94 Grand Cherokee sloppy steering

snakester14

Active Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2006
Location
Greenville
I'm looking at a lower mileage (90k) ZJ. The previous owner just installed a 3.5 RE kit on it with JKS front trac bar.

He hasn't dialed in the adjustable trac bar or done an alignment yet.

When I took the Jeep for a test drive i could turn the steering wheel about a 1/4 of a turn before it would react.

The power steering on the Jeep however felt great, turned with ease. Way better than my 98 ZJ did so i don't think its a box.

I know its not the trac bar, control arm bushings, or sway bar links b/c they are all new.

Its a 94 Limited 5.2/46rh/249 if that helps at all.

What would cause steering slop like this?

I was thinking about adjusting the trac bar and getting an alignment when i get the Jeep and see how it steers.
 
I would defintatly take a look at all youre ball joints, and if a drop pitman arm was installed , check that its tight
 
Look under it and see if the steering box is starting to rip off the unibody. Also check to make sure the jam nut on track bar is tight. An alignment should also help.
 
I know you said the trac bar is new but thats really what it sounds like. Wiggle the steering wheel back and fourth while a buddy looks around under it and finds where the slop is. That much play should be easy to find.
 
Thanks for the replys guys

I am taking another look at the Jeep on Monday and most likely buying it if the price is right.

I will def check the trac bar and make sure it's good. All jack up the front and check the ball joints and tie rod ends anything else I should check?

I'm gonna take a look at the front end while the guy turns the wheel back and forth and see what's not working properly.

All report back on Monday
 
believe it or not a sloppy rear track bar can cause this too. i found out after i replaced the bushings on my '98 grand cherokee. my sloppy steering was worse at highway speeds since the rearend wasnt staying put.
 
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