Notices
Modified JK Tech Tech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.

PLEASE DO NOT START SHOW & TELL TYPE THREADS IN THIS FORUM

Flighty steering after lift.

Thread Tools
 
Old May 4, 2016 | 12:48 PM
  #1  
KingJKU77's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Default Flighty steering after lift.

I installed a Teraflex 2.5 coil lift about 3 months ago and did the steering stabilizer at the same time and went up to 33s. I was hoping i wouldnt have issues but on the interstate it feels like im trying to fly my jeep rather than drive it. Whats the cheapest way to regain the tighter steering and handling?
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 12:54 PM
  #2  
wittys-jk's Avatar
JK Super Freak
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Tampa/Lutz, FL
Default

AEV control arm drop brackets will be the way to go without having to buy adjustable control arms. I've been using them for 2years with a 3" lift and it definitely makes a difference. Look in the for sale section you may find some available. Good luck.
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 01:09 PM
  #3  
14Sport's Avatar
JK Junkie
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 8
From: The Dirty South
Default

x2...caster correction.
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 01:27 PM
  #4  
nthinuf's Avatar
JK Jedi Master
FJOTM Winner
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Default

A third vote for caster correction.

Have you had it aligned? If so, post the numbers for us. If not, call around to a few shops. Some will do free checks where they just throw it on the rack and print the before specs. Stock caster is around 4 degrees, yours is probably around 3.

The pinion rotates up with the lift, which lowers the caster, which causes the flighty steering. So the 'fix' is to rotate the pinion back down. The choices are Cam Bolts, Drop Brackets, or a set of either Longer/Shorter Fixed control arms or Adjustable control arms. (or chopping up the housing or buying an aftermarket housing...). There are pro's/con's, so look past the prices and do some research on which option is right for you.
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 01:38 PM
  #5  
Smudgeontheglass's Avatar
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 397
Likes: 6
From: Calgary, AB
Default

I'll vote for castor correction as well. If it feels like your steering is lagging, you may also need a new heavier duty track bar. A loose track bar will flex and move as you drive down the highway.
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 02:18 PM
  #6  
Kojack's Avatar
JK Junkie
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,213
Likes: 21
From: Grand falls, Newfoundland
Default

Add a set of teraflex sport lower control arms, no loss in ground clearance and all the benefits of the drop brackets. I added them to my jeep and they made a huge difference.
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 03:22 PM
  #7  
Croce's Avatar
JK Super Freak
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 5
From: Avondale, Arizona
Default

I'd try loosening and re-torquing all the control arms with the jeep sitting on the ground
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 03:57 PM
  #8  
kjeeper10's Avatar
JK Junkie
Vet Army

 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,440
Likes: 0
From: CT
Default

Originally Posted by Croce
I'd try loosening and re-torquing all the control arms with the jeep sitting on the ground
This first and foremost. I also agree with correction brackets, fixed arms or adjustable arms for caster.
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 07:21 PM
  #9  
Jahamm88's Avatar
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 457
Likes: 3
From: Bethel CT
Default Metalcloak bracket

Metalcloak makes a braket does the same as the RC and AEV has 3 different mounting holes for the UCA like the arc as well so if later you want to step back to lower height you can with theirs. the place theirs stands out is its not two separate plates and is boxed in, IMHO easier to install trying to hold one piece in place to bolt instead of 3. Have them on my rig and install was a breeze... With a touch over 2 inches lift barely notice a difference from stock handling
Reply
Old May 4, 2016 | 11:56 PM
  #10  
Mark Doiron's Avatar
JK Jedi Master
Veteran: Air Force
FJOTM Winner
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
Default

Originally Posted by KingJKU77
... Whats the cheapest way to regain the tighter steering and handling?
I will answer that question, but the reason no one else has is because that answer is NOT recommended for a Jeep that is driven offroad. Camber bolts. They work great in cars that are highway driven and not subjected to offroad vibrations and articulation. If you go offroad, then you'll end up having to weld up the damage from installing the camber bolts when they loosen up, and do a proper fix (as described in the several answers above this one). The reason I'm answering this question is because if you go to a typical alignment shop and ask that question, they will recommend them. So you need to be informed.
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:22 AM.