hi guys i just bought my first jeep a 90 cherokee i like it but there is one problem on some roads that have woren groves on either side the jeep likes to grab and shoot me into the groves. pretty scary when your doing 60-65 and it decides to throw you to the other side of the road. i do know that the rear leaf sprig bushing is shot.. and also the steering column is wobbly but there is not much play in the stearing wheel its self.. any ideas would be greatly appreciated.. i did get under it to see if anything was obviously loose and everything seamed to be good and tight.. o ya its lifted probally 4.5 in and running 32's

 

did you check your control arm bushings mine are worn out and i get the same thing happen plus i need to replace the stabilizer shock so im figuring that might also be causing it hope you get it figured out

 

is it pretty obvious if there shot ill go take a look right now

 

Check the alignment, with particular attention to the caster. http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAlignment.htm Also want to check all the TREs, bushings, Ball joints and shocks. Have an assistant turn the wheel back and forth while you look for excess movement. Check for bent wheels and out of round tires. Check all U-joints for binding and looseness.

 

do you think my steering column being wobble could have anything to do with it

 

Mine did the same and i checked the alignment and the toe was the only thing out of specs so i set it right and the wander went away. what do you mean steering wheel wobble? Like the entire column moves around?

 

Not really the back and forth wallowing, but yes to loose steering feel. There is a U-joint in the column that can become worn out.
The crack tacking and wandering is either Steering/alignment or tires related or suspension. Yes, there are other potential causes, and they may be the cause of any alignment and tire issues. You need to do a VERY thorough inspection of the complete Steering and suspension system also of the drive train. You have a 21 year old Modified Jeep you are dealing with. Age alone is enough to be a headache. There are allot of very old parts on it and some sub-standard quality stock and aftermarket parts, also.

One thing you have to keep in Mind it is a Jeep and a Chrysler product. Neither of these are considered makers of quality long lasting cars. They do make some cool cars, though. The only reason some Jeeps can be very high mileage and durable , is due to meticulous maintenance, repair and modification. You take good care of it, it will take care of you. You go the cheap or neglectful route, it will frustrate you and strand you out in the middle of some desert.

 

X2 on having an assistant move the steering wheel back & forth while you observe all the steering linkage points, including any play at the steering gear, which does also wear and need adjustment. Don't forget the rag-joint/u-joint in the steering column near the steering gear.