Thanks for viewing this!

Background: '98 XJ with a 1.5" lift (spacer on the front, shackle on the back), new front shocks, rear leaf springs are tired. Tires are 235/75R15.

My '98 XJ is darting around when I drive over bumps on the road. It keeps you on your toes as you have to make quick corrections to stay on the road! I jacked it up and tried to pry the ball joints around, but there is no obvious movement. The jeep only has 50K on the odo, so the ball joints should be fine right???

I am suspecting front shocks, but have not checked yet. I replaced the rear shocks last week and to my surprise although they were rusty as heck and falling apart they had lots of damping left in them (just about the same as the new KYBs) ! This is why I am doubting the front shock theory.

Steering damper? Front bushings?

I realize it is a jeep and not a BMW, but shouldn't the handling be a little less exciting??

Has anyone experienced this?

-D

 

I would guess damper but I hardly know what I'm talking about.

 

I'm haven't experienced this but I would guess your steering stabilizer (damper).

Sent from my iPod touch using my chocolate covered fingers

 

There are many front suspension componants in the XJ that have stock OEM rubber bushings that when worn out will cause your Jeep to wander, jump around when driving over bumps, or in extreme cases cause the XJs famous Death Wobble. Just get under your Jeep and start wiggling tierod ends, trac bar ends, upper control arms, lower control arms and yes, shocks. You may find worn shocks but I bet you find some worn bushings as well...and I strongly recommend that you replace all worn rubber bushings with Polyurethane bushings.

 

I ordered new shocks and damper already. The damper does seem soft, can't hurt either way.

I'll keep prying stuff around I guess.

Where are the deals on bushing kits? They are all over Ebay, just not sure which to get.

 

Dampers shouldn't be needed for a perfectly functioning suspension.

So with that said there is something else that needs to be addressed.

Did you get an alignment after the small lift?


Moved to advanced tech since you have a lift.

 

No I did not get an alignment. I was under the impression that 1.5" wouldn't need it. That impression is quickly fading....

 

Did you unhook your track bar and redrill a new hole or anything?

Your getting bump steer.

Something is worn or outta wHack somewhere...

 

Oh yeas, bro. Just lifting an XJ 1.5" will throw the caster, camber and even the toe off. The Cherokee front suspension is designed to work correctly with the control arms totally horizantal. Any angle change in them at all and you need alignment adjustments.

 

I did a 3" lift and i have this problem too. Gee oh Dee is right this is bumpsteer, incorrect caster is probably the cause. Also the track bar may need adjusting in order to get it aligned correctly.

 

I did nothing with the track bar. Yes bumpsteer fits the description.

I guess it is off to get an alignment. Will most shops know what do with the track bar or should I be looking for someone with jeep experience?

 

They'll probably tell you that an adjustable one is required.

At which point you can counter with 'just redrill a new hole'

 

What do you mean by drill a new hole? Isn't the LCA rear bolt in a slot that will allow for adjustment forward or backward? I was under the impression that you just loosen the rear bolt and add shims till your axle is at the correct angle...

 

Trac bar.

 

Oh...... I get it. Thanks for the patience.