Issues with Bump Steer After Upgrading and Lifting

[OverlandGS]

Hey everyone,

Earlier this year I have had a 3.5” RC lift installed with 35x12.50. I have now I have upgraded to:

-Fusion 2.5T Front Drag Link and Tie Rods.
-Rancho DOM Front Track Bar
-Teraflex HD Balljoints
-Fox TS Stabilizer

I am getting bump steer when hitting bumps going down the road now. It’s not death wobble due to it immediately going away after the bump. I don’t have to slow to get it to stop. It will just jerk the wheel one way or the other.

I do not have adjustable control arms. Just correction brackets. Would a better castor angle correct this? Apparently a local shop said my castor was +5. Would a relocation bracket for the track bar work?

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[ChrisNLA]

Your front track bar and drag link need to be on the same plane so they move in the same arc. Hard to tell if yours is off or not in these photos.

At that height, you may need a hi-steer kit or at minimum get the track bar mount on the axle up higher.

The more angle they have, the more they push the front end (and in turn, the steering) when the suspension cycles up and down.

Edit: Other fella brings up the best point. The drag link and track bar need to stay parallel / same plane as each other. Don't dive into the brackets unless, for some reason, they are not parallel - and if so, the why should be understood first.

 

[Chance575]

I also think you need to raise the trac bar. I did a steering flip kit and got back bump steer. Track bar raised bracket solved this .

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...MIs5L06KHplQMVR4vCCB285AnvEAQYBiABEgLkxfD_BwE

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Sounds like you flipped the drag link?

 

[OverlandGS]

Sounds like you flipped the drag link?

Negative. It’s a Stock location mounted under the knuckle.

So sounds like a track bar relocation bracket is needed I will order one and give it a shot

 

[OverlandGS]

Your front track bar and drag link need to be on the same plane so they move in the same arc. Hard to tell if yours is off or not in these photos.

At that height, you may need a hi-steer kit or at minimum get the track bar mount on the axle up higher.

The more angle they have, the more they push the front end (and in turn, the steering) when the suspension cycles up and down.

I will get a better photo. I will check into how they sit together. I will order a track bar relocation bracket more than likely.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

If you didn't change the mounting locations of the drag link or track bar already, they should still be parallel.

You normally don't change only one without changing the other. Not sure a track bar bracket is the answer.

 

[Sikjeep2]

Lots of bad info in this post.

You do not need high steer with a 3.5" lift. Not needed till 4.5" and above. Do not install a track bar bracket without flipping the draglink. Some rough country kits come with drop pitman arms. If yours did put the stock pitman arm back on.

If you are not sure the next steps or do not feel comfortable inspecting your front end, please find a local reputable shop to check it out. Some offer free inspections.

 

[OverlandGS]

Lots of bad info in this post.

You do not need high steer with a 3.5" lift. Not needed till 4.5" and above. Do not install a track bar bracket without flipping the draglink. Some rough country kits come with drop pitman arms. If yours did put the stock pitman arm back on.

If you are not sure the next steps or do not feel comfortable inspecting your front end, please find a local reputable shop to check it out. Some offer free inspections.

im having a huge issue with local shops in North Western PA. They have no clue what they’re doing with this setup and am running out of options with those.

I have been ripped off twice with local places and they one even beat up the jam nuts on my tie rod. If there is anyone on here that can help out with recommended 4x4 places or Jeep shops it’s greatly appreciated

 

[Sikjeep2]

Also I would ditch the Rancho track bar. Almost all dom tube track bars with that much bend flex a ton. I prefer the oversize solid cast bars. Like Steersmarts, Teraflex, Elevate

 

[ChrisNLA]

Lots of bad info in this post.

You do not need high steer with a 3.5" lift. Not needed till 4.5" and above. Do not install a track bar bracket without flipping the draglink. Some rough country kits come with drop pitman arms. If yours did put the stock pitman arm back on.

If you are not sure the next steps or do not feel comfortable inspecting your front end, please find a local reputable shop to check it out. Some offer free inspections.

So - I have wondered this.

Is the 4.5" in question actual lift, or 4.5" as advertised by the lift company?

My 2.5" Metalcloak lift on my JK sat proud of 3.5" after settling - so if a 3.5" lift happens to land at or north of 4.5", does that make hi-steer relevant? Or do we mean 4.5" as advertised - so probably closer to 5.5" in reality the way most lifts go.

Genuine question.

 

[Sikjeep2]

Legit question and difficult to compare, Lots of brands heights for sure vary. Some design their kits loaded with gear and bumpers and some do not.

Things to consider, angles of front drag link and track bar, amount of bump stop being used for draglink up travel.

Based on the original posters photos, he is not lifted high enough to require high steer.

 

[OverlandGS]

Legit question and difficult to compare, Lots of brands heights for sure vary. Some design their kits loaded with gear and bumpers and some do not.

Things to consider, angles of front drag link and track bar, amount of bump stop being used for draglink up travel.

Based on the original posters photos, he is not lifted high enough to require high steer.

I didn’t think so. I’ve heard high steer kits are best for 4.5”+

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