Straightening a front axle
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
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From: Cape Town, South Africa
Year: 2011
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Straightening a front axle
Hi, new to the forum and looking for some advice. I recently bought my first XJ (2001 4L Auto) and absolutely love it! 
I've had several japanese 4x4's in the past, but none with such character!
I have just installed a 3" BDS lift kit but the driver side still sags (was already sagging before the lift). Looking closer the front right wheel is slightly splayed out. The suspension shop that fitted the lift for me said the axle was bent and that they could straighten and brace it. Is this something that is common practice?
They also said that the LCA and track bar bushings were shot and needed replacing. I am looking at an IRO upgrade for the arms, track bar and maybe the HD over the knuckle steering setup if the bucks allow. Would this maybe sort out the splayed wheel and sag?
Any suggestions welcome
I've had several japanese 4x4's in the past, but none with such character!I have just installed a 3" BDS lift kit but the driver side still sags (was already sagging before the lift). Looking closer the front right wheel is slightly splayed out. The suspension shop that fitted the lift for me said the axle was bent and that they could straighten and brace it. Is this something that is common practice?
They also said that the LCA and track bar bushings were shot and needed replacing. I am looking at an IRO upgrade for the arms, track bar and maybe the HD over the knuckle steering setup if the bucks allow. Would this maybe sort out the splayed wheel and sag?
Any suggestions welcome
Seasoned Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 367
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Model: Cherokee
welcome to the forum!
just curious, is there any indication that the vehicle was in an accident or hit on that side? reason i ask is because axles dont just sag out of nowhere, and bending one is not the easiest thing to do.
jack up the front end and check for play in the wheels, excessive slop in the wheel bearing could cause the wheel to angle like that.
if it turns out that the axle is bent; if you're willing to do the work yourself i would pull another dana 30 axle from the junkyard just because you'll spend the same or less (~150) than by having a shop straighten and brace an already damaged axle housing
just curious, is there any indication that the vehicle was in an accident or hit on that side? reason i ask is because axles dont just sag out of nowhere, and bending one is not the easiest thing to do.
jack up the front end and check for play in the wheels, excessive slop in the wheel bearing could cause the wheel to angle like that.
if it turns out that the axle is bent; if you're willing to do the work yourself i would pull another dana 30 axle from the junkyard just because you'll spend the same or less (~150) than by having a shop straighten and brace an already damaged axle housing
Last edited by rompnXJ; Sep 14, 2012 at 08:14 AM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,930
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From: 802
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I would need more proof that the axle was indeed bent. Maybe they meant the part inside the axle- the half shaft? But if either the axle, or the half shaft was bent, I'm pretty sure things would either vibrate BAD, or it would just snap the shaft.. Dunno from experience, though.. :/ either way, it looks like there may be a few parts worn out. The u joint is likely. Any clunking/popping when turning? I would def recommend getting a second opinion on your situation! Get an alignment done, by make sure they check over the front end in general. Here is a pic of things to check yourself. Pretty much everything highlighted will have an impact on steering and suspension characteristics..
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 868
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From: SC
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Glad to hear I'm not the only one who has the BDS 3 inch
I've got a few thousand miles on my setup and it's been great. I hope you enjoy.
as for the axle being bent, as the other guys mentioned doubtful it's bent but if it is replace it- don't bother fixing.
I've got a few thousand miles on my setup and it's been great. I hope you enjoy.
as for the axle being bent, as the other guys mentioned doubtful it's bent but if it is replace it- don't bother fixing.
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Model: Cherokee
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
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From: Cape Town, South Africa
Year: 2011
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks all for the responses.
As far as I know the vehicle has never been in an accident. There is no shake or vibrations even at 120km/h and no clunking when turning. The handling is a little vague, could that be due to worn arm/bar bushings alone?
I will definitely investigate further including the u joint / balljoint and bearing.
