Steering binding in 4lo

[WK2JT]

I have also 37’s and experience something similar when stopped or barely moving, especially when aired down, like not having power steering. I haven’t done anything to address it as I see it as a safety margin to keep from breaking anything, but it is a PITA.

Before going full PSC, you should look at the Apex upgrade. It adds boost to the stock power steering. (https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/1-1-steering-boost-kit-jl-jt-compatible)

So the other option I was trying to remember was Redneck Ram. I just ran across a video in their FAQ that seems to indicate you can achieve what the Apex system does by adjusting the set screw on the pump.

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[WK2JT]

So the other option I was trying to remember was Redneck Ram. I just ran across a video in their FAQ that seems to indicate you can achieve what the Apex system does by adjusting the set screw on the pump.

Okay, so I just did this. Not drastic, but did add a little more power steering boost. I didn’t have a flow gauge, so I might get one to see if there is more there or not. I had 1 1/4 turns to bottom, so only a 1/2 turn more following the video’s guidance of backing off 3/4 a turn from bottom.

 

[drewcnit]

Best I can figure is the stock steering pump cannot keep up with the lower gears bigger tires. I havent been wheeling again since this happened. Im saving up for the PSC ram assist kit now.

Im sure this has happened to others, just haven't heard of it till mine & now yours.

So just got mine back from the shop and mine turned out to be my front locker stuck engaged. The GM of the shop had gotten in touch with Eaton and when they heard the issue, seemed like they had heard of it before and told him just to clean the spring and magnet well for any particulate.

Were your gears new at the same time as the lockers? Could be something similar even though you have ARB's?

 

[WillVra]

I have the same setup Willy’s 37” tires 5:13 gears Ox locker in rear and moved the LSD to the front. I felt what you are talking about while in Moab, even with the LSD. It’s worse the more you are aired down. I’m going to try adjusting like the video says.

 

[Olecoot]

Update to this. I've resolved my steering issues. Went with hydro assist and a new Steering gear from PSC. night and day difference. just got back from Hot Springs Offroad park & zero steering issues.

 

[Billyj7175]

Update to this. I've resolved my steering issues. Went with hydro assist and a new Steering gear from PSC. night and day difference. just got back from Hot Springs Offroad park & zero steering issues.

I did the same a while back and couldn't be happier. Even with 38's on beadlocks aired waaaay down, it's still a breeze to steer, even with the front diff locked. I smile, but still cringe as it wasn't a cheap upgrade. I added Reed knuckles and Baller' joints at the same time. My only real regret is not getting the knuckles in black...

 

[Olecoot]

I did the same a while back and couldn't be happier. Even with 38's on beadlocks aired waaaay down, it's still a breeze to steer, even with the front diff locked. I smile, but still cringe as it wasn't a cheap upgrade. I added Reed knuckles and Baller' joints at the same time. My only real regret is not getting the knuckles in black...

looks like mine and yup, you're right.. ain't nothing cheap about jeep. Got the Steer Smarts Tie Rod, Drag link and track bar also, just not all installed yet.

 

[Billyj7175]

Lmao...yup!
Ironically, my steering is SteerSmarts, and I'm now on Patagonia's now too!

 

[Olecoot]

Lmao...yup!
Ironically, my steering is SteerSmarts, and I'm now on Patagonia's now too!

nice looking Rig you going to the GAC @ Wolf Caves next March?

 

[RodRecket]

Update to this. I've resolved my steering issues. Went with hydro assist and a new Steering gear from PSC. night and day difference. just got back from Hot Springs Offroad park & zero steering issues.

F

looks like mine and yup, you're right.. ain't nothing cheap about jeep. Got the Steer Smarts Tie Rod, Drag link and track bar also, just not all installed yet.

My front end looks very similar, RCVs, Reids, Dynatrac BJs, Rockjock steering, beadlocks and 38s...

Right now I'm running the Apex steering boost kit. It is doing OK, but not really meeting demand on full trail days aired down. Can you link the exact kit you are using from PSC? They have a few options and I want one that gives me the best feel on road as this is still my DD.

