CR-Snow

Fawns are infinitely less offensive than raped apes

What happens after 30mph? Does it go away? Or is it so bad you can't go any faster? Those bushing looked pretty cruddy too. I totally thought you'd found it. Such a pain..

I'm fighting an ugly CEL and gas mileage issue right now. Getting around 10-12 mpg. its running rich and i've widdled it down to intake and exhaust manifold gaskets. Which I'm really not thrilled to be pulling with the limited tools i have available right now.

But at least I can be happy mine rides smooth. Hope you get some luck dude.

gotspeed74

Thanks brother! I really hate that your having problems with yours though. But yes after 25-30 it just goes crazy! I was 99.9 percent sure the bushings were the problem. Maybe adjustable arms will be the fix. I just don't know anymore.

gotspeed74

anybody have some adjustable upper control arms they wanna sell?

dave1123

Do we cover the steering box mounting bolts? Sometimes they break or loosen up. Did you try supporting it in the air and spinning the front tires under power? You may have to do this on jacks, but be careful it doesn't shake itself off the stands. I'd put the front on cement blocks and 4X4s. This is to place the weight of the vehicle on the suspension at the actual driving height.

gotspeed74

dave! Again, great suggestion! Thanks i will try that on blocks and 4x4's. and yes, i did check the steering box and mount to make sure it wasnt cracked. what is your thoughts on adjustable uppers?

dave1123

I'm in no way an expert, but I don't think you need adjustable uppers unless you're going to extreme lift heights where you'd need a long arm kit.

BTW, lock it into 2nd gear so it doesn't shift up and spin too fast to control it. You're going to need another person on the gas and brake while you watch it. I STILL think it has something to do with rotational weight, like tires and wheels.

gotspeed74

I really appreciate the help!

CobraMarty

Tires! Change out the front with stockers or your buddies.

What tires and rims do you have?

gotspeed74

Thanks but it has been done.

StuckBuck

Man this is a tough one. It seems like you have narrowed it down to a caster problem though. I would go with adjustable lowers but I cant recommend any brands since I've never used them on a grand. Do you think you could post a picture from the side, front, and inside the front wheel well?

CR-Snow

X2 on the pictures

CobraMarty

Video it with a GoPro.

dave1123

As long as we've been brainstorming this, I just wanted to throw this into the mix. A year ago, I replaced the hub bearings on my WJ. This winter, the steering started squeaking when turning in the extreme cold. I greased up every thing I could, but the lower ball joints I couldn't. The jeep seemed to wander a bit, but I thought they all do a little. I just put 4 ball joints and all 4 tierod ends in it and got it aligned. This truck is solid like it's never been before and doesn't wander a bit. We checked the steering box bolts and they were tight, but the pitman arm had a little movement in it, about 1/8" side-to-side when I moved it by hand. My mechanic said not to worry, that's just the power servo and once you fire it up, that disappears. I was skeptical, but sure enough, that looseness disappeared when I started the engine. Driving down the road, if you move the steering wheel more than 1/2", the vehicle reacts. It's almost like rack&pinion steering now. I'm amazed.

BTW, my caster is set at 6.75* without cam bolts or replacing the control arm bushings. It has no lift on it . Those bushings have 176K miles on them.

This is why I can't for the life of me figure out your problem.

gotspeed74

Dave,
I cant thank you enough for all your suggestions. all i can do right now is look at it and scratch my head. I cant think of anything else to do. if i had 6+ inches on it i would be more prone to throw more parts at it. but at only 3 inches, i just dont know. im really starting to miss myXJ

gotspeed74