2021 Mojave steering wander

[jjdustr340]

Note to all about the steel (black) steering box...

My 2021 JT came with the steel one...part #: 68507576AA
...however there's a newer one, part #: 68507576AB

I still have wandering...which I hate...wondering if the new "AB" would be worth getting the dealership to swap it out. I mean...they made the "AB" for a reason right?

If you can find a TSB with that new part number, then you’d have a chance.
I suffered through the gearbox fiasco with the wife’s JLU. There is a thread in the JL forum about pulling the fuse for the electric steering pump assist. Something to the effect of pulling the fuse, starting it, shutting it off, putting the fuse back in, start it and turn to left lock/right lock/center then shutting it back down. It did help hers before I had the box replaced under the old TSB.

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[seven30]

My JT steering will wander with dips in the road. This was very noticeable in the first few miles of driving it. Even after I installed the Mopar 2' lift and had it lined up. I have to use both hands most of the time and drive it. I have seen reviews that tell me this is a characteristic of the solid front axle. This dose not bother me much but I could not tell anybody to buy one without mentioning the steering. My old 94 YJ had a nice solid centered feel to the steering even with super swampers on it.

I keep hearing that but its Rubish! The solid axle Grand Cherokee steers like dream over any surface and any speed. Completely different handling than the JL/JT but same kind of axle layout.

This issue is 100% due to the weird steering box Chrysler started fitting around 1999 to wrangers and cherokee models. Pre 99 it steers fast and light. Post 99 its heavy and slow
just like the current JL/JT.

I suspect this steering box is to combat inexperienced drivers rolling the vehicle. Hop in a pre-99 Jeep and try out the steering if you have any doubts!

 

[Aonarch]

Synergy Manufacturing 8869-01 Front Track Bar Brace & Sector Shaft Brace for 18-21 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT | Quadratec

 

[seven30]

Synergy Manufacturing 8869-01 Front Track Bar Brace & Sector Shaft Brace for 18-21 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT | Quadratec

I watched Exodux 4x4 video for customer who said it really helped. Not clear how it would correct that dead zone though and I'd be shocked if a stock jeep track bar would need bracing for highway driving.

 

[Aonarch]

I watched Exodux 4x4 video for customer who said it really helped. Not clear how it would correct that dead zone though and I'd be shocked if a stock jeep track bar would need bracing for highway driving.

Maybe an upgraded steering damper? I have a Bilstein in the mail.

 

[Radio Guy]

Wandering and dead space are two different problems caused by different things. A steering box should not cause wandering going down a flat road, thats an alignment issue and can be exacerbated by improper tire inflation. If a vehicle is set up properly you should be able to remove the steering box completely and watch it go in a straight line down the road forever, or until it runs into something.

I remember my 1965 Chevy that was aligned but had a big sloppy dead range when steering because of wear approaching 200k miles. It was like the steering box was full of Gummy Bears. I carefully tightened the big set screw with lock nut sticking out of the steering box and eliminated all the play and it drove like new. I've read posts on this forum where someone tightened the set screw on their Gladiator steering box and it improved things. If you have a sloppy steering box and an alignment issue, fixing the steering slop should also reduce the need to correct steering as the vehicle wanders around. However the cause of the wandering would still need to be found.

I read of all these problems while my Mojave was on order and have paid particular attention looking for these quirks while driving my new Jeep. So far its not bad, the steering is not quite as crisp and wander free compared to the Tundra I had but not bad enough to complain about.

 

[seven30]

Well for sure FCA is working hard to satisfy multiple demands so in that regard I will say thanks FCA!! FWIW my Mojave is steering well at 1800 miles. Nothing like the old GC but still
perfectly acceptable.

 

[HorneyBadger]

Wandering is not the issue. The issue is after a lift the jeep pulls to the right. (always). For the Op, its worse as not only was a 2.5" Mopar lift installed but also an after market spacer kit to the front. I would think the upper and lower control arms are a little short now. and add to that 35's.

 

[seven30]

Wandering is not the issue. The issue is after a lift the jeep pulls to the right. (always). For the Op, its worse as not only was a 2.5" Mopar lift installed but also an after market spacer kit to the front. I would think the upper and lower control arms are a little short now. and add to that 35's.

Could this be a corner weight issue?

 

[HorneyBadger]

I know for mine, after the mopar lift and 33's there was an ever so slight pull to the right. Not enough to have any concern about. Then I installed 35's and the right pull was a little more present. Went to check alignment and castor was 4.5 L and 3.9 R. Installed adjustable LCA's and got castor at 5.0/5.0. still pulls to the right lightly but not as bad. Depending on the tire you can have crowning that causes this. Also other things such as a dragging brake, drag link but considering a new vehicle, you need to look at what was added vs what has failed (unless yo thrash it on the trails). And last the rear can be out of alignment enough to also cause that right (or left) pull.

 

[seven30]

I know for mine, after the mopar lift and 33's there was an ever so slight pull to the right. Not enough to have any concern about. Then I installed 35's and the right pull was a little more present. Went to check alignment and castor was 4.5 L and 3.9 R. Installed adjustable LCA's and got castor at 5.0/5.0. still pulls to the right lightly but not as bad. Depending on the tire you can have crowning that causes this. Also other things such as a dragging brake, drag link but considering a new vehicle, you need to look at what was added vs what has failed (unless yo thrash it on the trails). And last the rear can be out of alignment enough to also cause that right (or left) pull.

Dont most alignment shops do 4wheel full car alignments? II thought that would catch any distortion including shifted axle positions. I know with my track car corner weight imbalance would cause the car to "pull".

 

[HorneyBadger]

Dont most alignment shops do 4wheel full car alignments? II thought that would catch any distortion including shifted axle positions. I know with my track car corner weight imbalance would cause the car to "pull".

Well, yes but Jeeps dont have cam bolts to adjust castor so you have to either install the bolts or get adjustable CA's. After the lift the back is out a hair on castor which can add to the right pull in front. Installing cam bolts to the front LCA means you have to grind out the hole forward and aft to allow for the can adjustment.

 

[seven30]

Well, yes but Jeeps dont have cam bolts to adjust castor so you have to either install the bolts or get adjustable CA's. After the lift the back is out a hair on castor which can add to the right pull in front. Installing cam bolts to the front LCA means you have to grind out the hole forward and aft to allow for the can adjustment.

Sounds like adjustable LCA is the way to go. At least with alignment check you would know if axles are parallel and inline with each other. Why would castor differ on each side since steering knuckles are part of the same axle?

 

[HorneyBadger]

Sounds like adjustable LCA is the way to go. At least with alignment check you would know if axles are parallel and inline with each other. Why would castor differ on each side since steering knuckles are part of the same axle?

No clue

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