Any suggested mods to reduce wandering and “constant correction” on stock ’25 Rubicon?

[gonemad]

First, let me say I am not unhappy with the current handling, and fully understand the on-road handling characteristics of solid front axle vehicles. That said, if I’m not fiddling with my Jeep, or my bike, I get bored. Really bored.

This truck has 7,000 miles, and spends WAY more time on pavement than off. I did a search here, but it seems that most mods discussed are for lifted JT’s. I don’t plan a lift, but I do have a possible hemi swap planned in two years when close to the end of the 3/36 warranty. Rubitrux will need to make a few mods to handle the extra weight on the front end. Other than that, I’m just doing piecemeal improvements.

Running stock 285 70 17 Wild Peak AT3W's.

Suggestions? Would a better steering damper/stabilizer make any noticeable difference? Thanks in advance.

ETA- I’m looking at the Bilstein B8 5100 damper

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[White Eagle]

I’m just asking, does it do it more when the weather is cold ?

I have noticed when the temp drops overnight mine is funky until it goes a few miles.

in my case since I run the wildpeaks low, I think the tires get flat spots like continentals do when it gets cold causing shimmy. I also think the stabilizer ain’t working too swuft in cold temps until it gets some movement to warm up the fluid.

My Wildpeaks have 7100 miles on them and they are already cut to chit because I’m off road every day too.

Maybe unique to the color red ?


I’m sure curious though.

 

[gonemad]

I just read a bunch of reviews on the Bilstein stabilizer. Big improvement over stock, just like their shocks I just installed. Looks like a no brainer, easy install, and not a lot of dough.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Another question: Does it tend to wander to one side? Your steering stabilizer could be working too good. It happens.

 

[gonemad]

Another question: Does it tend to wander to one side? Your steering stabilizer could be working too good. It happens.

No particular bad behavior, just what I would expect with solid front axle. The Bilstein 5100 shocks were an improvement over new stock, and I’m thinking for another $115 for the Bilstein B8 5100 damper, I can do likewise with the steering. Hopefully..

 

[Zachanadandy]

Tire pressure is the most cost effective way to improve wander. 30psi cold is much better than the 37-40psi dealers use. Extra caster helps even unlifted. The Mopar "lift" LCAs are only ~1/4" longer than stock but should bring caster into the high 5⁰ range which is much better than the low 4s from the factory.

 

[GuzziMoto]

As I recall, the Bilstein 5100 series SS is a high pressure steering stabilizer and can cause a pull/push to the side.
Personally, I am not a fan or fixing steering issues with a steering stabilizer. I would rather do as Zachanadandy says, first check tire pressures and then if it still lacks stability add caster. With the correct amount of caster it should want to go straight.
But some people like the way a steering stabilizer makes the steering feel dead. Not me, our JKU has run without a steering stabilizer for a few years with no issues.

 

[gonemad]

Good suggestions all, and thanks. I’m running tire pressures at 33 cold according to the TPMS, and 30 according to the tire gauge that I *thought* was accurate.

I read a lot of reviews on the Bilstein damper that were all very positive, of course, but I think my good experience thus far with their shocks (and the $115 price and easy install on the damper) pushed me to order it to see what I think.

After I see what that’s like, I may try the Mopar LCAs.

 

[Badunit]

• Mopar "lift" lower control arms for more caster
• Check the alignmnent (toe-in) to be sure it is spec. I prefer mine to nearly zero.
• I found part of my steering problem was the rear was sprung too soft. The wishy-washy rear end was steering the vehicle on road imperfections. It was like driving a pickup with a too heavy high-centered load. Mine is a '23, I don't know if '25 is the same. Bilstein shocks helped but it needed stronger coils.
• Could also be the crap steering gear they use. Installing a better (and, like it or not, far more expensive) PSC steering gear was night and day difference for me.

A stiffer steering damper will keep it more steady but also might affect return to center. You might not get as easily blown off track by a cross wind but you may end up correcting often because it won't follow the road. And turns will be strange when you have to counter steer to get back to straight. I had a Falcon stabilizer before I got the PSC steering gear. It did make it feel more planted on the road with less wander and much less getting blown around by the wind. I removed it after I fixed the actual problem.

 

[gonemad]

Somebody posted this part number up thread. So this is the LCA we’re discussing for a 2025 JT? Mopar says it is.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/m...term=68322798aa&utm_content=Parts $50 & Below

 

[NC_Overland]

I’d check tire pressure and alignment. Lowering the tire pressure to 34-35 alone might help.

 

[GuzziMoto]

Somebody posted this part number up thread. So this is the LCA we’re discussing for a 2025 JT? Mopar says it is.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-lower-control-arm-68322798aa/?msclkid=f3b8e950cb4f1de5505b80e95ea1a102&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=RP_Search_AllSKUs&utm_term=68322798aa&utm_content=Parts $50 & Below

That looks like it. Not the best option, but probably the cheapest.

 

[gonemad]

I’d check tire pressure and alignment. Lowering the tire pressure to 34-35 alone might help.

I’m down to 30-33 lbs cold depending on which gauge I believe. I think the TPMS reads 2-3 lbs high, but haven’t confirmed.

 

[GuzziMoto]

I’m down to 30-33 lbs cold depending on which gauge I believe. I think the TPMS reads 2-3 lbs high, but haven’t confirmed.

I think the more likely answer is your gauge is reading low.

 

[AustyPosty]

I would get an alignment to establish the baseline alignment numbers, then get the Mopar extended length LCA's. Some jeeps come from the factory with low caster for whatever reason and adding additional caster will help. I've heard the Bilstein stabilizer can actually make the steering pull to one side since Its a gas charged shock.

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