Best Improvements on a Budget to Correct Alignment/Steering - Mopar 2" Lift on 35s

[RiverMtnBeach]

Hi there! Need your opinions on where to best spend $500 to improve steering...
Gladiator Sport S Maxtow (wide axles and 4:10s) with Mopar 2" lift running 315/70R17 BFG KO2s.

I'm due for new tires and an alignment and thinking about upgrades to bolt-on before the tire shop puts it in the alignment rack. Been driving it 30K miles since new with this setup, and steering gear upgrade with aftermarket steering stabilizer fixed the excessive wander/vagueness within weeks of first getting it, but I've been living with a very slight pull to the right that increases with speed over about 20mph, and sensitivity to road crown where it likes to steer toward the curbs.

From reading posts, it sounds like adjustable track bars might improve the situation by centering the vehicle over the axles (confirmed it's skewed about 1/2" to the driver side front and rear). What's your experience before/after new track bars? Worth it or no? Kit came with longer lower front control arms, so that should be OK. Anything else to consider that isn't a ton of cash or too hard to install in the driveway?

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[Rcoe]

I would go with an adjustable track bar and the fox thru shaft stabilizer.

Next up would be sector shaft brace and maybe ball joints.

 

[bleda2002]

I'd get track bars or track bar brackets front and rear to get the axles centered. Your other best bang for the buck is going to be control arms geometry brackets. Will get the angles right for relatively cheap and also improve ride. Then just skip the alignment since they can't do anything but toe anyways and you can do it yourself with a tape measure and a jack.

 

[RiverMtnBeach]

Then just skip the alignment since they can't do anything but toe anyways and you can do it yourself with a tape measure and a jack.

Good point

 

[RiverMtnBeach]

control arms geometry brackets.

Dealer never gave me back the stock lower arms. If money was no problem, I'd combine with a leveling spacer, regear, and 40s... but nah. LOL

 

[RiverMtnBeach]

I would go with an adjustable track bar and the fox thru shaft stabilizer.

Next up would be sector shaft brace and maybe ball joints.

Ball joints and other reinforcements later when I go chopped fenders and 40s, but for now my daily driver keeping it comfortable. 35s are a nice compromise, no complaints or issues even when towing.

 

[Stan H]

Hi there! Need your opinions on where to best spend $500 to improve steering...
Gladiator Sport S Maxtow (wide axles and 4:10s) with Mopar 2" lift running 315/70R17 BFG KO2s.

I'm due for new tires and an alignment and thinking about upgrades to bolt-on before the tire shop puts it in the alignment rack. Been driving it 30K miles since new with this setup, and steering gear upgrade with aftermarket steering stabilizer fixed the excessive wander/vagueness within weeks of first getting it, but I've been living with a very slight pull to the right that increases with speed over about 20mph, and sensitivity to road crown where it likes to steer toward the curbs.

From reading posts, it sounds like adjustable track bars might improve the situation by centering the vehicle over the axles (confirmed it's skewed about 1/2" to the driver side front and rear). What's your experience before/after new track bars? Worth it or no? Kit came with longer lower front control arms, so that should be OK. Anything else to consider that isn't a ton of cash or too hard to install in the driveway?

Send it to me I will wave my magic Jeep fixit wand 🪄

 

[RiverMtnBeach]

Send it to me I will wave my magic Jeep fixit wand 🪄

I have one! Keeps the death wobble away.

 

[RiverMtnBeach]

OK, tires… Want something different. Anyone try Maxxis Razr or Delium Terra Raider AT? I’ve had both brands in trailer tires, and both were a good value, wore even, and trouble-free (the highest rating for trailer tires, the worst being exploding junk ).

 

[njjeepthing]

My ideal setup on mine with a Teraflex level kit and 35's:
Steersmarts Steering
Clayton ADJ trackbar
AEV Drop Brackets

Drives perfect.

 

[drexotic]

I'm guessing the problem is your steering stabilizer is OVER CORRECTING with the stock tires. I'd recommend that you do nothing until you see how it drives with the larger (heavier) tires.

 

[RiverMtnBeach]

I'm guessing the problem is your steering stabilizer is OVER CORRECTING with the stock tires. I'd recommend that you do nothing until you see how it drives with the larger (heavier) tires.

Actually running 315/70r17 BFG KO2 right now (roughly 34.5" and a little wider than a regular 35x12.50). Talked to a Jeep tech and he took it for a quick spin. The verdict: Those BFGs are a very heavy tire, and tend to wander as they wear out. The load range C variant I'm running were also engineered to be soft vs stable, which makes them "wallow" a bit on uneven roads.
Decided to go with a new set of Firestone Destination X/T tires in the same size. Getting them put on Monday and I'll post a review. They are a full 11 lbs lighter than the BFGs in the same size, and rated load E with a sturdy sidewall. Didn't consider these at first because they looked pretty tame in catalog pics, but in-person I'd say they look even a little bit more aggressive than the BFGs. Corporate needs to find a new graphic artist for their renders, LOL.

 

[Gizmo]

If you want to stay under 500 bucks, I would get a good set of adjustable lower front control arms. Not just any adjustables. Get one that don't use OE type clevite bushings . I would highly recommend MetalCloak or "Core" because Core use Johnny Joints . You want to use a bushing thats not soft like OE Clevite bushings so it holds the front axle in place. That cuts back on steering correction when driving . The bigger the tire the more it helps. The uppers are not as important as far as the bushing type. If you are at 2" lift most geometry brackets are for a little more lift and you would still be using soft OE bushings. MetalCloak is also a good arm with their Duroflex bushings . I have used both for many years . front axle needing an 1/4" adjustment isn't going to effect your wander BUT once again Johnny joints in the track bar WILL help the wandering slightly. Get close to 3" of lift and already have upgraded control arms and track bar then I would say Geo brackets and trackbar/sector shaft brace. After that I went with Currie highsteer kit, made for 2.5" of lift .

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