Had another thread but figured I start this one since some were resolved and some weren't and really now just trying to pinpoint a final resolution.

Long story short had a 2.5 RC suspension lift put on, front adjustable track bar, rear track bar bracket, and exhaust spacers. That night I got some 305/70r16 Mickey Thompson MTZs as well. Thing was wandering all over the bloody place (before and after new tires). Went back. I could clearly see the front axle was not centered. They checked it out and found that the RC adjustable track bar was seizing and pretty much useless. Took it off and put a factory one back on. Now I am within 1/16 of the front being centered. At the same time I had the quick discos put on (the stock links needed replacing when I had the lift put on) as well as the AEV control arm brackets put on.

The jeep feels a lot better, but it is still occasionally going into some funny fits. One thing I can say is that it feels great on turns and when taking a curve in the road. Smooth freshly paved roads are no issue of course....but others I feel it pull to the left or right and seems like it wants to fight me with the direction it wants to pull. Steering feels a bit loose as well from the center (it is centered just has a bit of play here and there). Vehicle has 3K on it now.

Anyways, I measured underneath from the frame to top of the spring mount and that is 6.25 inches (which falls into the 2.5 lift hole for the AEV brackets). Do you guys think it is worth it to move to the next whole down (says for 3.5 inches and 7 - 8 inches from the mount to the frame.

Also, I have an apt for an oil change at the dealer late next week and think I may have them check the alignment to get some numbers. I called local places and they either A) want to charge an arm and a leg since there is a small lift and different wheels on them or B) don't seem too well educated.

I don't know if this is how it should drive with the MTZs on it and the tires are just grabbing ruts (I have the front at 33psi and rear at around 35psi). I definitely do feel the wind catch it as well which is a push here and there. I just feel like I am constantly moving the wheel around (and it is fractional movements as well).

I also am adding some pics...not the best, but they should serve well for now.

 

Try lowering your psi to 28 front & rear if your still going 33/35. See if that helps with your off center drift. I came from cars to the jeep also but also drive a truck, so try to forget how a car handles: jeeps are their own beast.

 

I would check your drag link ends since the steering feels lose. Have someone rotate the wheel back and forth and watch for play. If you don't know what to look for watch planman's death wobble videos.

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Thanks. Going to drop the pressure a bit more. I will look at the drag links but I imagine they must be OK on a new vehicle. Does anyone think I should move the aev brackets to the next hole to get a bit more caster?

 

I'd also check your ball joints if you haven't done that as well. Made a big difference for me.

 

I would def lower the psi.
Your steering angles look good from what I see.
You can increase caster but it puts more of a strain on the DS.

 

true...let me go forward and pull the psi on all of the tires down to around 30 -32 and go from there and see if it improves. I will leaving the brackets alone at the setting they are at. More than likely will still have the dealership check the alignment and get me some numbers while I am there.

I can't see a 2.5 lift causing all of this, so maybe it is just the drive of the tires and getting acclimated to it. It doesn't feel bad like it did before...just different.

 

Go down to 28 psi and do the chalk test. Wider tires will wander more than skinny tires. And recirculating ball solid axels will never be as precise as rack & pinion. There will always be play and a disconnect from the road with solid axels with recirculating ball steering. Sure it's not the best for on road precise steering. But as soon as your off road in the rough, your thumbs will be very grateful. Violent steering wheel rotations off road with rack & pinion will jam or brake your thumbs, not so with recirculating ball steering.

See if you can drive another jeep for comparison. Maybe you are expecting too much?

 

^^^^Right on the money.

 

I went to do a chalk test this past weekend but it was raining so couldn't do it. Hopefully this coming..........

I did lower the front to 31 (goes to 33/34 when heated up) and rear to 32 (up to 35 when heated up) and I notice a significant difference. Feels a lot better. Still get some pulls (mild pulls) on railroad tracks and the occasional pothole but I think it might be normal. The steering wheel goes with the vehicle on those and then back to center so not thinking it is bumpsteer.

I may still get the alignment numbers checked on Friday when I get the oil changed but wondering if I should even bother spending the 100 bucks now or not since it feels like 80% better.