Hi everyone, I just purchased my first XJ it is a 2000 Cherokee Sport w/ 32x11.50x15 on black steels, with what I believe is a 4" lift. My question is the front end has a lot of play while driving which I know it's not a Cadillac but I was wondering is this normal? Also I checked and it has detachable sway bar links but they are attached as they should be. Amy help is great, thanks in advance guys..

 

How much play we talkin bout? I'm not runnin a sway bar and i don't have any play myself. Elaborate on the play.

 

It's weird it's not a huge amount of play in the steering, it's more so when I hit any pothole, bump or pavement changes height it wants to walk all over the road from side to side. Then I have to steer to correct it cause it wants to go in that direction which results in a kinda wobbly ride. Also when I'm driving straight my steering wheel is not straight it is approx a 1/4 turn to the left. The truck was previously wrecked but only sheet metal damage ie: bumper, grill. No frame damage or radiator damage.

 

first get an alinment if the bump steer is still there you may need a steering stabilizer

 

sounds like you have the beginnings of death wobble. Since you said its steering related I'd suggest you check all your TREs, track bar mounts and ends. Also an alignment is in order if your steering is that far off.

 

look into a steering conversion. like JCR or the like. get rid of the stock inverted Y linkage.

and get a new heavier duty steering stabilizer. look at trail master coil over unit.

 

Check the trac bar and see if there is play in it. Could be the trac bar is either worn or loose at mount points most likely at the axle mount. Start there and work through all steering components, i reccomend taking it to someone to get the front end alligned really.

 

Thanks guys for all your help. It has what looks to be a aftermarket steering stabilizer but looks very old, tomorrow I'll check everything under there, It does feel like it wants to go into a death wobble, I had a F450 one time the track bar was completly shot and I had the lovely experience of death wobble not fun.

 

Time for your wisdom guys, today I looked under the front and the track bar has been relocated to a bracket lower on the axle ( lower than the original hole and further towards the driver side) I checked evrything and it seems to be tight. But I noticed looking straight on when my driver side tire is straight my passenger tire is turned out a bit, approx 3/4-1" will a simple DIY alliagnment fix this or is it maybe a bad tie rod? I know I need to take it to a shop to get a professional alignment but I would like to get it straight for now until next payday. I also noticed that it is eating my front tires. Thanks guys any help appreciated.

 

yup, check to see if you have a bent tie rod. but definitely get an alignment.
also, that relocated track bar mount may have something to do with your bump steer. the track bar and drag link should be exactly parallel or damn near on the same angle or you will get bump steer. maybe get that looked at by a tech.

post up a pic.

 

Thanks for the help Caged I'll post up a pic tommorow of the trackbar bracket..

 

Here are the pics of my track bar relocation it was like this when I bought it. I don't think this is correct, but I figured you guys could help, thanks.

 

yeah, that's not stock.

i don't think i would trust that.

now, simplest way, i would just go get a new jy axle and adjustable track bar and start from there. but that's just me.

or upgrade now to full widths, you'll want them later anyways.

 

you do realize how much work is involved in doing a full width swap on an XJ right?

 

Could I just get a adjustable track bar and mount in what appears to be the stock location at the top.