Your cb is probably fine, I would recommend a 3 or 4 inch permanent mount antenna .

 

IF your using a mag mount, try putting the antenna between the hood and the windshield on the passenger side.
I did that with a Lil Wil antenna before I permanently mounted mine and it worked OK.

As for the OP, try replacing the wire your using for a ground with a 10 ga wire and run it to one of the bolts that mount the bumper under the drivers side.
Iv got a Cool Tec mount and its similar to what you have.
The wire I mentioned is what was included with the kit.
Works great for me.
Just a couple of thioughts and hope they help.

 

Yeah upgrading to 10 gauge wire would show improvement for sure.
I havent really been able to pick anything up besides the weather channel so haven't been able to really test how good or bad the distance I'm getting is.

 

Just installed a CB last night and am not able to get anything. I do not have a SWR meter but I am thinking it may be my ground. I have a 4 ft firefly mounted to the taile gate on a mount I made just like the Cooltech mount. I have a 10ga wire wrie running from the mount to the bolt that holds my back seat belt. Not sure what the deal is. I did put a peice of rubber between the mount and the tailgate to keep from scratching the paint. Could the rubber be causing it? Should I move the ground to the tie down bolt? Should the ground be hooked to the bolt holding the mount to the body or to the stud?