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Sloppy steering after lift...

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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 07:52 PM
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From: Converse, Texas
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Default Sloppy steering after lift...

So a few weeks ago I got my RC 4.5" lift, well my steering has been a little sloppy, especially to the right. Anyone know a good way to stiffen up the steering? Would a drop pitman arm help? I think I have about 5.5" total lift, the PO installed some spacers and lift shackles.
Was thinking of something like this- http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scri...idproduct=2549
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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 07:58 PM
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Did you install a new adjustable track bar? Or are you still using the stock one?
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Old Jul 21, 2011 | 12:04 AM
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Yea, the kit came with a new track bar. Using this- http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_4x.html
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Old Jul 21, 2011 | 12:52 AM
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Get a stiffer steering stabilizer, a steering box brace, and a GOOD alignment.

Also, from what i have been told a pitman arm can even make your steering worse due to the added leverage thats needed to twist it. As long as your track bar and drag link are parallel they are good. I know some guys running a stock pitman arm on the same height lift as you. Dont know if its right, i just know it works for them.

Hope that helps and best of luck.
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Old Jul 21, 2011 | 09:41 AM
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I have the 6.5" RC lift and I have the same problem. Make sure the drag link end on the axle is tightened because mine actually came a little loose after wheeling and also the drop pitman arm is a must, just don't use RC's! They suck. I had to replace mine twice.
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Old Jul 21, 2011 | 12:54 PM
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Well here's something I just noticed- as I said, I bought the 4.5" X-Series lift, plus I have some coil spacers and lift shackels, making for about a 5.5" lift... well I just looked at RC's site again, the track bar that comes with the lift is only meant to go up to 4.5", so could this- http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xtras_1079.html ,plus a drop pitman arm, fix the problem?
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Old Jul 21, 2011 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Evilpopcorn
Well here's something I just noticed- as I said, I bought the 4.5" X-Series lift, plus I have some coil spacers and lift shackels, making for about a 5.5" lift... well I just looked at RC's site again, the track bar that comes with the lift is only meant to go up to 4.5", so could this- http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xtras_1079.html ,plus a drop pitman arm, fix the problem?
Yes, but once again do not get RC's track bar. It has a ball joint end that fits to the bracket. You want one that has a poly bushing and sleeve. The ball joint ones fail after short periods of time. The one I got with my 6.5" kit came with a poly bushing. Maybe they can send you that one unless they switched over to the ball joint for all their kits.
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Old Jul 21, 2011 | 11:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Kyle42
Yes, but once again do not get RC's track bar. It has a ball joint end that fits to the bracket. You want one that has a poly bushing and sleeve. The ball joint ones fail after short periods of time. The one I got with my 6.5" kit came with a poly bushing. Maybe they can send you that one unless they switched over to the ball joint for all their kits.
I have to agree i too bought the 6.5" LA kit and the track bar sucks! Only reason why i havent replaced it is because i am waiting for Rubicon to start back up again so i can buy their track bar, bracket, and frame brace.

Will
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 12:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Evilpopcorn
So a few weeks ago I got my RC 4.5" lift, well my steering has been a little sloppy, especially to the right. Anyone know a good way to stiffen up the steering? Would a drop pitman arm help? I think I have about 5.5" total lift, the PO installed some spacers and lift shackles.
Was thinking of something like this- http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scri...idproduct=2549
You don't need a DPA at 4.5" of lift.

A steering stabilizer only masks other problems with steering geometry.

PM Sent
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 01:17 AM
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That seems good, now I just have to wait two weeks for payday to roll around.
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 02:44 PM
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So anyone know who DOES make a good track bar? I can't find any besides RC... does this seem pretty good? http://www.quadratec.com/products/76009_700_07.htm
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 03:24 PM
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JKS
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Old Jul 23, 2011 | 01:01 AM
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So I should get this- https://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/m...bar_Components
over RC's track bar? Is it really worth the $150 difference between them? And yes, this is my LAST question... oh, and does the JKS kit require a drop pitman like the RC one does?
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Old Jul 23, 2011 | 02:20 AM
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also have this trac bar set upshttp://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=XSP
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Old Jul 23, 2011 | 02:36 AM
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That just may be my answer- alot cheaper than JKS!
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