hey guys, looking for some help in the forum. i have been driving the XJ for the last couple of weeks and i noticed something weird happening, while i am hitting the gas the vehicle goes straight or pulls slightly to the left, if i let go the gas it goes to the right. sway bar is installed with new bushings, rear sway bar is also installed but have not replaced the bushings yet.
information on the jeep, it was a gift to me so i am not sure how it drive before. mods as follows: 4.5" lift from Rough country, complete rear leaf spring (not the add a leaf) 15" x 8.5" MK rims and 31 tires.
any one with this problem or what could be causing it? thanks

 

I would start looking at all bushings fronts and rear and go from there .

 

i'll take a blind shot in the dark did you check your track bar, also try doing the diy toe alignment check your measurements toe being off can cause this.

 

All the bushings on the rear a 2 weeks old aand also on the lower front arms and sway bar. Have to replace the upper bars and all the steering linkages just to have them new.

 

Track bar is still original to the jeep, i did the alignment though. Also i am getting a step steering while moving.

 

Well for sure if you have a 4.5 inch lift you need aftermarket tracbar to center your axle and did you do the diy alignment or take it to a shop ?

 

If it pulls to the right, you probably have the common difference in castor from side to side. Don't panic if you do, they are made this way. Usually about 1.5° difference. You can see it easily on lifted Jeeps because the coil will be bowed more on one side than the other. It is not a mistake. They come that way so they pull to the right. It can be corrected if you want with off set ball joints

 

yes i did the alignment myself, only 1/16" difference toe in. axle is centered with the re-drilled hole to the left. my plan is to replace all the steering related parts including the knuckles which are rusted out. rotors and pads are new and calipers are not sticking, even though i ordered new calipers so i have everything new.
what aftermarket track bar (and other bars) do you recommend?

 

funny you mentioned this, once i did the lift everything was very stiff and after a couple of weeks suspension is better in all aspects and not as stiff as before but also started the pulling thing and a little bit of rocking. i would say this is normal?

 

Make sure the rear axle is sitting 90 deg to the frame.

If you just bolted it back up, (or someone else), it could be sitting crooked, which can cause the thrust angles to be off.

Also, make sure all the rear bushings were tightened with the vehicle weight on them, not with the axle hanging.

 

It is just a thing to check to see if it is the cause. You will be able to see it easily if it is different

 

front or rear axle?
oooopppsss just noticed you said rear.
i know i tightened everything lifted, have to revisit that part. Will order new U bolt plates/brackets since the original ones are a bit deformed

 

rear axle

 

The bolt holding the track bar to the axle bracket was worn out causing the track bar to move almost 3/16". a new bolt and nut solved the problem. New heavy duty track bar going in next week.