I have a fairly modified XJ on 35s. 3 link long arms. Most of that work was done by PO. I have a digital level meter and measured caster on both sides of the front axle and got like 8 and 9 degrees I believe, respectively (placed the meter on top of the top ball joint). I saw a video where they said if you want to check play with the control arms, rock the vehicle back and forth. So, I did that with the digital level meter in place. The caster angle was varying between 6 and 10 degrees while rocking the vehicle back and forth! Is this normal?? Shouldn't the caster remain almost the same during rocking? Been checking this because I am still trying to fix a death wobble issue. She does not do it really bad but I can tell she wants to do it when I hit a pot hole with the left tire. Changed trackbar with Johnny joint, all brand news TREs throughout, brand new Spicer ball joints, new knuckles as well, dropped pitman arm to bring both draglink and trackbar parallel to each other. Aligned the car myself with 1/8 toe in. Tires are used though but supposedly balanced. Anyway, thoughts?

 

What's the condition on the mounting holes for your track bar? Are the holes egged out?

I would put eyes on what's exactly sloppy if your angle measurements are correct about a 6-10* swing when rocking. Are control mounting holes egged out? Are the bushings/joints on the control arms sloppy?

 

The new trackbar I bought came with a brand new bracket (that's what I got: https://www.claytonoffroad.com/produ...984-2001-xj-zj). So, no play there and no play that I can tell on the axle side (I drilled that hole to 9/16" a while back to fit that larger bolt).
When I asked my wife to rock the Jeep back and forth, I went underneath and used my finger to feel the control arm joint, specifically the upper front control arm. I think I can feel a tiny amount of play on the rear end of that control arm (where it attaches to the car body). I need to provide a picture in case it is confusing..
But back to my question, should caster remain the same while rocking the vehicle?

 

Here are some pics of the rigs in case it may help a bit. I can provide more if necessary. The pic of the joint below is from the rear of the upper front control arm. This is where I am suspecting some play. All these control arms are aftermarket. Also noticed that the joint in the picture is missing the grease zerk.




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I would jack it up so tore ate a 1" or 2 of the groudn then use a shovel or prybar under tire. Pry up on tire to look for slop in control arm joints track bar etc

In my opion that steering/track is horrible rocking the jeep side to side that steep track bar is probly doing funkyness to axle pushpulling it side to side.

 

Man, you don't know how much I've been checking this thing. Such a love hate relationship with this Jeep. Almost about to give up..

 

An additional 1/2 degree for every 1" of lift is recommended . Ask Even M what steering system he used. To place 35's on XJ and do it right, costs a small fortune.

 

It doesnt realy cost anymore to put 35s on than 33s. Doing it right is doing it right. Just taller lifts bigger tires magnify what has been done wrong. Cut corners will become apparent