My question is about steering quality of ZJ in general. we have 4.0 ZJ. 97 make. it is on 92K miles on its odometer.

i replaced every single bushings on front and rear axles and on all suspension arms and tie rods etc. steering box adjusted slightly and nothing left to replace except front diff bushings at top. there is no dead space or play on steering wheel, it directly responds steering wheel movement while driving on normal speeds or standing still. car does not follow tracks on road but it always tend to follow slope on surface. in general because of driving slow at slowest lane, it tends to go right. but on really flat surfaces it goes straight.

for example on our WK CRD3.0 2009 make, it drives like a car when compared, i remember my high milage 1997 make Nissan Pathfinder it was not following surface slope like our ZJ do.

why is this so? is it a characterstic response of solid axle in front? is it same on your ZJ or XJ? is there someting which is problematic, somehow?

 

The ZJ has a solid front axle with (in terms of technology) primitive drag link steering. The newer vehicles with IFS handle much better on the road and the rack and pinion steering gives better steering input for the driver as well as giving a tighter feel in terms of steering.

In essence the poor old ZJ won't hold a candle to the newer WK when it comes to road manners and driving comfort.

 

Yea thats the difference between solid axle and IFS, theres a reason everyone is switching over to IFS. Cause everyone wants their SUV's to ride like Cadillac's

 

it seems nothing to worry about.

 

Today, i replaced 2.5 year olds BFG TA KO(only on 25000 miles) with yokohama GO12 ATS. huge difference on everything new size is 255/70/15 smaller in diameter but wider.

GO12 handles better, quiter and steering response is better. and best of all car does not pull to right side. when in reverse and full right or left there is slight rubbing but it is not so serious.

i ve never thought of such impact could be made by a simple tire set change. i will never buy BFG TA/KO unless i want to go on rough terrain.