i have some lay in the frame side of my track bar so its time i started looking for a replacement. steering all seems to be tight right now but there is a fair bit of play in the steering box itself.

as it sits all the front end parts mention above are stock(track bar has been cut and extended)

I am running a 4.5" short arm and 33" tires. primary function of the jeep is off road but it does get me back and forth to work a few times a week.

problems im trying to solve...
1.there is a snapping/clicking sound when turning, generally happens under load but is not consistent.

2.has a bit of a shimmy at 80kms and up always seems to be ready to turn into a death wobble , but i could be exaggerating.

3. trying to make it safe to drive without worry about distance/speed or who is behind the wheel

things i am considering are steering box/currie corrective link /dual shear track bar.

not sure where the smartest place to start. also most dual shear track bar setups say you need a drop pitman arm to run them. can the be run with the currie system and a stock pitman arm? or do you need a drop no matter what?
a few pwople have told me if i do anything to the steering box i should upgrade to a durango box why is that? hoping for an explanation beyond its better.

any other heads up on things to look for or avoid would be great, like most jeep projects im trying to get away with cheap, but willing to spend to make sure it is solid/safe.

thanks

ps i have done some reading and some searching, found out a fair bit about some of the individual components (except the steering box i just threw that in) curious about the different combinations or where i should be focusing my attention

 

1. U-joints and or bearings
2. Ball Joints and CA bushings
3. The smartest place to start is.. Those suspension components that will NOT be upgraded.

 

I am having about the exact same issues as you describe. Just bought my XJ a couple weeks ago.

Part of my problem is that I don't have a clue what lift kit is on my XJ and it does't look like any of the parts (springs, shocks, CAs) have any branding on them.

 

Let me start by saying that I have the same setup as yours "Now" just upgraded a lot of things about 75% with a lift increase from 3" to 4 1/2".

As the answer given you already yes always the basics or KISS, eliminate those things first then move on to the other items because your going to need them sooner than later anyway.

While your buying those parts you might as well get the GC V8 tie rod setup only 3 pcs. It is 10x stronger that the rolled tube that's on the XJ all solid steel and larger tie rod ends. I bought mine complete from AutoZone (Moog) for under $100 tax included.

Like you I would question your Track Bar I ended up using a Rustys Off Road HD one for mine. I have used a lot of his parts for 2 years now not one single issue. I did buy a dropped pitman arm but was not needed so I returned it. I had many of the parts that I replaced and have no desire to go further than a long arm kit next year.

As for a steering box the 4x4 shop where I had a lot of my work done I asked the same question. I have no desire for rock crawling period only if they are on the trail that I want to drive through. If, when I upgrade to 35" tires the steering box would be a go then but for now they advised me it wasn't needed. They build everything from all out tube frame crawlers to mild trail rigs, if they said they didn't want my money I guess it must be OK for now. I do have the steering box brace and frame renforcements for it both.

I'm sure you have the differential setup for that lift, I installed Rustys HD Adjustable Upper and Lower control arms when the 4 1/2" increase came. Good shocks are a must and I followed suggestions from here after reading I bought the Bilstein's no doubt an excellent choice after them both on and off road.

 

new steering box went in. stayed stock as its good for what i need .
that took care of the snapping sound i was getting.

and i have put in an order for a new track bar, that was the next place showing the most play in my front end. went for the RE dual shear set up, while ordering new parts figured it was a good time to upgrade. will update how it drives after i get it in.

 

new track bar went in good. cleaned up the rest of my issues. much nicer drive now between the new steering box and track bar. tightened right up and vibration issues and death wobble are gone.