Front end not right - Help

[Smirty]

I am experiencing a loose feel in my front end. It feels like one wheel wants to run straight while the other wheel wants to turn out at times and run straight at other times. There is also quite a bit more play in my steering wheel than before...it doesnt seem near as tight as it used to be since I went from the 2" BB to the 3" springs. All of this started after coming back from a trip at the Cliff's a couple of weeks ago and I am sure I did something while I was out there...but for the life of me it is not obvious. When I look under the jeep, the control arms are tight, the track arm looks the same as always and the tie rods don't look any different. Also, it doesn't look like anything is bent or broken either. Is there anything I should be looking at based on this description or should I just take it into a shop for an alignment? I just want to rule everything out and try to fix it on my own before taking it in.

If it comes down to taking it to a shop, is there a shop that is friendly with lifted vehicles and that won't rip me off either?

[grub]

I have experienced what you are describing when I have bent my drag link. That caused the tires to point in. One would drive, then the other would drive. That may have gotten out of line when you did your last round of mods, or by hitting something.

You may want to try Elk Grove Good year. If you are in the area.

[Smirty]

Thanks for the help. I will take a closer look...it doesnt look bent but it was a little dark when I checked. I did modify my track bar location by drilling a new hole about an inch from the original to compensate for the lift. I'll try putting it back and to see if that helps.

[Smirty]

It looks like it is bent in two places. The bends are about 6 inches from each end. I thought at first it was supposed to be like that because how similar in distance from the ends was but later realized that it should be straight. I am wondering if it is possible to bend it back straight or if just ditching it and getting a new one would be best. I am gathering that its not all that hard to bend back if it was bent in two places.

[grub]

PS sells a custom one for $99. You will not bend that one. You supply the tie rod ends.

[missouri]

Smirty save your money on that aftermarket crap and ungrade your tie rod bar and ends to a ZJ tie rod and ends. It will caost about a $100 and you can get parts anywhere because it is a stock part. I ran this system on my Wrangler with 34 inch tires and never bent it even when sitting opn the tie rod. The ZJ tie rod has a larger diameter than stock and thicker metal. If you look around there are write-ups on the switch and you can get the parts anty nay auto parts store. I have the numbers around somewhere but you probaly beat me to it if you just search ZJ tie rod.

Try this. 93-97 ZJ with a V8, Pep boys-Autozone-NAPA etc, also try Stu Olson's site I beleive he has a write up on this bolt on mod.

Good Luck
missouri

[Smirty]

Thanks...I just read Stu's write-up and it sounds like the way to go. My drag link is straight...will it bold up fine to the ZJ tie rod?

[missouri]

Stock draglink will do fine,it's the tie rod that gives the headaches. Also make sure your trac bar is very tight, if it is in the least bit loose the Wrangler will wonder.

missouri

[OOC]

I have experienced what you are describing when I have bent my drag link. That caused the tires to point in. One would drive, then the other would drive. That may have gotten out of line when you did your last round of mods, or by hitting something.

You may want to try Elk Grove Good year. If you are in the area.

Good Year is closed, but I know of a great FIRESTONE dealer!!!

[grub]

Good Year is closed, but I know of a great FIRESTONE dealer!!!


Sorry dude.

[Smirty]

Stock draglink will do fine,it's the tie rod that gives the headaches. Also make sure your trac bar is very tight, if it is in the least bit loose the Wrangler will wonder.

missouri

Missouri was right on...it was the track bar. The bolt was loose and after tightening it up, the Jeep ran just like it should. I am going to replace the tie rod next because it is still bent in two places. I measured the alignment today and the wheels are pointed in about 3/4". Once I replace the tie rod, I will need to take it in to get aligned.

OOC - you made a shameless plug for Firestone. Where are you located...I I wouldn't mide throwing some business your way.

[Smirty]

I am picking up the tie rod parts tonight from NAPA and will finally be replacing my bent tie rod. I have been driving it out of whack for about a month now and likely my tires will thank me after this is compled :D . NAPA had special ordered the parts yesterday but no biggie since I am not going to be doing it later this weekend. I am going to be doing the Grand Cherokee tie rod conversion that Missouri suggested. From the looks of it, it will be significantly beefier than the stock rod.

I have one question though...will the tie rods come off easily by just removing the nuts or will I need a puller of some kind to free it up? If so, I could just get a loaner tool from the parts store if needed.

[whowey]

I am picking up the tie rod parts tonight from NAPA and will finally be replacing my bent tie rod. I have been driving it out of whack for about a month now and likely my tires will thank me after this is compled :D . NAPA had special ordered the parts yesterday but no biggie since I am not going to be doing it later this weekend. I am going to be doing the Grand Cherokee tie rod conversion that Missouri suggested. From the looks of it, it will be significantly beefier than the stock rod.

I have one question though...will the tie rods come off easily by just removing the nuts or will I need a puller of some kind to free it up? If so, I could just get a loaner tool from the parts store if needed.

I've done both.

Used a pickle fork, when I'm junking the tie rod ends and they are stuck. But usually just loosen the castle nut up to the top of the threads and give them a decent whack with a hammer. That usually will pop them right out.

[missouri]

I wouldn't beat on the tie rod end, you will more than likely damage the threads even wiith the castle nut on. Now I know you are thinking who cares I'm going to throw it away anyway, I wouldn't do that either you never know when you might need a trail spare or someone else might need one. So here is how I get the tie rod ends off e the drivers side tire off and with the Jeep decently elevated whack the outside connecting body of the tie rod with a hammer (my hammer weight in at 3 pounds) you don't need the crush the thing just pursuade it, after three or four good hits the tie rod end should fall out. The vibrations from the hits loosens the end up.

Of course these are just my offerings everyone has theier own technique and style.

missouri

[Smirty]

Thanks guys for the advise. I will try to be as careful as possible when removing it so I can keep it as a trail spare. I will let you all know how it goes this week end.

[Smirty]

I finally got a chance to do the tie rod conversion last night. Wow...that couldn't have been any easier. I picked up the '97 Grand Cherokee tie rod and ends. The rod is quite a bit beefier than the TJ tie rod. For one thing, the Grand Cherokee rod is a larger diameter and solid core where the TJ rods are hollow core and smaller diameter. I used a small pitman arm puller and they just popped right out.

I then realigned my front end and my tires are happier for it. Everything is tight and straight now.

I highly recommend this conversion to everyone...its not exactly cheaper (about $130 all together) but parts are easily available from NAPA and fit/work seamlessly.

[missouri]

I'm glad it worked for you. I plan on doing the same for the XJ, fortunately I already have the parts from the TJ.

missouri

[Swap]

TJ and XJ trackbars are the same small hollow piece of tube. I went with the zj which is solid and bigger "beefier" and bent the hell out of that too! Hoping to have the psc sit-up in by spring! One finger turn! :D