Steering/wandering was fixed. Not anymore. Suggestions?

[Number1olddog]

Long story short. I put on 315-70/17 nitto terra grapplers with black rhino wheels. Installed 2” BDS suspension leveling kit, synergy sector shaft brace and JKS adjustable track bar. Steering was perfect, tight, no wander. Recently put on a new bumper and winch that made the front end sag quite a bit, so I put on a 1” teraflex spacer on top of the bds coils. Now steering is loose and the Jeep wanders again. The steering was re-centered after the spacer installed. Suggestions?

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[Factoid]

Start with the easy stuff - tire pressure and toe in.

Who centered the steering and how did they do it?

 

[Renegade]

Have you corrected for caster? The BDS should have cOme with cam locks. Were they installed?

 

[Number1olddog]

Have you corrected for caster? The BDS should have cOme with cam locks. Were they installed?

I took it to a reputable alignment shop. He did say the toe needed to be corrected which he did. It’s driving ok but not like before. Feels like it did when I first bought it which wasn’t very good at all. I’m thinking I might need some lower adjustable control arms but not sure. I don’t remember seeing the cam locks in the packaging. Can you elaborate on what that does?

 

[Renegade]

I took it to a reputable alignment shop. He did say the toe needed to be corrected which he did. It’s driving ok but not like before. Feels like it did when I first bought it which wasn’t very good at all. I’m thinking I might need some lower adjustable control arms but not sure. I don’t remember seeing the cam locks in the packaging. Can you elaborate on what that does?

The cam locks hold the axle forward at the lower control arm mounts, after the slots are cut out in the mounts. It’s a cheap “solution” when you don’t do adjustable or longer lower arms. Take a picture of the bolt at your lower control arm axle mount and post it so we can see if they were installed.

 

[Number1olddog]

The cam locks hold the axle forward at the lower control arm mounts, after the slots are cut out in the mounts. It’s a cheap “solution” when you don’t do adjustable or longer lower arms. Take a picture of the bolt at your lower control arm axle mount and post it so we can see if they were installed.

It was not installed.

 

[Renegade]

It was not installed.

Then you need something to correct for caster, preferably longer or adjustable lower control arms.

 

[Number1olddog]

In your opinion are adjustable lower control arms needed? With the 2” BDS kit installed and 1” spacer its really back to the 2” front lift I had before the bumper and winch were installed.

 

[Number1olddog]

Then you need something to correct for caster, preferably longer or adjustable lower control arms.

Never mind. I see your reply above. Thanks

 

[Renegade]

Never mind. I see your reply above. Thanks

The cheapest maintenance free solution would be to put the control arms from the Mopar 2” lift in. They can be bought for $60 a set, and are 1/4” longer. That should add enough caster that you are back in (or close to) spec.

 

[Number1olddog]

The cheapest maintenance free solution would be to put the control arms from the Mopar 2” lift in. They can be bought for $60 a set, and are 1/4” longer. That should add enough caster that you are back in (or close to) spec.

I was thinking the same thing but can’t find them for sale anywhere. Do you have a link?

 

[Scruf]

Mopar 2" lift front lower control arms - OE # 68322798AA.

Just google that part # and you'll get options for places to buy from.

 

[Number1olddog]

Mopar 2" lift front lower control arms - OE # 68322798AA.

Just google that part # and you'll get options for places to buy from.

I’m guessing these are the same on the JL as they are in the Gladiator?

 

[Renegade]

I’m guessing these are the same on the JL as they are in the Gladiator?

Yes

 

[Alabama Mud Machine]

The Mopar non-adjustable 2" lift LCA's would be the cheapest solution, but another heavy-duty solution would be the EVO Manufacturing Enforcer series LCA's. They're pricey, but have TONS of adjustment for making really fine adjustments, and they are built like a tank.

I just ordered a set along with all the proper front-end upgrades needed when replacing my 2.5" spacer setup...Like the adjustable track bar, 2.5" plush-ride springs, and the Enforcer adjustable LCA's. I'm going to be keeping the nice Skyjacker Grade-8 stainless steel sway bar links, bump stops, and front shock extension brackets. I'm going to keep the rear springs stock and the 1" Skyjacker rear spacer for now, until I can find a company to make me a set of 1.5" lift rear springs... EVO... You listening?

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