 

[Olecoot]

F


My front end looks very similar, RCVs, Reids, Dynatrac BJs, Rockjock steering, beadlocks and 38s...

Right now I'm running the Apex steering boost kit. It is doing OK, but not really meeting demand on full trail days aired down. Can you link the exact kit you are using from PSC? They have a few options and I want one that gives me the best feel on road as this is still my DD.

I used a RAM and hoses from West Texas Offroad,
https://www.westtexasoffroad.com/product-page/redneck-ram-hydro-assist-kit

Steering gear from PSC
https://www.pscmotorsports.com/all-...2021-jt/xd-power-steering-gearbox/sg691r.html

ram mount kit if using the Stock tie Rod
MB36AK 1 Ea 140.00 Ea 140.00
Mounting Bracket Kit , Jeep JL Tie Rod For Dana 30/44 Axle (Hardware
Included)
MB37AK 1 Ea 185.00 Ea 185.00
Mounting Bracket Kit, Steering Assist Cylinder for 2018 Jeep JL with OE Dana
30/44 (Short)

Since you are using a different tie Rod you will need to fab your own mounts or purchase one like this from Next Venture Motorsports
https://nextventuremotorsports.com/...-steering/products/jl-hydro-assist-axle-mount

A note about the Above Bracket. -- it does not allow the ram to be horizontal with the tie rod, well, it did not on mine anyway. There are some youtube videos about modifying the bracket and why the ram needs to be horizontal. Check litebrite videos about 5 or 6 yrs ago from when they had the ram and box done at WTO.

plus the tie rod mount - https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...lync-ram-assist-tie-rod-clamp-bracket-1-625in

I also added the steersmarts brace for the steering gear.
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...-w-frame-side-track-bar-reinforcement-bracket

last but not least is the Steering fluid.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089LTVIY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

the install can be done in a day. good to have a helping hand when swapping the steering gear.
hoper this helps

 

[RodRecket]

I used a RAM and hoses from West Texas Offroad,
https://www.westtexasoffroad.com/product-page/redneck-ram-hydro-assist-kit

Steering gear from PSC
https://www.pscmotorsports.com/all-...2021-jt/xd-power-steering-gearbox/sg691r.html

ram mount kit if using the Stock tie Rod
MB36AK 1 Ea 140.00 Ea 140.00
Mounting Bracket Kit , Jeep JL Tie Rod For Dana 30/44 Axle (Hardware
Included)
MB37AK 1 Ea 185.00 Ea 185.00
Mounting Bracket Kit, Steering Assist Cylinder for 2018 Jeep JL with OE Dana
30/44 (Short)

Since you are using a different tie Rod you will need to fab your own mounts or purchase one like this from Next Venture Motorsports
https://nextventuremotorsports.com/...-steering/products/jl-hydro-assist-axle-mount

A note about the Above Bracket. -- it does not allow the ram to be horizontal with the tie rod, well, it did not on mine anyway. There are some youtube videos about modifying the bracket and why the ram needs to be horizontal. Check litebrite videos about 5 or 6 yrs ago from when they had the ram and box done at WTO.

plus the tie rod mount - https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...lync-ram-assist-tie-rod-clamp-bracket-1-625in

I also added the steersmarts brace for the steering gear.
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...-w-frame-side-track-bar-reinforcement-bracket

last but not least is the Steering fluid.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089LTVIY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

the install can be done in a day. good to have a helping hand when swapping the steering gear.
hoper this helps

That's excellent information thank you!

 

[MaximusTX]

nice looking Rig you going to the GAC @ Wolf Caves next March?

I'm over in Bulverde if you ever want to go wheeling let me know. I'm always looking for someone to go with.

 

[Olecoot]

I'm over in Bulverde if you ever want to go wheeling let me know. I'm always looking for someone to go with.

Cool! Sounds like a plan Thanks

 

[Billyj7175]

nice looking Rig you going to the GAC @ Wolf Caves next March?

Thank you!
I'll have to check it out!

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