shocks and a steering stabilizer. Also, there has always been a little play with the steering wheel. Should I replace the steering box or get a alignment, tire rotation/balance first. I did try tighting up the steering with the set screw on the steering box but that did not help.
Steering issues
- Thread starter Ineedhelp
- Start date
Is it the stock steering setup? What condition are the tie-rod ends in?
More than likely it has worn tie-rod ends and possibly even a worn steering box.
More than likely it has worn tie-rod ends and possibly even a worn steering box.
Take several clear well lighted (use a flash!) photos of your steering system and post them here. Show the passenger side trackbar mount, and show your Pitman arm from its side so we can tell if it's dropped or factory. Show the entire system from the front too, get close enough so we can tell what you have.
What size tires and exactly what air pressure is inside them?
Have you had your toe-in snd caster angles measured during an alignment? If so post the numbers here or post a copy of the alignment report.
What size tires and exactly what air pressure is inside them?
Have you had your toe-in snd caster angles measured during an alignment? If so post the numbers here or post a copy of the alignment report.
Also, read how to dry test the front end...have a friend turn the wheel from 10-2 steadily back and forth and watch every connection in the steering linkage, especially as it changes directions... every connection needs to move what it is connected to with no excess play ....and the track bar should be very stable at each end.
Don't be intimidated. A TJ Wrangler can drive great, but it won't by accident .
Don't be intimidated. A TJ Wrangler can drive great, but it won't by accident .
X2 on the steering test. Until you know what is wrong you are just guessing. The TJ is capable of having very good steering when all the components are in good shape. If you are still running stock setup you might think about upgrading to the ZJ V8 parts for a real improvement in strength for very little money.
Hello all, we are also looking into the steering system, which is stock right now, but with dropped pitman arm, due to the RE 5.5 long arm kit. Thinking to go with CE9701 but it tells you to use stock pitman arm. Anyone see a problem with going back to stock pitman arm? TIA!
At 5 1/2" spring lift you would want an adjustable track bar to center the axle. If you are using the stock mounting locations on the axle and frame side for the track bar then the consensus is to use a stock pitman arm. You want the drag link and the track bar to be of (as close as possible) equal length and parallel to each other to prevent bumpsteer.