Stiffen Up the Steering Feel?

[JJmoto]

My 2020 JT runs great. I had the updated steering box installed years ago and it drives like a Jeep!

However, I would like a somehow stiffen up the steering? Tighten the steering input. Make it stiffer to turn side to side. Reason, I have a new driver in the family and the lite steering feel causes a bit of oversteer by him. I’m used to it, but a new driver is all over the road.

TIA for the input & suggestions!

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[imallcrawl]

I just installed the Synergy sector shaft brace and it definitely stiffened up my steering! Love, love, love it!
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...turing-front-track-bar-and-sector-shaft-brace

 

[kevman65]

Watch this a few times, go SLOW if you try to do it, itty bitty kitty steps.

The hex key size is 4.5mm.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...system-i-am-finally-happy-with-my-jeep.31671/

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Watch this a few times, go SLOW if you try to do it, itty bitty kitty steps.

The hex key size is 4.5mm.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...system-i-am-finally-happy-with-my-jeep.31671/

That takes play out and should not be done unless there is play because that sets the preload.
It won't make the steering feel tighter unless you have gone too far.......... then you'll find out miles down the road when the sector gears wear out.
Play is one thing, wanting it stiffened up is another.

I drove a nice Ram 1500 Big Horn for the last couple of days (loaner while wife's Jeep is in the shop) and - honestly? The steering wasn't any 'tighter' than my Jeeps have been.

The steering box thing is indeed something I WOULD call a hack LOL because people jumped on it not understanding what it really truly did inside the box.

 

[Charles 236]

If you truly want to stiffen the feel of the steering (making it require a bit more effort to turn the wheel), I would recommend looking at some of the adjustable steering dampers. As pointed out by @ShadowsPapa, tightening the steering box preload is not the way to increase the effort to turn the wheel. All this does is remove lash from the steering box, which will create binding in the steering box if it is tightened past the specified preload. The aftermarket has many steering damper upgrades that can help you achieve the result you seek.

 

[Lunentucker]

First and foremost, make sure that all steering and suspension components are in good order and not worn or loose.
Make sure that the steering gearbox bolts are properly torqued.
Make sure that the Pitman Arm nut is properly torqued.
Make sure that the alignment is within spec.

A tad more caster via either longer control arms or geometry correction brackets will help keep the Jeep in a straight line a little better, reduce bump steer and help to mitigate wind drift.

The Metalcloak sector shaft brace is top notch.
An upgraded adjustable aftermarket steering dampener can stiffen things up very nicely.

See my build list in the signature link for links to all.

Yes, the pre-load can also be carefully adjusted, and it does help.
The video posted earlier is OK, but I believe it's the one that designates the wrong Allen key size and doesn't mention heating the area to loosen up the factory red Loctite. Beware the washer fluid hose from the bottom of the reservoir in close proximity. Plastic melts quicker than red Loctite. Don't ask. I just know that it does.

 

[Rusty PW]

Get a Fox ATS steering stabilizer and set it to full stiff. Or run 2 aftermarket steering stabilizers.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Make sure that the steering gearbox bolts are properly torqued.
Make sure that the Pitman Arm nut is properly torqued.
Make sure that the alignment is within spec.

A tad more caster via either longer control arms or geometry correction brackets will help keep the Jeep in a straight line a little better, reduce bump steer and help to mitigate wind drift.

Yes - mine were a bit loose on my 2020
Yes - At least one member here found that nut loose, and thus the pitman arm as well
And yes, these tend to sit on the low side of caster spec. A bit more can add some feel to the steering.

 

[Stitchedupseats]

I’m running the apex 2.5 ton steering kit, fox ATS damper. Mid arm RK lift 4.5” and my steering feels terrible still to me. The sector brace is only thing left to try. Then I’ll just have to order the crate 60/80 axles and 392. That’s the only option I guess. Dang.

 

[Lunentucker]

Get a Fox ATS steering stabilizer and set it to full stiff. Or run 2 aftermarket steering stabilizers.

Things that make you go
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ng-stabilizer-brand-new-never-used-100.31962/

 

[Bjeepz]

I ran the Falcon adjustable stabilizer on my last Mojave, when set to firm it tightened up the steering feel quite a bit. So much so that for daily driving it was too much for me, I set it at medium and left it there. On the new Mojave I run the Falcon 1.1 non adjustable stabilizer, it feels very similar to the adjustable set to medium. The Fox adjustable has a crazy number of settings to choose from leading me to think it would be a better choice to set the feel to your and your new drivers best interest.

 

[JonMN]

Another fan of the Fox ATS 2.0 here. The car I replaced with my JT had adjustable steering, and I liked a stiffer feel. The Fox is an easy install and very happy with the result (but kind of pricey).

 

[bill61]

I found the Fox 2.0 ATS on the jungle site for $100 cheaper than everyone else. I was going to spend my money at Northridge4x4 until I saw the jungle site price. I’m not sure if they still have it at that price two months later. though.


Nope. Just looked ($409).

 

[Mad Mac]

Also the human factor.
When I was teaching
my grand-daughter to drive,
she was over controlling.
I told her to drive with one hand.
Amazing how the vehicle calmed down.
Then she understood what I meant.

 

[StevieY1]

Thanks to the genui on this site I have the Synergy sector shaft brace on order from Northridge and awaiting the amazon delivery of the Yeti XD draglink with Griffin attentuator. Can't wait to get these installed...AND Yes I did also order the Yeti steering damper relocation bracket! Such good advice here!

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