Fighting to keep it in the lane.

[Jeepjams]

Test driven 2 gladiator a rubi and lifted overland. I very much love the rubicon aside from the fact it seemed to be a struggle to keep it in my lane. I have a 04 wrangler and it’s easier to keep on center.

So my question is, should I be cautious of purchasing the rubi. What would be the best course of action?

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[ShadowsPapa]

Test driven 2 gladiator a rubi and lifted overland. I very much love the rubicon aside from the fact it seemed to be a struggle to keep it in my lane. I have a 04 wrangler and it’s easier to keep on center.

So my question is, should I be cautious of purchasing the rubi. What would be the best course of action?

No - I suspect you just happened upon a bad example. There are some with problems - at all levels, Sport, Overland and Rubicon. It's not just Rubicon. Some have issues with alignment (toe being off) and others have trackbar things going on, most seem to have loose steering sectors which be believe Jeep may be dealing with now.
Don't avoid the Rubicon because of that if that's the level that is best for you - find another dealer and drive another one.
My Overland is fine steering-wise but then, most of these Gladiators are fine in that way, there's just a few bad examples out there that need to be adjusted or tweaked or fixed a bit.

 

[Jeepjams]

I’m sorry I wasn’t specific enough. The rubi I’m looking at has the options I want. There doesn’t seem to be a similar one around. I guess the best option would be to have the dealership go over the steering components see if they can iron it out if not be patient and wait for a similar rubi to come in.

 

[TLife]

I'd start by checking/lowering the tire pressure and giving it another drive. If that doesn't help it you can see if they're willing to start replacing stuff before you buy it. Otherwise it's wait for a similar one or order one to your specifications.

 

[Proximo]

I’m sorry I wasn’t specific enough. The rubi I’m looking at has the options I want. There doesn’t seem to be a similar one around. I guess the best option would be to have the dealership go over the steering components see if they can iron it out if not be patient and wait for a similar rubi to come in.

What if you have a tech test drive it, with you riding shotgun. Has anyone done that?

 

[WhatExit?]

I'd start by checking/lowering the tire pressure and giving it another drive. If that doesn't help it you can see if they're willing to start replacing stuff before you buy it. Otherwise it's wait for a similar one or order one to your specifications.

Tell the dealer salesperson with you about it and ask them to check the tire pressure (you can do it on the instruments/gauges) and let us know what you find.

 

[Rocksalt]

dont get the ones with shitty steering, regardless of options you want

 

[Duke56]

My tire pressures on my Rubicon MT’s were at 42 PSI from the dealer when I drove it home. Scary ride!!!
Lowered psi to 32 all the way around.
Problem solved.

 

[ZTMAN]

Test driven 2 gladiator a rubi and lifted overland. I very much love the rubicon aside from the fact it seemed to be a struggle to keep it in my lane. I have a 04 wrangler and it’s easier to keep on center.

So my question is, should I be cautious of purchasing the rubi. What would be the best course of action?

I would fine a Rubi that drives to your satisfaction first. Seems like the fellows that have loose steering are chasing a fix with very limited success.
Inventories seem to be high, so finding one with the options you want should not be a problem.
I would rather have one out of the box with satisfactory steering vs one or two options you may not want.

What are your must have options

 

[futzin']

What are your must have options

Hope it isn't tan cloth or Saddle leather!

 

[Duke56]

I would fine a Rubi that drives to your satisfaction first. Seems like the fellows that have loose steering are chasing a fix with very limited success.
Inventories seem to be high, so finding one with the options you want should not be a problem.
I would rather have one out of the box with satisfactory steering vs one or two options you may not want.

What are your must have options

I couldn’t disagree more.
There is not as high an inventory as you think there is out in my 200 mile radius and what are basing that statement on?
I searched dealerships within 200 miles of me for one I wanted with the options I wanted and guess what? Nada. Nothing even came close.
All I had to do to correct my steering problem was to deflate my tires from 42 psi down to 30 psi warmed up. MAJOR difference!!! Not only does it drive straight and true but also made the ride more comfortable and gave it better road manners.

 

[Hoss63]

I would fine a Rubi that drives to your satisfaction first. Seems like the fellows that have loose steering are chasing a fix with very limited success.
Inventories seem to be high, so finding one with the options you want should not be a problem.
I would rather have one out of the box with satisfactory steering vs one or two options you may not want.

What are your must have options

I got mine end of October have been chasing the loose steering ever since. Dealer says there's nothing wrong, have tried air pressures, replaced stabilizer with higher quality through shaft, added sector shaft brace has getting a little better but still not right. Have a buddy that's a master mechanic and has been working on Jeeps for years and has narrowed it down to steering box with to much play.

 

[ZTMAN]

There is not as high an inventory as you think there is out in my 200 mile radius and what are basing that statement on?
.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion and I can only base mine on what I see on the lots around me. Based on your comments, I did an Autotrader search. 202 Rubicons within 100 miles, 579 within 200 miles.
I would prefer to find on on the lot so I could test drive it and make sure the steering checked out.

 

[Duke56]

I got mine end of October have been chasing the loose steering ever since. Dealer says there's nothing wrong, have tried air pressures, replaced stabilizer with higher quality through shaft, added sector shaft brace has getting a little better but still not right. Have a buddy that's a master mechanic and has been working on Jeeps for years and has narrowed it down to steering box with to much play.

Checked toe in alignment?
Should be 1/16 to 1/8 less in front measurement vs rear.
Easy to check and DIY if you need to adjust.
Mine checked to be 1/4 less meaning too much toe in which will cause faster tire wear yet I still had the wandering issue due to over inflation.

 

[Hoss63]

Checked toe in alignment?
Should be 1/16 to 1/8 less in front measurement vs rear.
Easy to check and DIY if you need to adjust.
Mine checked to be 1/4 less meaning too much toe in which will cause faster tire wear yet I still had the wondering issue due to over inflation.

Dealer did alignment, made no difference.

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