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

[MoparMadness]

I had the steering box TSB performed and it began pulling to the right afterwards. Being lifted, I felt the dealer may blame the pull on something else so I had the alignment checked and I rotated the tires to make sure there was not another cause before I went back. The service manager said they haven’t had problems with the new part but drove it and felt the pull. He said they would change the steering box if I felt that it caused the pull. Sure enough, the pull is gone after they put a second box in. Pay attention after the TSB. Its probably not common but you may get a defective new steering box.

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[saltlife4shore]

What are your tires? Any mods?

3" lift, 285/75/R18 Falken wildpeak at3 on stock wheels set to about 34psi cold. adjustable front lower control arms. i did a full alignment myself, took to the dealer and they did an alignment. Ive done high psi, low psi, changed pinion angles, caster angles. I just cant figure it out. it drives wonderful, no vibrations, other then the drastic pull.

Here is my video. Not the best.

 

[Mouse]

3" lift, 285/75/R18 Falken wildpeak at3 on stock wheels set to about 34psi cold. adjustable front lower control arms. i did a full alignment myself, took to the dealer and they did an alignment. Ive done high psi, low psi, changed pinion angles, caster angles. I just cant figure it out. it drives wonderful, no vibrations, other then the drastic pull.

Here is my video. Not the best.

What alignment figures are you using? Is there any difference in caster from drivers side to passenger?

 

[seven30]

What alignment figures are you using? Is there any difference in caster from drivers side to passenger?

So if the alignment numbers arent showing a problem find a good shop with corner weight scales and check if some odd cross corner weight issues exists. This is where for example right front and left rear are carrying more weight than left front right rear.

 

[Gladys21]

My Sport S drives straight as a string with little input. But it would be nice to get a new, steel steering box. Makes me wonder if whining to the dealer would get a new steering box. Although I'd be worried the "technician" would make things worse somehow.

I'm with you. Sport Tow Max. I think ill file the TSB for later.

 

[seven30]

I had the steering box TSB performed and it began pulling to the right afterwards. Being lifted, I felt the dealer may blame the pull on something else so I had the alignment checked and I rotated the tires to make sure there was not another cause before I went back. The service manager said they haven’t had problems with the new part but drove it and felt the pull. He said they would change the steering box if I felt that it caused the pull. Sure enough, the pull is gone after they put a second box in. Pay attention after the TSB. Its probably not common but you may get a defective new steering box.

That is kind of mind blowing that the steering box itself caused a pull. I guess that is possible if there was some bizarre valving issue. Wish we could sit in on the manufactures morning meetings!

 

[Jeeperjamie]

3" lift, 285/75/R18 Falken wildpeak at3 on stock wheels set to about 34psi cold. adjustable front lower control arms. i did a full alignment myself, took to the dealer and they did an alignment. Ive done high psi, low psi, changed pinion angles, caster angles. I just cant figure it out. it drives wonderful, no vibrations, other then the drastic pull.

Here is my video. Not the best.

Have you recenter your axle with a adjustable track bar. I had a pull similar to that when I did a 3" lift on my JKU and after I recentered the axle it went away. Just a suggestion. I got about 3-1/4 inches of lift right now on my JT in the front with the Rubicon springs and 2.5" spacers installed. I have not recentered my axle yet but I do got a slight pull to the right as well. It's not that bad but it's there. I also have had the TSB done back in February but I also didn't notice the pull until I installed the Goodyear 37 MTRs. I'm going to be buying a track bar soon to see if it fixes it.

 

[Rattlesnake]

So I got the tsb performed on my gladiator this past week. All I can say it's a night and day difference from before. No more wandering and just a crisp feel to it. I did have to leave it at the dealer for a week though.

 

[saltlife4shore]

both axels are equally off center like a 1/4". Caster is like 7deg on one side and 7.1 deg on the other.
Front axel to rear axel are equal in length on both side. ive dialed the toe to just a smidge in. ive taken off the fox stabilizer and reinstalled the stock, all that accomplished was more road feel in the steering wheel.

Also Ill post a video later of the play in the steering wheel. its like 1.5" of slop in either direction. Ive tried to tighten the steering box set screw but it won't budge off the nut.

 

[seven30]

both axels are equally off center like a 1/4". Caster is like 7deg on one side and 7.1 deg on the other.
Front axel to rear axel are equal in length on both side. ive dialed the toe to just a smidge in. ive taken off the fox stabilizer and reinstalled the stock, all that accomplished was more road feel in the steering wheel.

Also Ill post a video later of the play in the steering wheel. its like 1.5" of slop in either direction. Ive tried to tighten the steering box set screw but it won't budge off the nut.

Did this start AFTER the 3" lift or has it always done this? The video is pretty clear and the mushy response to inputs too.

 

[MoparMadness]

both axels are equally off center like a 1/4". Caster is like 7deg on one side and 7.1 deg on the other.
Front axel to rear axel are equal in length on both side. ive dialed the toe to just a smidge in. ive taken off the fox stabilizer and reinstalled the stock, all that accomplished was more road feel in the steering wheel.

Also Ill post a video later of the play in the steering wheel. its like 1.5" of slop in either direction. Ive tried to tighten the steering box set screw but it won't budge off the nut.

Did you try swapping the two front tires to see if the pull changes directions? The most common cause of pulling is tires. Axles should also be centered to really properly evaluate things.

 

[saltlife4shore]

Since day one this has been happening. only worse with bigger tires. Tires were swapped, with no help. Its like the computer thinks steering box center is like 3 clicks right, and that's where it always want to go. This is a video of the jeep off, no power steering, wheels not moving, me moving the steering wheel 1.5 - 2" in either direction with ease. to show the play in the box. I dont know if this is normal.

 

[MoparMadness]

Since day one this has been happening. only worse with bigger tires. Tires were swapped, with no help. Its like the computer thinks steering box center is like 3 clicks right, and that's where it always want to go.

Sounds like a bad steering box. If you are still under warranty bring it in and have them fix it.

 

[saltlife4shore]

Sounds like a bad steering box. If you are still under warranty bring it in and have them fix it.

Going tomorrow. Cant wait to hear the excuses from the dealer. its normal, cant duplicate, etc.. will see.

 

[Toyfrog]

3" lift, 285/75/R18 Falken wildpeak at3 on stock wheels set to about 34psi cold. adjustable front lower control arms. i did a full alignment myself, took to the dealer and they did an alignment. Ive done high psi, low psi, changed pinion angles, caster angles. I just cant figure it out. it drives wonderful, no vibrations, other then the drastic pull.

Here is my video. Not the best.

Mine is the same as yours, stock Mojave on 35’s. Did it with the stock AT’s. Constantly having to put input to keep it straight at any speed. Feel like I’m flying an old Cessna.

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