2016 JKU all over the road, steering problems, white knuckle ride

18304 Views 73 Replies 9 Participants Last post by CRIK, 10 mo ago

adamkphillips1

Discussion Starter · Apr 7, 2022

Steering just feels lost and white knuckle going down the highway. Its very hard to explain but its borderline terrifying. I've checked everything and replaced a lot, also added support/relocation brackets as described below. I've played with tire pressures ( no noticeable difference from 28 -35 psi). I've made slight improvements with replacing parts and adding brackets but cant get it to feel right and am about to use this POS for target practice!!!!!

2016 JKU lifted by previous owner. I am guessing 3-3 1/2"
35 x 12.5 tires on 20" rims
Aftermarket adjustable track bars ( good shape and axles positioned correctly)
Front track bar bolt replaced and track bar brace and sector shaft brace installed
Factory control arms but Rancho upper control arm relocation brackets installed (RS82103) with upper control arm in the 3rd hole from the top...so caster is well within spec
1/8" Toe in
New tera flex ball joints
New drag link
Falcon 3 setting steering damper

All joints checked for slop by placing my hand across the joint with someone cranking the wheel side to side and no deflection at any joint . Just did this again today

Whilst adjusting my toe I noticed that when I roared the tie rod ( rotation within the range of the joints) it causes both wheels to turn slightly (one direction when I rotate it up and the opposite when I rotate it down down).As stated above there is no deflection across either tie rod end and the only movement is what is designed into the ball. I have a great video but it wont let me upload it.......has anyone got and insight into this?

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CRIK

· #74 · 10 mo ago

The drag link and track bar need to be parallel to each other (same angle). If not that will cause all kinds of weird handling. That is large part of our geometry. Maybe a pitman arm drop or relocation bracket that may or may not need to be there.
I also have JKSsteering box/sector shaft reinforcement, JKS front/rear track bar, steersmarts drag and tie rod, fox stabilizer and shocks. I run 17” w/32. 2” lift. It is a 2dr I do a lot of side hill. My jk spends most of its time in the dirt. Also, +5 castor. Castor can make a big difference. The more lift, bigger tires more castor.

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