New JT Gladiator Steering Issue TSB 08-074-20 (for "Improved Steering Feel")

[DobaMark]

i've been happy since my Gladiator box was replaced. But Saturday we replaced our Grand Cherokee with a Wrangler and I'm back to the "watch every twitch of the steering wheel" mode in case it needs this TSB (and to be honest I haven't looked at what steering box is under it yet).

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[seven30]

you might want to have the dealer look at the steering damper because there is a TSB that might help.

you might want to have the dealer look at the steering damper because there is a TSB that might help.

I would seriously have the dealer very carefully inspect the knuckle joints if everything else is in good shape. Having several of these live axle jeeps even a tiny bit of slop in the knuckle will promote DW. While you can tamp it down with tight steering linkage and a good damper its better to attack its source.

 

[N6WT]

After all, is said and done. My dealer installed the new steering gear and parts without me having to say anything more than "it wanders down the road" and "my wife can't drive it because it scares her".

The difference is amazing. No more wander, it feels rock solid. When I sat in the seat and started it then turned the steering wheel I could tell it was much better! very happy with the fix.

 

[ospreyfe55]

I had my JT in the dealer on Friday so they could replace the Gearbox and as the same results on my JL the gearbox improved the steering play. I still have a slight pull to the right but that was after I installed my 35s. So I am still looking in to that. But the Gearbox made a huge night and Day difference.

 

[seven30]

I had my JT in the dealer on Friday so they could replace the Gearbox and as the same results on my JL the gearbox improved the steering play. I still have a slight pull to the right but that was after I installed my 35s. So I am still looking in to that. But the Gearbox made a huge night and Day difference.

I take it you had the aluminum box. Wish we could get one of those and dissect it.

 

[ospreyfe55]

I take it you had the aluminum box. Wish we could get one of those and dissect it.

Yes I still hadd the old aluminum gearbox, but now have the steel one. It would be nice to get a hold of an old one and tear into it.

 

[Scrubb84]

Yes I still hadd the old aluminum gearbox, but now have the steel one. It would be nice to get a hold of an old one and tear into it.

I’ve had a shop tear into both. Fisher price plastic toys are built with better tolerances. It’s so bad it’s laughable.

 

[DobaMark]

As mentioned I just got a used 2020 JL. It wasn't as bad as my Gladiator was, but it went to the dealer who replaced th aluminum box with no fuss. I think my JL's steering might be better than my JT's, but it could be AT vs. MT tires.

 

[ospreyfe55]

I just got a used 2020 JL. It wasn't as bad as my Gladiator was, but it went straight to the dealer who replaced th aluminum box with no fuss. I think my JL's steering might be better than my JT's, but it could be AT vs. MT tires.

My steering was better in my JL over my JT as well. They both have different gear ratios in the steering boxes!

 

[MemphisMississipp]

2020 JT took Delivery in Oct 2019. Sport S, Max Tow, upgraded initially to Rubicon spec 33’s. A year later Mopar 2 in Lift. Then 35s. I had alway attributed the wander in the sterring to just being a jeep and then my upgrades. I have a good relationship with my dealership in Poughkeepsie NY and my Service Manager relocated to another same owner Property in Newburgh. I Mentioned the TSB. He had a look and ordered the parts. Did the steering box replacement. As soon as I got on the road I noticed a difference. And then at highway speeds it was a significant improvement. Reduced play in the wheel. More direct steering input. Trailered a loaded landscape trailer about two hours later that afternoon and compared to other towing trips., it was night and day. Very happy I pursued the fix. I was not expecting to notice anything. As sometimes I think I read and worry about other peoples problems to much and over react. However this made my Gladiator a better vehicle.

 

[MemphisMississipp]

Just picked up my max tow from WOLFCHASE jeep in Memphis. They put new steering box in no questions asked. Just sign on the dotted line and leave. Like you said, drives like a whole different vehicle. I had just took a trip too Ohio before it was fixed, 12500 miles each way. By the time I got home I was wore out. I almost had 4 wrecks and wiped out three orange cones. They should do a complete recall on the steering. It was scary dangerous.

After all, is said and done. My dealer installed the new steering gear and parts without me having to say anything more than "it wanders down the road" and "my wife can't drive it because it scares her".

The difference is amazing. No more wander, it feels rock solid. When I sat in the seat and started it then turned the steering wheel I could tell it was much better! very happy with the fix.

 

[seven30]

I’ve had a shop tear into both. Fisher price plastic toys are built with better tolerances. It’s so bad it’s laughable.

You still have them? Any pictures?

 

[seven30]

As mentioned I just got a used 2020 JL. It wasn't as bad as my Gladiator was, but it went to the dealer who replaced th aluminum box with no fuss. I think my JL's steering might be better than my JT's, but it could be AT vs. MT tires.

When I swapped the stock MT for some AT there was an immediate and substantial improvement of highway steering manners. That said the MTs are great dirt tires compared to the ATs.

 

[jonsheritahe04]

When I swapped the stock MT for some AT there was an immediate and substantial improvement of highway steering manners. That said the MTs are great dirt tires compared to the ATs.

Interesting, I changed out the stock 33 Falken's for Nitto Ridge Grappler 35's and had the same experience.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

When I swapped the stock MT for some AT there was an immediate and substantial improvement of highway steering manners. That said the MTs are great dirt tires compared to the ATs.

You can find a good A/T tire that's great on the dirt as well. Kanti Trail Hogs do great on dirt, and street, as good as or better than some M/Ts from my experience.

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