Tarenrack

So I've had the ZJ linkage installed for a few months now, but I have noticed some things that aren't quite right.

Some info about my jeep:
3in RC lift short arm
31's
Stock axles and track bar

The first is that the steering adjustment on the track bar has been maxed out all the way up on the drivers side and the steering wheel sits at about 1 or 2 O'clock while driving straight. It's not an alignment problem since I got an alignment right after swapping it out. Is it possible that the combination of the lift and the fixed length track bar is throwing off the steering wheel adjustment? If so, how can I fix it?

Next thing I noticed tonight while changing the front diff fluid. While shanking everything around just to check things out, I was able to twist the tie-rod. It wasn't much but enough to make me wonder if that normal. Should the tie-rod be able to do this or should it be solid.

The last issue I've been having might not be related to the tie-rod, but may be related to the steering box. While making turns it feels like I have to turn the wheel too many times to make the turn. For example to make a turn at an intersection I have to turn the wheel almost 2 full rotations. Is that normal?

XJwonders

Get a new double shear track bar that is adjustable

Tony_SS

What all ZJ parts did you use? I believe you're only supposed to swap over the ZJ tie rod... the rest use your XJ parts.

salad

All ZJ steering components between the box and knuckles will work fine on an XJ.

Your track bar IS too short, but this is not that significant of a problem. The adjusting sleeve in your drag link needs to be turned to bring your steering wheel back to normal.

Also the tie rod should flop around, slop is because the tie rod ends have several degrees of movement in most directions.

Tarenrack

Thanks for the help guys:

I will be getting a double shear track bar this summer, but I just wanted to know if my problem will still exist after I replace it.

I swapped the the drag link and tire rod.

I can't move the adjustment sleeve anymore than it already is. It all the way at the ends of the threads on the driver side of the drag link. I will take a picture and post it later tonight.

unidentifiedbomb

Might have to take the drag link off the pitman arm and adjust it there, could be offsetting your steering box by threading it in and out.

Tarenrack

Alright, so here's the adjusting sleeve on the track bar.

XJwonders

That is not a track bar. That's a drag link

salad

Track bar is the thing in the back that clears the diff


(this pic is from a TJ)

Tarenrack

Sorry, that's what I meant to say. Either way still can't figure out why the adjustment why is all the way to one side. Is it a problem I should be concerned with? Anything I should try to fix this?

98cherokee531

If you get a scraping device and knock off that grease on the right side of the dragline I bet you'll find more thread. Granted I have an xj dragline under my xj and for my 4.5" lift I needed to adjust it about two turns out to straighten my steering wheel. I have a lot more thread showing in each direction. Try hitting it with some pb blaster and get a pipe wrench on it.