So I just installed my 2" full traction budget lift. I put the kits shocks (hydro) on as well. The vehicle was aligned at the Chrysler dealership.

Tires are 285 75 16, DC mud countrys.

Here is the problem.

With no lift and mud countrys Jeep handled well.

After lift the Jeep handles funny. Every bump or uneven pavement hit the steering wheel seems to turn itself slightly. I know when hitting bumps the steering wheel will move some, kinda bounces around. This does not bounce around it seems to pull the steering wheel while bouncing.

I wound the engine up in third gear and floored gas, Jeep steering wheel slightly pulled to the right. When gas was let off, the front of vehicle settled and the sterring wheel pulled to the left.

Soooo. The wheel moves slightly. It does not feel dangerous, just annoying for a new vehicle that did not behave like this prior to lift. Any suggestions?

 

Sounds to me like you are experiencing bumpsteer. Try removing the front track bar relocation bracket. I am willing to bet that with just a 2" lift, it is not needed and is causing the steering issues you are experiencing.

 

With the lift and shocks the Jeep will most likely ride a little harder. You may check to see if the steering stabilizer is connected correctly and possibly get an aftermarket stabilizer that will prevent the steering wheel from bouncing so much.

edit: But listen to Wayoflife. He has more expierence in this type of thing.

 

I was thinking bumpsteer also. Like others before me said - Listen to WOL-he's the guru.

 

That's a good suggestion but a new steering stabilizer will only help to "hide" or reduce the amount of bumpsteer you are experiencing. Unfortunately, it won't really get rid of it.

Now there's a thought. It didn't even occur to me that maybe the track bar relocation bracket wasn't installed? Please let us know which was the case so that once your problem is fixed, we'll all have a better idea as to what to do

 

No, but the steering wheel would need to be recentered. And, I suppose if you don't know how to do that, an alignment shop would be able to help you out. Although, it is pretty easy to do

 

2k2, you don't need an alignment? I was looking at the front end and from what i can see, since it's a solid axle, the lift should not effect the alignment at all.. so this would be good news to save a few bucks... also the steering being off is that correct? so what does that mean, just pop the steering wheel and re-center it? disconnect the battery first for the airbag i suppose... is that all? or would it be something more crazy?

And Happy, i have heard that the front trac bar relocation bracket was the culprit in the bumpsteer... i have the TeraFlex 2.5" lift on it's way, and they don't have the bracket. good luck and let us know if that helps it!

 

Nope, you do not need an alignment as the toe-in will not be altered after installing a lift. However, you will need to recenter your steering wheel as if you leave it off, you may experience problems with your ESP. To recenter it, all you need to do is loosen the turnbuckle on your drag link and make small adjustments accordingly. This may take a few tries but it really is easy to do

 

I put the lift on and did install the relocation bracket. I was under the impression it needed to be aligned. I guess I just waisted my money because I centered the steering wheel before I drove it to the shop.

 

Thanks WayOfLife. that would save me from pulling the steering wheel and risking the airbag blow in my face

I just can't wait till my lift gets here... waiting... and waiting... it was drop shipped on Monday from quadratec....