I just bought a 98 XJ with a 4.5 RC Lift already installed.
I had new 31" tires put on because the old ones were worn from a bad alignment.
I had the alignment fixed as well (it was way off, never done after the guy had the lift installed)

So here's the problem I'm having. To make a left turn I have to turn the wheel 90 degrees to get it to start turning. 180 degrees for a good turn. 360 degrees for a real hard turn.
Turning right is hard as well, but not quite as bad.
It has new tie rod ends, and a 1 piece tie rod (not the split tie rod).
I get a quick shake from going over bumps, not a death wobble though.
Basically the steering is very loose.

Any ideas? I won't be able to get pictures until Monday; it's stored at my parents right now while I work on it.

 

Get someone to look underneath the jeep and Check your trac bar while you turn the wheel. i had the same problem with mine. Someone may not have relocated the bracket it attaches to when they lifted it

 

I'd guess your steering box is worn out but it could be one of many things.

Just going to have to look while someone moves it.

 

The problem is I'm not really sure what to look for. The XJ is new to me, never had or worked on one before. I've also never done steering work at all.
Any links to pictures with some lables would help out a lot.
I have the Haynes manual, but turns out it's kinda limited. There is a lot they seem to leave out and just say take to a shop.

 

 

After more research I'm thinking I need a new longer track arm and a drop pitman arm.
Does this sound right to anyone?

 

I concur with Lowrange2, the symptoms you describe sound like a steering box. Given you description it sounds easy to identify if the box is the problem. Open the hood and have someone turn the wheel and look at the relationship between the column shaft going in and the pitman arm on the bottom. A 90 degree turn is a lot of play! Especially if it could be aligned at all.

 

You do not need a DPA for a 4.5" lift.
If you're running a stock trackbar....yes you need a longer trackbar.

 

Thanks BigBird, I will take a look at that Tuesday when I have a chance to work on it some more.
What exactly am I looking for in the relationship between the two? Should the two be lined up considering it was just aligned?
Steering issues and operation are completely new to me, but I'm eager to learn.

 

I believe it's stock. I'm going to take a look next chance I get. I forgot to get photos yesterday, which would probably be helping a lot right now.

I ask about the DPA because on the Rough Country site if I order the 4-6" adjustable track bar it says a DPA is required for the XJ.
Here's the link, click on the notes tab.

http://www.roughcountry.com/adjustab...-bar-1079.html

 

Additional question to throw in here, what does a steering stabilizer do? How does it effect the handling of the jeep? Necessary? Preferred? Good investment or waste of money?
Thanks everyone, this forum rocks!

 

Get these and you won't need a DPA:
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...rack-Bar-XJ-ZJ

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...BAR-BRACKET-HD

 

It's actually a Steering Dampener, and it softens your road feel and it's a band-aid that masks other problems with your steering. A properly aligned vehicle does not need a steering dampener/stabilizer.....ever.

 

I would not buy that bracket. It has no bracing on the outside of it. Even the stock bracket has it. That my opinion. I like to up grade when I get something new.

 

Thanks for the input mike. I'm always a little suspect when the person telling me that I need a part is the same one selling it.
I'm sure serious off-road makes good stuff and all but I can get the same parts from rough country for less.