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Jeep wanders while driving

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Old 10-12-2009, 07:50 PM
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Default Jeep wanders while driving

I know this topic has probably been beaten to death but i thought i would throw it out there.

Im not new to the Jeep world, second cherokee(first lifted one) and a 97 wrangler lifted 4". Im just new to the forum!

I just picked up a 92 XJ with a 4.5" Rough Country lift that looks somewhat new. All shocks and the stabilizer looks great. When driving it wanders around and when i hit bumps or mismatched parts of the road it goes crazy.

I already tightened the steering box a little bit and that seemed to help a little bit but are there any other spots on the front end i should check first that would cause this?


Also is has 33"s on it and the speedometer is reading low, is there anything i can do about this? Maybe switch out a transmission gear?

Thanks guys!

Tim
Old 10-12-2009, 08:13 PM
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What kind of Trac bar is in it? Is it adjustable?
Old 10-12-2009, 08:31 PM
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Have you had an alignment done?
Old 10-12-2009, 08:35 PM
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You need to inspect your front end really well.Espeically your trac bar and tie rod ends.
Old 10-12-2009, 08:36 PM
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i believe the trac bar is adjustable.
Old 10-12-2009, 08:38 PM
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Is it rebuildable? If so it may need to be rebuilt.Most shops will do a free inspection on your front end if you don't know what to look for.
Old 10-12-2009, 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by mike albo
Is it rebuildable? If so it may need to be rebuilt.Most shops will do a free inspection on your front end if you don't know what to look for.

What do you mean rebuildable? I thought you could just adjust as needed.

Also what exactly are the advantages to having a adjustable trac bar?

I am more involved into the mustang world but would like to get to know my DD.
Old 10-12-2009, 10:03 PM
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The adjustability is so you can center the axle after you install a lift.It should have replaceable bushings in the axle end.At the frame end should be a hiem joint which is rebuildable.Grab ahold of it and twist and pull it,should be nice and tight if not it needs rebuilding.Just like a tie rod end if its loose and sloppy you replace it right.
Old 10-13-2009, 05:24 AM
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Originally Posted by mike albo
The adjustability is so you can center the axle after you install a lift.It should have replaceable bushings in the axle end.At the frame end should be a hiem joint which is rebuildable.Grab ahold of it and twist and pull it,should be nice and tight if not it needs rebuilding.Just like a tie rod end if its loose and sloppy you replace it right.
Alright i willl take a look at it today. From what i was checking last night everything seems to be tight. I will snap some pics and show you guys the setup.

It also has a 50-55mph vibration. The previous owner said that the driveshaft was resized instead of a SYE kit installed.

Thanks again guys.
Old 10-13-2009, 07:08 AM
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Have someone steer back n forth while you are under the jeep and change everything that is worn such as tie rod ends and ball joints.
After that have an alignment done.
Old 10-13-2009, 07:13 AM
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the only wear i see on the tie rods and such are a left to right movement. they seem fine when i pull front/back and side to side. Just when i roll my hand over them they have play.
Old 10-13-2009, 07:15 AM
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If you don't have someone steer in the Jeep YOU WILL NEVER SEE THE PLAY!
Old 10-13-2009, 07:19 AM
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When you have someone help you, put your hand around the TRE where the ball is and your finger between the knuckle and the hub mount where the rubber of the ball joint is to "feel" the side movement between the two, if there is, replace.
Old 10-13-2009, 09:20 AM
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I had a guy from work move the wheel around and it looks like the upper Trac Rod to body is the one making all the movement.

Im going to snap a pic at lunch to show you guys the one im talking about. Would it be beneficial to pick up a trac bar bushing kit?
Old 10-13-2009, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by midnight92XJ
I had a guy from work move the wheel around and it looks like the upper Trac Rod to body is the one making all the movement.

Im going to snap a pic at lunch to show you guys the one im talking about. Would it be beneficial to pick up a trac bar bushing kit?
If it's shot then i suppose yes...


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