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

[Rocksalt]

So I had a JLU back in 2018 that was HORRENDOUS.

Then I had a JT in 2019 with the aluminum steering box that was perfect from day 1.

Now I've got a JT in 2021 with the steel steering box that wandered all over the road from the day I picked it up from Gupton Motors.

I don't think the steering box has anything to do with it. I did measure my axle in 100% stock off the assembly line condition and it was not centered. It was offset 1/2 inch from the factory which I corrected with an adjustable track bar.

I've got 2,500 miles on the new JT now and every week that I drive it, the bad steering improves. I believe that new parts from assembly are wearing in over time and/or the steering stabilizer is loosening up a tad. Whatever the case, the handling is getting better with time.

there might be something to this. I have the old aluminum steering box , have over 19k miles steers flawlessly . one finger on steering wheel at 75 mph. no wandering at all

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[Vtur]

I do believe these boxes came from the vendor with incorrect backlash adjustment. Jeep only installed them, hence even the new boxes is hit or misses.

Mine w/ latest (AB) box backlash was over 1/4th turn till lightly seated it from factory. IMO, that's alot of free play, especially being a coast threaded set screw.

Before the adjustment, my steering wheel would move nearly 1.5 inch left/right before the pitman arm even budge, the play was within the box. However, if the pitman does move in sync with steering wheel, than the issue is probably ball joints related downstream from the box.

After an adjustment, driving with one hand is comfortable, can actually looks around while driving and it just feels all around solid and predictable. Btw, my suspension is bone stock except Rubi shocks atm.

I recommend to troubleshooting and give an adjustment a shot, if someone already has the new box.

 

[Vtur]

Here's how i adjusted it mine incase someone wants to try.

1. Use a dremel with a small wire wheel to remove the paint on the thread
2. Scribe/marks the set screw/nut and cap
3. Use a pencil torch on the set screw and nut for approx. 10 second
4. Undo the nut at least 1 full turn
5. With the 4mm hex bit in place, use a small 1/4" box end wrench and slowly turn in until it's lightly seat it, repeat a few times to ensure. Small wrench work best as you can better feel for it.
6. Note down the setting.

I backed off 1/8th turn and it was perfect in my case. Will be different for everyone though. The key is not to guess how much to turn in.

 

[seven30]

On mine, I think that after the tires wore in to match the camber, things improved. It was intolerable on the drive home on a two lane highway. I about turned back to return it. After a couple thousand miles, it was not so bad. Later, the tire wear showed it was wearing the inside tread a lot more.

I had a Ram truck that got a littler twitchy after every tire rotation, but improved after a 1000 miles or so.

Right! Similar experience with my JT. When I first brought my JT home I drove it 800 miles and it was a beast just to keep in my lane. It got a little better at 2000 miles. Then I swapped the stock MTs for AT tires and it transformed the steering. With 10K miles now the steering is good even relaxing.

My thought is that aggressive offroad MT tires are just that, fantastic offroad tires that are passible on the tarmac. Kind of like riding with knobbies on pavement.
I may have five low mile MTs available soon

 

[jimbom]

Right! Similar experience with my JT. When I first brought my JT home I drove it 800 miles and it was a beast just to keep in my lane. It got a little better at 2000 miles. Then I swapped the stock MTs for AT tires and it transformed the steering. With 10K miles now the steering is good even relaxing.

My thought is that aggressive offroad MT tires are just that, fantastic offroad tires that are passible on the tarmac. Kind of like riding with knobbies on pavement.
I may have five low mile MTs available soon

I also eventually switched to rather mild AT tires (Pirelli Scorpians,) but put them on a set of like-new Wrangler rims I picked up at decent price. When I ordered my truck with MTs I couldn't forsee all the highway driving I now do. So I came to want something that handled better, and was smoother and quieter. But another reason for the switch was the MTs were wearing so quickly, I wanted to save them for when they mattered. So now I have the MTs ready to switch out for hunting or whatever.

 

[Painkillerspe]

Did y'all have to pay upfront for the replacement or is it a warranty repair?

Just dropped mine off at the dealership. Didn't sound to hopeful about getting it done. Service advisor said they will do an alignment first etc...

 

[Painkillerspe]

Dealer wouldn't do it. Said it was an alignment issue..

 

[93civej1]

Dealer wouldn't do it. Said it was an alignment issue..

Did alignment fix your issue? Find another dealer. Demand they install it. You have all the tools you need to get it done. If you need some push help, contact JeepCares.

 

[Hootbro]

Dealer wouldn't do it. Said it was an alignment issue..

Find another dealership. Some do not like it when the customer is smarter than them.

 

[Painkillerspe]

Did alignment fix your issue? Find another dealer. Demand they install it. You have all the tools you need to get it done. If you need some push help, contact JeepCares.

I will see later. He said it was way out of alignment. Just drove it off the lot a month ago... Have to pay for it too. Truck definitely has the aluminum steer box.

 

[Painkillerspe]

The right front toe was way out of spec, but it did but fix the tendency to wander toward the right. If anything no think it's worse now.

 

[NightFog]

Took the Gladiator in last week for the first oil change. Showed them the TSB and they claim they can't order the parts because of covid. Sounds like a line of BS to me.

 

[NightFog]

As a follow up, after numerous attempts over several days, I finally reached a human in the service department. After a lengthy descussion, they now claim the TSB is not for my VIN.
It's a 2020 Rubicon that was purchased in May 2020. The TSB seems to imply all 2020 models.
Sadly there are no other Jeep dealers in a resonable driving distance,

 

[93civej1]

As a follow up, after numerous attempts over several days, I finally reached a human in the service department. After a lengthy descussion, they now claim the TSB is not for my VIN.
It's a 2020 Rubicon that was purchased in May 2020. The TSB seems to imply all 2020 models.
Sadly there are no other Jeep dealers in a resonable driving distance,

Contact @JeepCares.

 

[seven30]

As a follow up, after numerous attempts over several days, I finally reached a human in the service department. After a lengthy descussion, they now claim the TSB is not for my VIN.
It's a 2020 Rubicon that was purchased in May 2020. The TSB seems to imply all 2020 models.
Sadly there are no other Jeep dealers in a resonable driving distance,

Just curious, what tires are you running?

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