New JT Gladiator Steering Issue TSB 08-074-20 (for "Improved Steering Feel")

[ShadowsPapa]

Are you guys just calling the dealer and saying you want to get this work done or actually going in first? Anyone have the work done at a dealer in the Tampa Bay area yet?

I went in. I was already on the road not that far away anyway.
Plus - technically the TSB says they are to check for codes and what-not. I wanted to make it easier for them - and I prefer if there's any fussing to be done, it be done in person where you can see them, and maybe even get someone else involved right there. This gave them a chance to do EXACTLY as the TSB says. (first page, under diagnosis - so both of us played by the rules)
If I was simply making an appointment or ordering a part, I'd do that by phone (or internet)

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[Geekjeep]

It helps to know someone there. In my case. The dealer is well aware of steering complaints from tons of people so it’s not crazy to hear it. I brought them the tsb and said I don’t care what it takes, or how long, I’ll wait
However long it takes. What do you want from me to be put in line. They said no problem. And put me in line to order. I don’t get why they would not do it. They’re being paid as it’s a tsb????

 

[Warman]

Apologies if this has been covered but I don’t have the horsepower to motor through 39 pages. My JTR was built in Feb 20 and I don’t perceive the steering to be a problem. (My previous trucks were solid axle one tons so maybe my tolerance is high.)

Should I take advantage of the upgrade after you guys that have real problems get the seemingly limited number of parts. Any reason not to upgrade?

 

[BobR]

A new TSB has been issued for improved steering feel in the JT Gladiator. Please see attached.

TSB: tsb-08-074-20-pdf.356442.pdf

I brought my 2020 JT to the dealer today. I mentioned this TSB. They test drove it and ordered the parts. I was told the parts aren’t due in until December.

 

[BilletRUBI]

My steering gear came in, but they are waiting on the bolts now. Said they should be in tomorrow or Monday. So with any luck I should have the fix done early next week.

Does anybody know if the TSB requires a realignment? I'm thinking about getting a 3/4" level kit installed at the dealer - might be the right time to do it if a realignment is covered in the TSB work.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

My steering gear came in, but they are waiting on the bolts now. Said they should be in tomorrow or Monday. So with any luck I should have the fix done early next week.

Does anybody know if the TSB requires a realignment? I'm thinking about getting a 3/4" level kit installed at the dealer - might be the right time to do it if a realignment is covered in the TSB work.

Alignment is not covered under the TSB - there's no reason to since it won't or can't change toe or any other angle.
IF the dealer does such a thing, it's on their own as the TSB doesn't pay them for that.

 

[BilletRUBI]

Alignment is not covered under the TSB - there's no reason to since it won't or can't change toe or any other angle.
IF the dealer does such a thing, it's on their own as the TSB doesn't pay them for that.

Thanks Bill. I was quoted $400-$450 to do a 3/4" level at the dealership (parts and labor). This price includes a realignment. Figured I could get it done a little cheaper if the TSB required a realignment.

The front of the Rubicon rock rail is 1.25" lower than the rear of the rock rail. I'd like to leave a little rake for when I pull a trailer or have stuff in the bed, so I figured 3/4" would leave approx. 1/2" rake.

Thats a lot of $$$ for 3/4". Maybe I will wait until I get my winch and do a 1" or 1.5" level.

 

[Geekjeep]

They realigned mine

 

[mghoodlum]

They realigned mine

Mine as well

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They realigned mine

That's cool but it's not part of the procedure and they don't get reimbursed for it. If it was in the TSB, they would. It's not.


TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No:
Description Skill Category Amount
19-00-01-9B Steering Gear - Replace, Reprogram
(EPS) Electric Power Steering,
Includes Removing Sales Code 5SY
and Restore Vehicle Configuration.
(2 - Skilled)
6 - Electrical and
Body Systems
1.9 Hrs.

 

[JJmoto]

Brought mine in to my local dealer on Friday (8/21) with the TSB in hand. Asst Svc Mgr hadn’t heard of it, made an appointment for Monday (8/24).
I checked with the parts department on the availability and they were in stock at the local DC.
Dropped it off as planned on Monday. Received a call today (8/25) that they are also replacing the Pitman Arm, which needed to be ordered and expedited. Supposed to pick it up on Wednesday (8/26). I’ll update with my driving experience once it have it back.

*Update* My vehicle has been at the dealer for a week. Dropped off on (8/24). They were changing the pitman arm also. Not sure why a 1.9 hour job according to the TSB would take all week. Frustrated to say the least. @JeepCares is involved.

 

[HWKIGRL]

So I still don’t completely understand how the computer stuff works. Will the “restore configuration” revert back to factory settings? I had the Mopar speedometer recalibration when I went to 35’s?!

 

[W8lifts]

*Update* My vehicle has been at the dealer for a week. Dropped off on (8/24). They were changing the pitman arm also. Not sure why a 1.9 hour job according to the TSB would take all week. Frustrated to say the least. @JeepCares is involved.

Im now on day 4 now...Dealership called me yesterday and said they test drove it, and feel as if it is still wandering on the road and want to further look into the issue.

 

[Walldo]

Got mine repaired yesterday, it is a huge improvement! The truck actually tracks straight and doesn't wander at highway speeds. Now I have to relearn how to drive it, no more sawing the wheel back and forth to keep it straight.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

UPDATE:
I had visited dealer yesterday/Thursday. They got parts on order, would be in Friday AM, bring truck back Friday.
I dropped it off at 7 am today, wife picked me up in my WJ and we drove the 20+ minutes to the grocery store to pick up something for breakfast and a couple other things. We were there 10 minutes and I got a call from the dealer: "I'm so sorry, but the steering gear came in, the bolts did not. I checked and it looks like the bolts will be in Tuesday". Then he said I could pick it up again until then. OK - then part way from the grocery store to home I said - why pick it up? I don't need a truck before later next week. So I called him back and said to keep it until all of the parts were there.
I figured, why drive another trip up to get it, then 30 minutes home again, then 30 minutes up there and 30 back to drop it off, then 30 up to pick it up and then 30 back from there. So I saved us 2 hours by telling them to keep it.......... that way if there's ANOTHER screw-up on parts timing, so what, plus now it's in their way haha. They'll see it every day.

It's really interesting how some others here have commented "got steering gear but no bolts" and they were waiting on the bolts, too.
I understand the bolts not being packaged WITH the steering gear when in the warehouse, but to have the gear and not the bolts on hand.......... but then again, under NORMAL circumstances, when replacing a steering gear, all you need is THAT box, because you already have the bolts. But in this case, this steering gear takes different bolts than what the original took. That's messing with their logistics, I'm sure.
So, no truck, no fix yet, "bolts should be here Tuesday............."

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