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Steering issue

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Old Jun 28, 2021 | 05:56 AM
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Default Steering issue

I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited.
I have replaced:
Power steering pump
Steering gear
Tie rod ends and Rod
Drag Link
I have a 2.5” Lift (just shocks and springs) 33x12.5x15 Tires
My issue is that my steering wheel does not return to center after I turn. I have to force it back to center.
Any suggestions?
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Old Jun 28, 2021 | 07:52 AM
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I’d start with an alignment. If you don’t have enough caster, that can cause this issue.
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Old Jun 28, 2021 | 07:58 AM
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Already got an alignment, did not work
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Old Jun 28, 2021 | 08:15 AM
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Do you have the alignment sheet? What did they set caster to?
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Old Jun 28, 2021 | 09:55 AM
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Is this something that has been going on since you bought it? I see you joined just last month so guessing you haven't had this jeep long? Anything done with the ball joints that you know of? Curious about caster as well.
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Old Jun 28, 2021 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by whiskey_JK
Already got an alignment, did not work
Yep, post the before and after specs. Don't know if the Caster or Toe are/are not contributing factors to your steering problem, but seeing the numbers is a good starting point to help with diagnosis. (Caster is not adjustable from the factory. It went down when the lift was added. Unless some type of correction was installed - the shop could not adjust it.)
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Old Jun 30, 2021 | 08:03 AM
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Default Alignment


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Old Jun 30, 2021 | 08:14 AM
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Your caster is about as low as we commonly see on a 3.5" lift, so guessing those 2.5" springs are boosting you a bit higher even. I'm not sure getting that in spec will 100% fix your issue, but I know that sure the heck ain't helping drivability. Control arm brackets are an inexpensive way to help raise that caster back up. They typically range from $90-$150 with the higher-end ones being a 1-piece design and offering a few different mounting positions.
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Old Jun 30, 2021 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by resharp001
Your caster is about as low as we commonly see on a 3.5" lift, so guessing those 2.5" springs are boosting you a bit higher even. I'm not sure getting that in spec will 100% fix your issue, but I know that sure the heck ain't helping drivability. Control arm brackets are an inexpensive way to help raise that caster back up. They typically range from $90-$150 with the higher-end ones being a 1-piece design and offering a few different mounting positions.
So is the casters good I just need adjustable control arms?
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Old Jun 30, 2021 | 10:15 AM
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2.6* is way low for caster isn’t it? I thought factory minimum was like 4*. I’d definitely suggest adjustable control arms. If your caster isn’t set right, you won’t have a good return to center.
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