Sup guys, would love to meet some local guys and take the jeep trailing in to the mountains.

Here's the problem:

My 1996 Jeep is my only transportation right now, and before moving here I got it aligned. Now the steering wheel is straight, the car goes straight, and that's about it. There is TONs of play in the steering wheel (can turn 2-4" before it reacts to inputs), and it picks it's own direction to go in if I hit a crack or dip on hwy at 60mph (no safe).

1996 Cherokee 4x4 auto, lifted by spring spacers, and on 31" tires.

I read around & saw I can tighten the Hex bold on the Steering box to take some play out. I just moved here living at friends apt with no tools.

Looking for some help from local guys (will compensate you for your gas & beer & pizza ) or if someone can point in to a reputable shop that won't try to sell things I don't need.

Thanks

 

Tightening the adjuster can wreak havoc with the "Return to Center". It's not the panacea that some believe it to be.

If you can get someone to assit you, have them turn the steering wheel back and forth rather quickly (10 o'clock - 2 o'clock) while you look at, listen to and feel all of the joints related to your steering linkage and your trackbar too.

It's a safe bet that you've got some worn out parts under your rig.

 

Oh i bet few things down there need to go. I would like some honest opinion on what need changing. If someone is around the Broomfield/Boulder area, and can help me out.

 

You might want to post in the Denver B.S. Thread. Plenty of good people up your way.

 

Hey man, I'm in Boulder and just went through the same issue with my xj. I could take a look at it tomorrow if you're around. Might be able to help out a little.

 

Hey, messaged you my number. Let me know what time works for you.

 

When I got my XJ the drag link adjuster sleeve was loose even though the bolts were completely tightened. I took it apart and turned the clamps around and it tightened up much better.

Did it have so much play before you had it aligned?

 

No it didn't have so much play before alignment.

 

If you want to drive out to Loveland on Tuesday or Thursday I can take a look at it.


The only thing an alignment should have touched is the drag link adjuster and the clamps on the end of the tie rods. If you can wiggle either by hand then it needs retightening. There a lots of things that cause steering play in XJs, but an alignment adjusts only these 4 bolts.

You may or may not benefit from tightening the steering box adjuster, you have to test it first. If it's adjusted right, tightening it will shorten its life by a lot. The alignment place almost certainly did not touch it.

 

Hey welcome UpSideDownDesi, I am also in boulder willing to help out if needed.

 

I drive out to Niwot everyday till 5pm and can probably make it to Loveland by 5:30.

I'd what they touched. I didn't car the for a good enough drive after, just shipped it here, and now this :/. This is my first jeep, and I don't want to poke around much without some help.





Replied to your message Chris. Sorry I didn't put my name in the first post. Name's Sunny

 

Mine has a ton of play when it's chilli out, but this year we replaced the steering box. I also have 35's, so the stock xj box did not like the tires. Durango box is awesome, and bolts right up