Steering Problem???

[rjmax]

My '88 YJ with 4 in lift and 33's is having a problem with the steering. It seems to have some play in it but only when I hit bumps or turn hard. I have looked at the tie rod ends and they look fine. I did notice though that when I turn my drag link (attached to tie rod) causes my tie rod to twist. I am thinking this is where my "play" is coming from (see pics). What can I do to eliminate this? Thoughts??? Do I need a different pitman arm?

 

[Greg]

There's not much you can do about the drag link twisting, most vehicles with that steering setup will do the same thing.

What kind of play is there in the steering? One (or more) of your TRE's may be bad, causing the loose feel. Did you actually have someone move the steering wheel while you looked for movement, or did you just look at them?

 

[rjmax]

There's not much you can do about the drag link twisting, most vehicles with that steering setup will do the same thing.

What kind of play is there in the steering? One (or more) of your TRE's may be bad, causing the loose feel. Did you actually have someone move the steering wheel while you looked for movement, or did you just look at them?

My wife sat and turned the steering wheel back and forth until her arms were sore last night. Turn driver side and the tie rod twists up, turn pass. side and it twists down. I watched the tie rod ends close and didn't see any play. I replaced the TRE that goes into the pitman arm thinking it had a little play in it but can't solve the twisting problem. I know on the CJ's the drag link goes strait to the passenger knuckle which makes more sense.

Any other thoughts???

 

[KToy]

i would say tierod ends.

also your track bar is not the same angle as your draglink. i think you need a bracket to make those the same angle and follow eachother. also check the bushing in the track bar. but i would either say

teirod ends or.... balljoints.

 

[rjmax]

i would say tierod ends.

also your track bar is not the same angle as your draglink. i think you need a bracket to make those the same angle and follow eachother. also check the bushing in the track bar. but i would either say

teirod ends or.... balljoints.

KToy, thanks for the input. I will check the track bar and see if it has some play and needs new bushings.

 

[Greg]

The track bar on a SUA YJ doesn't really do much, IMO.

 

[KToy]

i dont think so either. but i helped a kid lift a yj and his track bar got loose and he said he could feel it in his steering.

was s 2.5 RE lift. i told him to leave it out. i have a spring over on my toy d60 and no track bar and i have never had deth wobble but each to there own.

anyways

trackbar, balljoints, tierod ends, tire out of balance, alignment.

 

[BCGPER]

Have you adjusted the free play in the gearbox?

 

[way2nosty]

your drag link should move about 10 degrees, Do you see any tire wear? Inside outside or toe wear. It could be a serious alignment problem could cause all the issues you are talking about. It sounds like classic TRE issues.