Fixing minor wonder and bump steer.

[GlitteryPonies]

I am considering purchasing and installing something that will make my gladiator a little more pleasant on my daily interstate commute. The steering is fairly tight and manageable, but it does tend to wonder if I don't pay attention. I'm considering a few options and am curious which would be my best fix.

It does have the aluminum gear box and is out of warranty so dealer won't cover replacement. Again though, my steering is nothing like some others have described on their gear box, just trying to squeeze a little more out of it. Here are my considerations:

1) Replace the steering box with the steel version ($500 and I feel like my current box is ok).
2) Replace the steering stabilizer with a quality adjustable one from falcon or fox. ($400)
3) Add the steer smarts, synergy, or Metalcloak sector shaft brace. ($300)

Thanks in advance!

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I am considering purchasing and installing something that will make my gladiator a little more pleasant on my daily interstate commute. The steering is fairly tight and manageable, but it does tend to wonder if I don't pay attention. I'm considering a few options and am curious which would be my best fix.

It does have the aluminum gear box and is out of warranty so dealer won't cover replacement. Again though, my steering is nothing like some others have described on their gear box, just trying to squeeze a little more out of it. Here are my considerations:

1) Replace the steering box with the steel version ($500 and I feel like my current box is ok).
2) Replace the steering stabilizer with a quality adjustable one from falcon or fox. ($400)
3) Add the steer smarts, synergy, or Metalcloak sector shaft brace. ($300)

Thanks in advance!

You don't mention what tires you have, if you've changed wheels or if you have a lift.
Caster impacts wander -
You said the steering is "fairly tight and manageable" - sounds like it could be better, so why not get that steering gear replaced? (of course that means the software update, too)
You want a fix but don't want to do one of the first things involved in fixing these with the original aluminum housed steering gear.
Likely you also have the stock steering stabilizer - assuming it's a 2020 since you don't say but do say it's got the aluminum steering gear.
Even Jeep/MOPAR/FCA is saying those get a new steering stabilizer.

Sector shaft brace likely won't do anything but take your money. Not on that set of circumstances.

 

[GlitteryPonies]

You don't mention what tires you have, if you've changed wheels or if you have a lift.
Caster impacts wander -
You said the steering is "fairly tight and manageable" - sounds like it could be better, so why not get that steering gear replaced? (of course that means the software update, too)
You want a fix but don't want to do one of the first things involved in fixing these with the original aluminum housed steering gear.
Likely you also have the stock steering stabilizer - assuming it's a 2020 since you don't say but do say it's got the aluminum steering gear.
Even Jeep/MOPAR/FCA is saying those get a new steering stabilizer.

Sector shaft brace likely won't do anything but take your money. Not on that set of circumstances.

It’s a factory rubicon. I’m looking for the best improvement per dollar.

 

[troopertrek]

If it’s a factory Rubicon at stock ride height or a minimal spacer lift, from my first hand experience - install a set of the Mopar LCA’s from the 2” Mopar lift and get a better steering stabilizer (I used Fox). Then you’ll likely need an alignment. All together less than $500, including alignment. This made a huge difference in the way my 21 Rubicon tracked at highway speed.

I will soon need to fight this battle again; I just had the Mopar lift installed along with the same 1” teraflex spacer (to compensate for winch/steel bumper weight). The steering quality has fallen back to where it was stock. I’m considering some adjustable LCAs to get some caster back.

 

[troopertrek]

Here you go…

Stabilizer

Mopar LCA

 

[jjdustr340]

Do TSBs only get honored while under warranty? Asking for real as I don’t know.
If they do, then the gear box is covered under a TSB.

 

[Hootbro]

Do TSBs only get honored while under warranty? Asking for real as I don’t know.
If they do, then the gear box is covered under a TSB.

If one is within the 3/36K bumper to bumper warranty, this TSB cost would be covered under that warranty. Outside that it is a customer out of pocket expense when performed.

99.9% of the time, TSB's are meant to only be read by the dealership tech as instructions for what to do when presented with a problem. They are not a recall or a service campaign.

 

[skadax]

Not to hijack the thread, but how can one tell if they have the original aluminum steering box vs. the upgraded steel version? I got my 2020 JTR used and only have limited service records.

My steering overall feels good and I get just slight wander, I think it’s really the tires picking up a line on the freeway. I’m running 35 11.50 toyos and stock Rubicon suspension for now. I am planning to relocate the stabilizer using Clayton’s kit and with it install the upgraded Fox stabilizer this weekend, mainly to have better off road clearance but also to see if it helps tighten the steering up. Using the recent Memorial Day discount at Clayton it was just under $300 for this.

 

[Hootbro]

Not to hijack the thread, but how can one tell if they have the original aluminum steering box vs. the upgraded steel version? I got my 2020 JTR used and only have limited service records.

Aluminum box will be raw base metal silver/gray color. Steel box will be painted black.

If in doubt, stick a magnet to it.

 

[Idlethunder]

I am considering purchasing and installing something that will make my gladiator a little more pleasant on my daily interstate commute. The steering is fairly tight and manageable, but it does tend to wonder if I don't pay attention. I'm considering a few options and am curious which would be my best fix.

It does have the aluminum gear box and is out of warranty so dealer won't cover replacement. Again though, my steering is nothing like some others have described on their gear box, just trying to squeeze a little more out of it. Here are my considerations:

1) Replace the steering box with the steel version ($500 and I feel like my current box is ok).
2) Replace the steering stabilizer with a quality adjustable one from falcon or fox. ($400)
3) Add the steer smarts, synergy, or Metalcloak sector shaft brace. ($300)

Thanks in advance!