In the meantime I need to order new arms, bar & rod. In South Africa we are limited to OEM or BDS as far as I know. The BDS parts from the local dealer are pretty expensive and I can get cheaper from the US including shipping. Could you guys recommend IRO components? They seem to have a good following.
Will update this post when I find out.
As far as I know the vehicle has never been in an accident. There is no shake or vibrations even at 120km/h and no clunking when turning. The handling is a little vague, could that be due to worn arm/bar bushings alone?
I will definitely investigate further including the u joint / balljoint and bearing.
In the meantime I need to order new arms, bar & rod. In South Africa we are limited to OEM or BDS as far as I know. The BDS parts from the local dealer are pretty expensive and I can get cheaper from the US including shipping. Could you guys recommend IRO components? They seem to have a good following.
Will update this post when I find out.
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Click on my sig and check out the Rubicon Express kits. Let me know which you're interested in and I'll get a freight quote for you. You'll need to provide a ship to address, just send it to me via a PM.
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From: 802
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by SeriousOffroad
A bent front axle shaft will not affect the camber of the tire.
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From: 802
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by DustDevil
The handling is a little vague, could that be due to worn arm/bar bushings alone?
-----> the drag link, track bar and tie rod are generally your biggest contributors to vague steering response. The ends and bushings on all of the afford mentioned are important as well. The control arms/bushings and sway bar links would be next on my list.
I will definitely investigate further including the u joint / balljoint and bearing.
-----> a quick and easy check of the outer u joints at the wheels: jack up one of the front tires so it is just off the ground. Grab the wheel by the sides and with quick jerks left and right see if there is a noise and/or play in the wheel. Another way to check for front end play: with the wheels firmly back on the ground, have someone jerk the steering wheel back and forth a bit while you look underneath and watch all the steering components for play.
In the meantime I need to order new arms, bar & rod. In South Africa we are limited to OEM or BDS as far as I know. The BDS parts from the local dealer are pretty expensive and I can get cheaper from the US including shipping. Could you guys recommend IRO components? They seem to have a good following.
-----> OME is expensive and they don't offer more than a 2" lift. However, they are high quality and can be combined with coil spacers and drop shackles for more lift. From what I've heard, BDS and IRO are good quality. Maybe seriousoffroad will be able to help you out!
Will update this post when I find out.
-----> the drag link, track bar and tie rod are generally your biggest contributors to vague steering response. The ends and bushings on all of the afford mentioned are important as well. The control arms/bushings and sway bar links would be next on my list.
I will definitely investigate further including the u joint / balljoint and bearing.
-----> a quick and easy check of the outer u joints at the wheels: jack up one of the front tires so it is just off the ground. Grab the wheel by the sides and with quick jerks left and right see if there is a noise and/or play in the wheel. Another way to check for front end play: with the wheels firmly back on the ground, have someone jerk the steering wheel back and forth a bit while you look underneath and watch all the steering components for play.
In the meantime I need to order new arms, bar & rod. In South Africa we are limited to OEM or BDS as far as I know. The BDS parts from the local dealer are pretty expensive and I can get cheaper from the US including shipping. Could you guys recommend IRO components? They seem to have a good following.
-----> OME is expensive and they don't offer more than a 2" lift. However, they are high quality and can be combined with coil spacers and drop shackles for more lift. From what I've heard, BDS and IRO are good quality. Maybe seriousoffroad will be able to help you out!
Will update this post when I find out.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Cape Town, South Africa
Year: 2011
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
OK, I jacked up the wheel and jerked it side to side and up & down and no play on the joint whatsoever.
I have noticed a high pitch whirring sound from the diff when turning with the steering wheel turned at maximum (low speed maneuvers, u-turns etc).
Any ideas?
I have noticed a high pitch whirring sound from the diff when turning with the steering wheel turned at maximum (low speed maneuvers, u-turns etc).
Any ideas?
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,521
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From: JOCO
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
check power steering pump fluid level. if it's low it'll do that. or it can be old.
