Wonka1981

Just put a little 2 inch BB on the Jeep a few weeks ago and now it seems to wander from side to side more than it did before.

Had alignment done right after
Had tires rotated and balanced
Front sway bar is nice and tight.

I guess I am just wondering if this is a normal side effect of lift, or whether I should look at the rest of the steering components.

Thanks

caronaxtr

I have the same problem with my XJ, I'm just under 6" of lift. My problem is my caster angle is off & (from what i am understanding) I need to adjust my lower control arms to get the caster angle better. On a 2" budget boost, I don't know if you caster would be off that bad. A couple friends of mine put the 2"BB in their XJ & it F'd up their ride worse than a 4" or bigger.... Good luck, hopefully someone else can help more.....

AWP

Since you had an alignment I would think that all suspects (joints) were checked over. I did a 2" BB on my 99 with 153,000 miles. I did not get an alignment. I used a 2" spacer in front minus the stock 1/2" giving me 1 1/2" in front and 2 1/2" in back with AAL (a year ago and no sag). I feel just a slight difference. No more so than going from a stock wheel to an 8" with greater backspace. I did have to adjust the toe-in. Every little change we make beyound stock takes us farther from stock feel. It is safe and predictable at 70mph. Some day when other front end parts are replaced it might get better.

Wonka1981

Would adding some shims behind the stock LCA's help this at all? Caster issue?

darknezz

^^ I dont think that would work?

How are your tie rods, trac bar (check frame bolt for tightness), check for hub/ball joint play. Also a new steering stabilizer will help.

77olds

It's possible, but a 2" lift shouldn't affect caster that badly. I would be checking both the upper and lower control arm bushings.

Wonka1981

So after getting the alignment done again, with numbers all within spec, and talking with a friend, it seems my issue is bump steer. You learn something new everyday.
I had heard the term before, but didnt expect it on such a small (2") lift.
I know there are several things that can lead to this, and to fix it:
Track bar Relocation bracket
Longer pitman arm
Shim the LCA's
New steering components

Any ideas what might be the best route for my specific situation?

Thanks

Wonka1981

So I crawled under the Jeep tonight to thoroughly inspect my steering components. It seems like I have a fair bit of play in both my tie rod and my drag link. I am assuming a bit of play is to be expected, but there seemed to be more than there should be.
I have attached a video, I hope it plays.
also, there was minor play in the lower control arms as well. Should there be any?
I am assuming all of my steering components are original, would it just be a good idea to replace all of them?

My track bar was very secure with no play in it at all.

Wonka1981

apparently the video didnt upload, here is a link to the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocYGb...ature=youtu.be

Jds12

I've never seen it checked that way. The tie rod ends are supposed to rotate like that so they don't bind when the wheels are turned. The best way to check the front suspension is to jack it up by the axle (use jack stands). With the tires in the air grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and shake side to side. And do the same at 6 and 12 o'clock, checking for any looseness in the joints. If you feel any play have someone shake the tire while you visually check which joint is moving. You can usually put your hand on a loose joint and feel it clunking, depending on how bad it is.