Simple Problem for Veterans of Jeeps

[NickMaul]

I have had my 3.5" lift on my xj for about 6 months. all of the steering components are stock besides the V8 ZJ jeep tierod I bolted up today. Absolutley zero death wable when i have my stock tie rod on. I did a quick eye ball check between the two and they looked to be the same exact length. put the V8 ZJ tierod on and it all looks tight.

Driving down the road doing 45 i hit a sewer gap sunk in the pavement and instantly got a death wobble from hell.

At home I check the trac bar on both end and it seems unchanged. Shook the jeep with all my might and the trac bar remained really tight.

I narrowed it down to maybe the tie rod I just put on isnt at a correct length and the tires are pointed in and giving me a harsh ride.

That sound right?
Any advice will help.

Nick

 

[Jakemd98]

a jeep's toe is supposed to be 1/8-1/16 toed in. sounds like it's close, but not right on. Also check your steering stabilizer.

 

[hadfield4wd]

Well check the ends. I would say if you know what you changed and it started happening then you know where the problem is.

 

[RenegadeT]

Well check the ends. I would say if you know what you changed and it started happening then you know where the problem is.

x2
Have someone saw the steering wheel back/forth while you are underneath looking for some movement in the the TREs. Toss the old TR back on, see if the wobbles go away.

 

[J.C.]

Obviously in the new hardware. JY ZJ tie rod? Maybe the ends are worn or damaged. Got everything tight when you put the ZJ on? Rocked the steering before final tightening to make sure the ends weren't binding? DW coming on after hitting a bump sounds like worn components to me.

 

[drkelly]

Have someone saw the steering wheel back/forth while you are underneath looking for some movement in the the TREs.

X2

If everything looks tight, then try adjusting your toe in or out just a little, then take it for a test drive. If it gets worse, go the other way with it. Go in small increments.

Also, you can do a simple alignment yourself with the help of one other person. Put the front axle up on jacks stands, and spin each tire slowly while holding a piece of chalk stationary against the tread of the tire. Go all the way around the tire. Repeat for the tire on the other side. Get someone with a tape measure to help you, and measure the distance between the two lines on the front sides of the tires, then again on the rear sides of the tires. Adjust as necessary to get slight toe in.