Steering drift and "diving" into the turn after RPM steering install

[HereWeGo]

Just got new RPM 2.5 ton drag link & tie rod, Teraflex ball joints, Falcon steering stabilizer, and Clayton 2.5" Overland lift. Steering had some play before, but I thought the new steering parts would tighten it up. I still have a good bit of drift. And a new thing started, when making a rather tight turn at moderate speed, it feels like it wants to "dive" into the turn. The shop retorqued everything and had the alignment rechecked, all okay. Thoughts?

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[darkhorse13]

I may not have a lot to add here, but what sway bar end links are you running up front? I've found that OEM style rubber bushings really improved my "drift" feeling in the wheel. Also, I recently upgraded to the cast iron steering box from the aluminum on my 2020 JTR. That also helped me.

In terms of the "dive" or possible "self steer" it may be that the ball joints are still breaking in?

Finally, because someone will ask, what alignment specs are you at for caster and toe? I personally run 6 degree caster and 1/16" toe in on 37s and this has always treated me well.

I know it's frustrating when the truck isn't driving as expected but hang in there and re-group your thoughts before throwing more money at it

 

[hjdca]

Yes, check the Caster. I am running 6.5 - 6.8 deg. of caster and it is a great ride. Note: I have an Adams front drive shaft.

Also, it Might be too much toe in. Try going to zero toe in. Here is an easy way to measure with 2 straight 4x4s, 2 straps, 2 jack stands, level, & tape measure. Use a paint pen to mark the degrees on the RPM Tie rod, so, you can go back and forth to get the best toe in for your ride.

 

[HereWeGo]

*Corrected - I got a new tie rod, not sway bar. The front sway bar is original, links are new Clayton's. I also have an Adams drive shaft. I'm on 35 M/T's, which are worn and about to be replaced. Maybe the worn tires are the culprit and the new tighter steering parts are magnifying the effect of worn tires?

Thank you both for the input!

 

[THE SANDALORIAN]

I was having some drift and even the occasional full on death wobble after I went to the APEX equivalent of you RPM steering setup. Chased down everything possible. All steering components checked multiple times for any looseness, verified new Falcon stabilizer wasn't loose or worn, verified all control arms and jam nuts were tight, etc, etc. It ultimately was my wheel and tire balance. I had them road force balanced and now the Jeep drives like it did stock on day one.

 

[hjdca]

I was having some drift and even the occasional full on death wobble after I went to the APEX equivalent of you RPM steering setup. Chased down everything possible. All steering components checked multiple times for any looseness, verified new Falcon stabilizer wasn't loose or worn, verified all control arms and jam nuts were tight, etc, etc. It ultimately was my wheel and tire balance. I had them road force balanced and now the Jeep drives like it did stock on day one.

Note: My experience is that zero toe and more caster can also fix death wobble. Glad you got it fixed !

 

[Lunentucker]

Yes, check the Caster. I am running 6.5 - 6.8 deg. of caster and it is a great ride. Note: I have an Adams front drive shaft.

Also, it Might be too much toe in. Try going to zero toe in. Here is an easy way to measure with 2 straight 4x4s, 2 straps, 2 jack stands, level, & tape measure. Use a paint pen to mark the degrees on the RPM Tie rod, so, you can go back and forth to get the best toe in for your ride.

I went to Home Depot to get some "straight 2x4's" and these two beat me to the last two.

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