What is the best steering for my Jeep Wrangler TJ?
- Thread starter Chris
- Start date
I have no love for Carl going back a very long time and I will leave it at that.
There are way too many TJs running around with 4 inches of lift with stock location track bar and Haltenberger linkage successfully to necessitate going away from the design. What you need to do is read up here on the diagnostic basics like doing a dry steering test, checking your alignment and take the time to fix what is worn or out of adjustment currently.
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Yep, that one.
At some point for the TJ, I'd like someone to explain why or how that is actually something worthwhile. If you are taking out the ring and pinion often enough to justify that gear set, you really should be considering a larger axle.
If the presentation is based upon a flawed premise, then the presentation is itself flawed. They are both the same level of flawed since they make presumptions not in evidence.
Here is a non-greaseable Spicer u-joint. It does not have the same seals as the supposedly superior versions in the video. It does not have a separate thrust bearing. That and only a fool can't see that there are spaces between the needle bearings that will let any amount of grease you wish to pump in find a way out. If there were not spaces due to them being round, they would never get any grease to spin in or prevent wear. Also, just because the thrust bearing is not separate, that doesn't mean it isn't accounted for as evidenced by the raised area machined into the end of the cap.
That is due to what you see in the two videos. Each is based on a flawed premise yet presented very authoritatively. That means each has a reason to base their beliefs on to develop that opinion, yet each is highly flawed.
Learn how to do the steering tests to diagnose faulty, worn, or substandard parts and replace as needed. No need to reinvent the wheel whatsoever.
Helps keep you from breaking pinion shafts when you run those 1350 shafts everyone says you need.
Or why they switched from it to inverted T on the Dodge and Ram pick-ups. My steering went from nice very pleasant to drive to a horrible vague on center constantly correcting to stay in the lane piece of poo after they did my steering recall.
Another place which has a "solid reputation" is Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts. When I talked with Shawn, he recommended the greaseable U-joints over the non-greaseable, at least for my particular use. I figure he just might know a thing or two about driveshafts and U-joints. 
You will have to ask the same folks that even after bringing out an all new generation of axles continue to call one of them Dana 35.
Another place which has a "solid reputation" is Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts. When I talked with Shawn, he recommended the greaseable U-joints over the non-greaseable, at least for my particular use. I figure he just might know a thing or two about driveshafts and U-joints.
There is little wrong with greaseable ujoints as long as they are greased. Problem is that they need to be serviced every 3000-3500 miles and most people now days are not doing that.
Which is the only reason I tell folks to get the non-greaseable. Folks don't grease them, the non-greaseable last longer.
Tom Wood’s recommends every 6000 miles, or with every oil change, or whenever you run through a lot of water and dirt – and you have to grease the cardan center ball anyway, and possibly the slip yoke.
I figured that if I had to grease the center ball anyway, I could do the U-joints too.
But I must admit, non-greaseable joints would probably outlast me.
I figured that if I had to grease the center ball anyway, I could do the U-joints too.
But I must admit, non-greaseable joints would probably outlast me.
I found an issue here. The push pull effect I have it slightly. I’ll measure the rear. The front is out 1-7/8”
Posted this in my build thread but here is a OEM Spicer greaseable after 4000 miles. This is why I recommend greasing every 3500 miles and there is no such thing as over greasing a ujoint.
You sure that 500 miles is what made the difference
3500 mile picture you maybe missed...