Issue with new steering box

[Tj1004]

Hey guys, first post here. Bought a 2001 TJ with 166k last week. 3” suspension lift with 33x12.5. Been wanting one for years and this checked all the boxes. When I test drove it I knew the steering system was an issue. Anyhow, followed the guide here on alignment and it was better. Replaced the track bar (had the stock bar with a new hole drilled) with an adjustable one. This got the axle centered as it was about an inch to the passenger side when I got it. Added a new Monroe steering stabilizer. Also, replaced the steering gear with a Lares unit.

After this, it drove really well for about 15 miles. Then I took off out of a parking lot and noticed a bit of steering wheel wobble. Wouldn’t call it death wobble but very noticeable. Also it was pulling to the right noticeably. Luckily I was near my parents house so grabbed my mom’s car and took my boy to baseball practice. Quickly check the alignment with my dad and a couple 2x4s held on the outside of the tires and it hadnt changed, we still had about 1/16” of toe which is good. On the ride the only thing I realized was that I didn’t tighten the jamb nut on the new track bar.

Long post, sorry, just wondering why it drove so great and then went down hill quickly. Seems like something drastic and maybe obvious happened. Looking for next step diagnosis.

Thanks for your help!

 

[AndyG]

Hey guys, first post here. Bought a 2001 TJ with 166k last week. 3” suspension lift with 33x12.5. Been wanting one for years and this checked all the boxes. When I test drove it I knew the steering system was an issue. Anyhow, followed the guide here on alignment and it was better. Replaced the track bar (had the stock bar with a new hole drilled) with an adjustable one. This got the axle centered as it was about an inch to the passenger side when I got it. Added a new Monroe steering stabilizer. Also, replaced the steering gear with a Lares unit.

After this, it drove really well for about 15 miles. Then I took off out of a parking lot and noticed a bit of steering wheel wobble. Wouldn’t call it death wobble but very noticeable. Also it was pulling to the right noticeably. Luckily I was near my parents house so grabbed my mom’s car and took my boy to baseball practice. Quickly check the alignment with my dad and a couple 2x4s held on the outside of the tires and it hadnt changed, we still had about 1/16” of toe which is good. On the ride the only thing I realized was that I didn’t tighten the jamb nut on the new track bar.

Long post, sorry, just wondering why it drove so great and then went down hill quickly. Seems like something drastic and maybe obvious happened. Looking for next step diagnosis.

Thanks for your help!

You’re dead on the money with the loose jam nut - I had one come loose and it would get death wobble so bad I had to change underwear. That was aggravating- Having to do that more than once a week.

If you want to prove it just loosen the thing back up.

 

[Tj1004]

Damn ok. Easy fix, bonehead move. I was going back though everything I did while in my moms Versa lol and that’s the only thing that stood out. Will get it tighten up and follow up. Thanks for the reply!!

 

[AndyG]

Get use to doing a dry steering test- you have a pal turn the steering wheel from the left to right- 10-2 on the clock, and watch every connection for a jump or slop at every connection- the pitman, the drag link, the tie rod end, both track bar ends- do it running and non. Works on most all cars and trucks to diagnose loose ends.

A loose jamb nut will allow the end to move enough to affect the wheel center as well.

I’m sure you know the sleeve by the pitman arm centers the wheel.

Re post if the problem continues.

 

[Tj1004]

Yes sir, the dry steering test showed a bunch of movement in the track bar at axle end, which prompted the replacement. Everything else looked pretty good. Really drove great for about 30 minutes; 10x better than before, then just went south. Will crank down the jamb nut and report back. Thanks for the quick replies

 

[AndyG]

Yes sir, the dry steering test showed a bunch of movement in the track bar at axle end, which prompted the replacement. Everything else looked pretty good. Really drove great for about 30 minutes; 10x better than before, then just went south. Will crank down the jamb nut and report back. Thanks for the quick replies

I have threatened to double a jam nut -

I used locktight and really crank down on them. The track bars are just control arms that prevent left to right movement of the axle or the frame - depending on which one has the least resistance at the moment- they undergo a lot of force in use- keep in mind they counteract power steering.

They need good connections.

Reach out anytime- these jeeps can drive amazing if dialed in.

I’m showing off but this rig has 35’s ,is lifted 4” and 1.5” of body lift and can be driven 80 with one hand.

Don’t accept poor handling.

 

[Tj1004]

Love the rig! Looking forward to joining the family here. I turn 40 on Friday so my better half let me splurge a little. Been wanting a TJ since I was 13. Let’s see if I can get a pic posted.

 

[AndyG]

Jeep looks good. Just remember if you use boards longer than the tires diameter to set toe it decreases the longer the boards extend in from on the wheels. But you are on track with the concept.

Jeep looks good. Wish I’d got back into jeeps at 40, my children would have loved it at their ages then.

Stay on here, this forum makes TJ ownership a much better experience.

If you get down toward Huntsville shout or if you run into a snag- we got your back.

 

[mrblaine]

and can be driven 80 with one hand.

 

[Tj1004]

Tightened the jam nut and all is well. Crazy it made that much of an impact. Will keep an eye on it