My 22 Rubicon with stock suspension wandered quite a bit when I got it last February. Within a month I swapped the OEM front lower control arms to the LCAs from the Mopar lift kit and that was a huge improvement. For Christmas last year the wife gave me a very nice Fox Race Series 2.0 ATS Steering Stabilizer. I feel like it made a small difference, but I can’t honestly say it was worth the money. Earlier this year I replaced the FOX 2.0 Performance Shocks that came on the Jeep with a set of Eibach pro truck sport shocks. This was another big improvement. With the Fox shocks it almost felt like the truck was floating at highway speeds and now it feels much more firmly planted.

 

[tysongladiator]

The first thing you should always do (even on factory equipment) is check everything for proper torque. I did a video over two years ago on the pitman arm nut not being proper torque causing wandering issues. And that was immediately after the aluminum to steel gearbox swap. Also, factory balljoints are being found ot at proper torque. And I did another video on the steering box bolts. I periodically check mine. They should be at 99ft/lbs. I had a couple that were less than 70 ft/lbs.

While I have a Metalcloak sector shaft brace, I really never had a problem. I just wanted it to try it out. I have a through shaft adjustable steering stabilizer. Only because I bent mine on a trail. My point is that these parts never solved an issue that I was having. It's the periodic advanced maintenance that has to be performed that's taken care of things thus far. It could be your tires. Improper air pressure, defective, brand name, etc. Or maybe you just need your tie rod, drag link, or trackbar adjusted.

BLUF. Have all of your components checked first before spending a ton of money.

 

[Idlethunder]

The first thing you should always do (even on factory equipment) is check everything for proper torque. I did a video over two years ago on the pitman arm nut not being proper torque causing wandering issues. And that was immediately after the aluminum to steel gearbox swap. Also, factory balljoints are being found ot at proper torque. And I did another video on the steering box bolts. I periodically check mine. They should be at 99ft/lbs. I had a couple that were less than 70 ft/lbs.

While I have a Metalcloak sector shaft brace, I really never had a problem. I just wanted it to try it out. I have a through shaft adjustable steering stabilizer. Only because I bent mine on a trail. My point is that these parts never solved an issue that I was having. It's the periodic advanced maintenance that has to be performed that's taken care of things thus far. It could be your tires. Improper air pressure, defective, brand name, etc. Or maybe you just need your tie rod, drag link, or trackbar adjusted.

BLUF. Have all of your components checked first before spending a ton of money.

What is your opinion of the Metalcloak sector shaft brace?

 

[tysongladiator]

What is your opinion of the Metalcloak sector shaft brace?

I like it. Like I said, I wasn't really having an issue. But I wasted to try it out to see if it mattered. It tightened my steering a little bit. I know my Jeep, so I can tell when there is a difference of the response of the steering and it's driving ability.

And, unlike the other brands where the trackbar and sector brace are one piece, metalcloak's is two separate pieces. If there is an issue with one, you're not having to deal with the other. Such as in for awhile, with the other brand, people were having and issue with having to grease them a lot. Especially if they went offroad a lot or they would go bad and the company would have to send out a replacement. With the metalcloak, you only would replace one part. And also, no need to buy the other part if you don't need it.

 

[Toro34]

I am considering purchasing and installing something that will make my gladiator a little more pleasant on my daily interstate commute. The steering is fairly tight and manageable, but it does tend to wonder if I don't pay attention. I'm considering a few options and am curious which would be my best fix.

It does have the aluminum gear box and is out of warranty so dealer won't cover replacement. Again though, my steering is nothing like some others have described on their gear box, just trying to squeeze a little more out of it. Here are my considerations:

1) Replace the steering box with the steel version ($500 and I feel like my current box is ok).
2) Replace the steering stabilizer with a quality adjustable one from falcon or fox. ($400)
3) Add the steer smarts, synergy, or Metalcloak sector shaft brace. ($300)

Thanks in advance!

I installed the Falcon Adjustable Nexus SS on my JK and the Firm setting made a huge difference on the highway. Firm was even TOO stiff for street use, as I would have to provide input after taking a corner to straighten the wheel out manually.

The medium setting was great for daily driving however and Soft was great low speed off road.

The SS is not as economical as the extended LCAs, or as direct a solution as the steering box upgrade, but I definitely recommend it.

 

[Idlethunder]

I like it. Like I said, I wasn't really having an issue. But I wasted to try it out to see if it mattered. It tightened my steering a little bit. I know my Jeep, so I can tell when there is a difference of the response of the steering and it's driving ability.

And, unlike the other brands where the trackbar and sector brace are one piece, metalcloak's is two separate pieces. If there is an issue with one, you're not having to deal with the other. Such as in for awhile, with the other brand, people were having and issue with having to grease them a lot. Especially if they went offroad a lot or they would go bad and the company would have to send out a replacement. With the metalcloak, you only would replace one part. And also, no need to buy the other part if you don't need it.

Thank you, it is good to hear from someone who is using the brace. I bought one a few months ago during a MC sale with the intention of installing it when I changed out the shocks. The brace ended up taking longer than shocks to get here so it has been collecting dust in the garage. It is about time to rotate my tires again so I'll put it on. My handling is great now so I've thought about leaving it off but I'm going to give it a shot.

Sponsored