Recommendation for Front End Parts

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Oct 11, 2024 | 08:45 PM
  #1  
I have a 98 XJ and the front and rear suspension is heavily worn out. The leaf springs are pretty much flat and I have a ton of body roll. My steering is all over the road (which I know isn't gonna ever be perfect with a SFS), bump steer is horrible and I get death wobble above 55 mph so it's difficult to get anywhere on the highway.

I have a Moog track bar already, but I was also looking at the Mevotech MKIT20193. It's a 7 piece kit that comes with upper and lower ball joints and tire rod ends. I wanted to replace all 4 shocks with the Monroe SpectrumOEs and for the leaf springs inwas looking at Crown Automotive branded ones. The ones in particular I'm looking at are called "heavy duty" part# 077-4886186AA. Plan on getting new hardware for the parts it isn't included with, and the shackles look ok to me. Also torn between polyurethane and rubber bushings. Ive heard poly lasts longer but rubber rides better.

Anyone have any experience with these and could give any advice if they are worth it or not? I don't go on any trails and drive less than 50 miles a week generally so they don't have to be crazy strong or the best of the best and I don't have space or tools to do the job myself I'm gonna have to pay someone else I need to keep it cheap as possible.
Thanks
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Oct 13, 2024 | 03:20 AM
  #2  
I would get your front end sorted out by proper diagnosis and replace any worn parts.

You should not have death wobble or bump steer no matter the state of your rear end, I would have thought

This can be done by systematically testing each joint and bearing with an assistant to twist the steering wheel, while you pry or jack every joint

This will show excessive play, and replace those parts in sets, Physically inspect every bush, steering box and trackbar mountings

report back on your findings

I prefer poly bushes for steering, others either way, poly does not always equal longer lasting
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Oct 13, 2024 | 04:20 AM
  #3  
Quote: I would get your front end sorted out by proper diagnosis and replace any worn parts.

You should not have death wobble or bump steer no matter the state of your rear end, I would have thought

This can be done by systematically testing each joint and bearing with an assistant to twist the steering wheel, while you pry or jack every joint

This will show excessive play, and replace those parts in sets, Physically inspect every bush, steering box and trackbar mountings

report back on your findings

I prefer poly bushes for steering, others either way, poly does not always equal longer lasting
I plan on getting almost all the front end parts replaced and an alignment. It's got almost 180k miles and the previous owners did not take care of it. The rear end isn't causing the death wobble I know, it's something in the front in

Why do you prefer poly bushings?
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Oct 15, 2024 | 10:39 AM
  #4  
Quote: I

Why do you prefer poly bushings?
for steering related, they are stiffer, so in theory steering is more direct

most of the front end bushes have some effect on overall rigidity between steering wheel and tyre

on the negative, they transmit more shock & vibration, can be prone to sudden failure by splitting, and sometimes the sleeve needs removing

In any case, I still have some more work to do, but my 3.5" lift 96 has almost no vibration at any speed, and can be driven with my little finger

I have replaced most parts, but not the 2 x tie rod ends, u joints, some ball joints, and the steering damper

My next job is to attend the slightly wallowed trackbar bolt hole, extend swaybar links
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Oct 15, 2024 | 03:12 PM
  #5  
suspension parts
I've had excellent results with Moog suspension parts and bushings and Old Man Emu springs and shocks. Both Durable and ride well OME is guaranteed for 3 years
Good luck !
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