Western New York Offroad

jimsh · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 9:36 am Post subject: Help with my tj front end : 89878

Where would i want to go to get my steering looked at. I've been under it like 3 times , replaced ball joints, a tie rod end, adjusting the drag link, and re-tightening. Its stock except the 31's. I believe the previous owner has tampered with the gear box and steering wheel. My steering wheel is in the correct position when driving down the road but there's quite a bit of play in the wheel. The pitman arm doesn't appear to be positioned properly a few degrees towards the drives side versus pointing forward, the steering wheel only locks if i turn it 180 degrees so the steering wheel when locked is upside down and i have no return to center. I need someone who's better with front ends than i am. Thanks in advance.

Rockfather · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 9:55 am Post subject: : 89881

Track bar bushings... If yours are stock, drill 'em out and put in poly ones.

Rockfather · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 9:59 am Post subject: : 89882

http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=3786

MemorEsto · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:17 am Post subject: : 89885

Can you turn your wheels the same amount both ways? It could be your drag link adjuster is turned the wrong way that much.
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TJ- Lifted with MT's uniquely like everyone else.

jimsh · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:53 am Post subject: : 89886

Had to go check. Steering wheel turns 1 1/2 turns in both directions. Just seems kinda odd that i have to turn the steering wheel 180 degrees before it locks. I believe the play and no return to center is in the gear box. I just don't want to replace the box if it really doesn't need to be replaced. I was more or less looking for a good place to take it to get it aligned properly. i intend to install a budget boost spacer kit really soon so this should be done after that. I also think that would be a good time to install new track bar bushings. Prob time for control arm bushings also. Naturally if the box is bad i expect they would tell me it can't be aligned until the box is replaced. I have only had this jeep since last oct. so i couldn't say if they are original equipment but it is a stock trackbar not a aftermarket. I suspect that someone prior to my ownership has tried to take the play out of the steering by adjusting the box while it was in the vehicle. That would explain the no return to center and the play is prob. just because of 13 years of use. I hear these boxes are not really great. I have also considered replacing it with a durango box but looking into that i have found that there is a substantial diff in the core charges on a reman. is it too scandless to go get the reman durango box and put my jeep box in it for the core? Ild go to the junk yard but i really prefer new parts when it comes to steering.

olllotj · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 11:13 am Post subject: : 89887

As Uncle Josh would say, "New parts arent even new any more"

Have you checked the pump, and fluid level?

Keep in mind, this is a Jeep...
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jimsh · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 11:49 am Post subject: : 89888

I have checked the fluid, level is fine and the pump appears to be working fine. Also trying to keep in mind its a jeep , its also my first jeep. I have had straight axle fords and i'm not expecting it to drive like a caddy. I just think it should be better than it is. Maybe i just expect too much from a 13 year old jeep.

MemorEsto · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 12:27 pm Post subject: : 89889

It sounds like there is probably something wrong, but have you driven someone else's Jeep for comparison?
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President of Acer Offroad A♦A♣A♠A♥
TJ- Lifted with MT's uniquely like everyone else.

Mh4Runner · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 1:26 pm Post subject: : 89890

There is a lot of common issues with the coil sprung Jeep front ends, but first check your steering shaft for play (column to box).

I hate seeing people throw every part in the book at something to fix a problem. I love my money, and I hate buying things I don't need. These front ends are simple for us to work on. We see over a hundred of them every year.

jimsh · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 4:33 pm Post subject: : 89896

I'm willing to admit I'm not good with front ends. Everything I've replaced so far has been bad and i was hoping with each one that the issues would go away yet they haven't. Matt maybe this coming week can i get it in to you to take a look at it? I also like to hang onto my money and i can't identify any other problem other than the things i've replaced.

Rockfather · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:10 am Post subject: : 89978

4x4mudder · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:21 am Post subject: : 89980

jimsh · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 12:30 pm Post subject: : 89984

Well i took it in to visit matt at united, heres what we came up with, he ordered my the budget boost kit and ill install that when it comes in. I put 4 new shoes on the jeep so it has new tires and after the small lift is installed it will visit matt again. He agrees something is wrong but couldn't pin point it it a once over. Alignment was good, no play in steering column so ill drop it off to him soon and get her fixed up. I have replaced everything with play in it so i'll let someone a little better than me have a turn.

Rockfather · Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject: : 90114

Are you going with new shocks? Just curious...

Mh4Runner · Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 7:03 pm Post subject: : 90118

Nobody ever feels shocks are important anymore. Thanks internets.