RC 2.5" leveling kit - track bar and steering wheel

[mcoplan]

Hey all. Humbly asking for some help from those with a bit more technical experience than me. I installed a RC 2.5 leveling kit w/ coils on my Overland today. Instructions were easy and straight forward but during reassembly, I noticed that the track bar did not align with the mounting holes on the frame by about 3/4". Probably should have been obvious but I assume the lift changed the geometry of where the bar would mount to the frame and thus, should I have ordered an adj track bar? Also, I noticed that it appears my steering wheel is just about upside down when wheels are forward. Note that I don't have the track bar attached yet and this may be one piece to the issue but is there something else that is causing this? Any and all input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Sponsored

 

[wyldefreebyrd]

Put everything back together and check the steering wheel. If still off loosen the bolt on the drive side of the drag link and adjust the knurled adjuster, turn and check wheel. If goes the wrong way turn the adjuster the other direction.

 

[Wbee]

Normal when installing a lift you have to line up the Trackbar. I’ve seen it done three ways.
1. Ratchet strap
2. Turn the steering wheel to shift the axel and body until the holes align.
3. Have someone push or lean against the Jeep body while your underneath dropping it in place.

I have always had good luck with number 3.

When your finished installing the lift the last thing you will have to do is center the steering wheel and It will be off after a lift. It’s very easy to do by adjusting the draglink length. As stated above, I wouldn’t get too worked up over the steering wheel rotation until everything is completed and tightened. There are several videos online that can tech you how to center your steering wheel on the JL and the gladiator should be the same.

Post pics when your done.

 

[Texops]

Normal when installing a lift you have to line up the Trackbar. I’ve seen it done three ways.
1. Ratchet strap
2. Turn the steering wheel to shift the axel and body until the holes align.
3. Have someone push or lean against the Jeep body while your underneath dropping it in place.

I have always had good luck with number 3.

When your finished installing the lift the last thing you will have to do is center the steering wheel and It will be off after a lift. It’s very easy to do by adjusting the draglink length. As stated above, I wouldn’t get too worked up over the steering wheel rotation until everything is completed and tightened. There are several videos online that can tech you how to center your steering wheel on the JL and the gladiator should be the same.

Post pics when your done.

Yes what WBee said i use #2 method, an adjustable beefier track bar is great if you want to spend for one & it will center your axle back but not needed on less than 2.5”. Also torque all bolts with the

 

[TTEChris]

Normal when installing a lift you have to line up the Trackbar. I’ve seen it done three ways.
1. Ratchet strap
2. Turn the steering wheel to shift the axel and body until the holes align.
3. Have someone push or lean against the Jeep body while your underneath dropping it in place.

I have always had good luck with number 3.

When your finished installing the lift the last thing you will have to do is center the steering wheel and It will be off after a lift. It’s very easy to do by adjusting the draglink length. As stated above, I wouldn’t get too worked up over the steering wheel rotation until everything is completed and tightened. There are several videos online that can tech you how to center your steering wheel on the JL and the gladiator should be the same.

Post pics when your done.

#2 Works really well if you have an extra set of hands.

Once you have the bolt in, there is one 15mm head nut to loosen the draglink adjuster/collar. Once loose, turn the collar until the steering wheel is centered. You may have to repeat that step a few times to get it perfect, but it doesn't take much time or effort.

 

[smess]

Remember to drop Jeep to ground first.

This will be the true test, if steer ahead is not dead nuts will you have steering problems that weren't there before? Thats where the EHPS gets tricky (steering angle sensor) and I think that's what's effecting alot of peoples steering complaints. I don't think a leveling kit is enough to cause problems, probably need a min of a 2 inch lift to start messing stuff up.

Sponsored