Need long arm help
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, TN
I wouldn't add long arms to this setup without first diagnosing your steering issues. With the wheels on the ground, have someone turn the steering wheel while you look underneath. Watch for any play in the steering system. Also look at your drag link and track bar to make sure they are al the same angle relative to each other. With your 4" lift I would expect that you would have a drop pitman arm in combination with a track bar bracket. If you don't have these (or a high steer kit) that could be a part of your steering problem.
Check your ball joints as well as it sounds like your mechanic mentioned something about them and they are a notorious weak spot on JK's. Also with your 4" lift you should have adjustable control arms. Something to think about is that you don't need a 4" lift to clear 35" tires a 2.5 or 3" lift will work with 35's just fine.
A steering stabilizer won't fix your problem either, they tend to just mask steering issues.
It would be a lot easier to help you if you described your problem better.
Check your ball joints as well as it sounds like your mechanic mentioned something about them and they are a notorious weak spot on JK's. Also with your 4" lift you should have adjustable control arms. Something to think about is that you don't need a 4" lift to clear 35" tires a 2.5 or 3" lift will work with 35's just fine.
A steering stabilizer won't fix your problem either, they tend to just mask steering issues.
It would be a lot easier to help you if you described your problem better.
I do have a drop pitman and trackbar brackets.
As far as explanation, thats all i've got. I unfortunately don't know alot about the jk front end. I have only owned about 6 months.
Thanks for the info so far
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Dela Where?
As one poster said, check ball joints again. Upgrade to heavier duty units, I believe rock krawler makes a HD unit that has a zerk fitting. I would check your alignment figures and add toe as stated. I would rather see other items exhasuted prior to throwing in a 3k long arm kit that won't fix your issue. Another poster said a high steer kit. I personally dont like drop pitmans, I prefer the high steer kits. I have installed one and it made a world of difference. As for the stabilizer, if your front end is right it is almost not necessary.
Go get a second opinion, dealer if necessary. Join your local forum and ask for another shop with a good reputation in your area. Good luck..
Go get a second opinion, dealer if necessary. Join your local forum and ask for another shop with a good reputation in your area. Good luck..
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 139
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From: DE
If your lifted and have nothing adjustable and have the flighty feeling going down the road fix your caster with some adjustable arms before you go adding a bunch of other stuff you probably don't need.
If your steering is right you don't need a stabilizer at all. A stronger or duel steering stabilizer is a band-aid to cover up crappy steering geometry.
If your steering is right you don't need a stabilizer at all. A stronger or duel steering stabilizer is a band-aid to cover up crappy steering geometry.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, TN
Thanks to everyones reply. I found the problem. Broken front track bar drop bracket. I guess my mech was not as good as I had hoped. Found a new one. Instead of replacing the bracket, I went ahead and bought an adjustable track bar. All is good
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, TN
Thats the next purchase. My lower ball joints aren't positioned correctly which is causing a slight off camber situation. I am probably getting lowers and uppers for the front cause my uppers bushings are looking wore out