Shimmy when hitting bumps/dips

[RodRecket]

Just wondering if you're using the full AEV dualsport lift kit (2.5/3 ~ High capacity?) and how you like it?

I've got a constant load from tent/rack & gear that I need to do something different asap because stock springs/lift just isn't cutting it weight wise anymore. I still do enough off road that I'm also wondering how the lift will perform over rocks etc.

I have been seriously considering doing a teraflex lift with AEV High Capacity springs or going with clayton 2.5 overland plus. But still open to going AEV dualsport and just saw your comment/hoping for some input.

Which steering components are you going to put on from synergy?


Thank you,

I have a JT370, so it has the full dualsport suspension and AEV accessories. I bought this JT in October so I've only gotten to a few mild trails, no serious rock crawling yet. Here's what I can tell you, AEV has done an excellent job of pairing shocks/springs/geo brackets to make a great riding vehicle. 90% of my driving is on road and I am very happy with the on road performance. This spring/summer/fall I will test the set up offroad in moab, CO, and the ozarks. Take a look at my last build thread to see my frankenlift components. That truck went through the ringer offroad and I was impressed with the capability. The new one has slightly more lift, more tire, a 4:1 tcase, and the offraod page goodies so I know the capability is there.

I don't have any personal experience with Clayton, but I'm guessing with any of the 3 brands you chose you'll be happy. Each of those brands lift the vehicle using different methods but they all work.

When I do upgrade the steering, here's what I'll go with: https://www.synergymfg.com/synergy-jeep-jl-hd-steering-kit.html?category_id=5992

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[notoriousms33]

I considered having them replaced under warranty (assuming the dealer won't tell me its within an acceptable amount of play) but I have decided to just bite the bullet and upgrade to the teraflex tie rod and drag link. Then I'll have a beefed up TF track bar, drag link, tie rod front end. Should be pretty solid at that point.

Since yours is a 2021 I think you should have the steel steering box but you may check and make sure you don't have the aluminum one. There is a thread on here describing loose steering and the replacement of the aluminum w/ updated steel steering boxes per TSB. I had mine done and it did seem to improve the steering...until it loosened up again (drag link/tie rod)

I have a lose outter drag link (the one directly above the skid plate) but they seem to only want to replace to track bar at the dealership. I ended up ordering the hd synergy front track bar today. I have a minor whoble going down the street. Mojave I have was built after July of 21. You think I need to worry so much about the outter drag link having some free play?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Took my gladiator to an off road shop, apparently when they did an alignment, the tow was off, causing the front track bar bushings to wear.

How's that even possible?
Toe will wear tires, can cause shimmy if off far enough the wrong way - but it won't stress the track bar. That's lateral movement.
Unless you had a situation where the truck was shimmying bad, or had a left then right then left then right sort of a pull or lead, toe gets split between the front wheels, not pulling on the track bar.
Grasping, IMO.
Would be interested in hearing their explanation of toe wearing track bar bushings.

Also after getting a report from an alignment they noted my casters were off by -3.9 on each side. But they said that wouldn’t disturb the ride. Would aligning a track bar help get that straightened out?

Track bar centers the axle - can't impact caster, and being off by that much? Some of these places must be really trying hard for explanations.

You think I need to worry so much about the outter drag link having some free play?

Loose parts - such as tie rod ends, or drag link sockets will absolutely cause issues like loose steering, potential for wobble or shimmy or other bad stuff. If there's a loose part, absolutely get it fixed. No one should ever "not worry" about play in steering parts, IMO.
When you move the steering wheel left or right, once that pitman arm starts to move with the steering wheel, those wheels should start to move - you should never have to wait for the play to be taken out of worn parts before things on the other end start responding.

 

[notoriousms33]

How's that even possible?
Toe will wear tires, can cause shimmy if off far enough the wrong way - but it won't stress the track bar. That's lateral movement.
Unless you had a situation where the truck was shimmying bad, or had a left then right then left then right sort of a pull or lead, toe gets split between the front wheels, not pulling on the track bar.
Grasping, IMO.
Would be interested in hearing their explanation of toe wearing track bar bushings.


Track bar centers the axle - can't impact caster, and being off by that much? Some of these places must be really trying hard for explanations.



Loose parts - such as tie rod ends, or drag link sockets will absolutely cause issues like loose steering, potential for wobble or shimmy or other bad stuff. If there's a loose part, absolutely get it fixed. No one should ever "not worry" about play in steering parts, IMO.
When you move the steering wheel left or right, once that pitman arm starts to move with the steering wheel, those wheels should start to move - you should never have to wait for the play to be taken out of worn parts before things on the other end start responding.

That’s the great thing about forums. You can advise to and from shops to a community with the same vehicle. I understand shops can fabricate symptoms to charge and replace for parts that don’t need to be changed out.

 

[RodRecket]

I have a lose outter drag link (the one directly above the skid plate) but they seem to only want to replace to track bar at the dealership. I ended up ordering the hd synergy front track bar today. I have a minor whoble going down the street. Mojave I have was built after July of 21. You think I need to worry so much about the outter drag link having some free play?

I would say its worthwhile replacing any steering components that have play. It'll only get worse and then lead to sloppy steering and wobble. Since I plan on wheeling my truck I'll just upgrade the lot (tie rod/drag link) if I start to notice any play. I'll probably do the track bar at the same time since my truck is lifted and dial everything in at once.

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