i though my ball joints were going as my sterring wheel sways left to right ever so slightly on certain roads (not wheel balance as iv just done that and its not as violant) the manager as wheel works who drives a lifted f250 told me not to worry as this is just tie rod flex and is part of having a lifted vehicle on big tires. is this true or is it my ball joints going out?

 

anyone have any thoughts?

 

I've never heard of that but if he's been wheeling for a long time then maybe there is. As far as your ball joints are concerned, a solid axle doesn't have a normal ball joint set up like an independent suspension system. It's takes A LOT to stress ball joints on a solid axle.

 

my worry is that i dont think he wheels at all, nor really know that much about wheel and suspension. hell they took an hour to inspect my jeep attempting to diagnose the shudder it made on hard turns and still could not work it out. turns out it was just my tire rubbing the frame, i was like really? u guys didn't catch that! they then spent 5 hours (yes, i was thrilled to sit at wheel works for 5 hours after being told, come down it'll only take an hour of your time) trying to work out how to adjust my adjustable controle arms, and tell my why my toyos pull to the right. i eventually got under the jeep myself and showed them. as for the pull - radial pull, undiagnosed by them.

 

Some people haven't the slightest idea about steering and suspension! They sound like a shop that just makes them "look" cool. Functionality isn't some they sound too worried about.. Are there any other shops to take it to around there? I work at an independent repair facility in little rock, ar and a couple of my guys know more about lifts than most 4x4 shops! They helped me install my lift.

 

these guys seem to be the most helpful in my area.. i continue to go there because it costs me nothing. if anyone else has herd this explanation please chime in.

 

bumpty bump bump!

 

never heard of "tie rod flex" but I had similar sway - turns out my toe in was just slightly off. So check you caster and with 37's your toe in should be anout 1/8"

Take it to an alignment shop that understands lifted Jeeps and larger tires.

 

That's a good point. After big tires and lift an alignment is always necessary.

 

i think u guys are right i need to take it to another shock and get a second opinion. they said that my tow is correct and they set my caster to 4.9 on the one side and a little less on other. i just went out and jacked the jeep up to shake the wheel and feel if there is any movement. there was non so that should mean the ball joints are fine. im now totally lost and figure maybe its just what running with 37s is like.