Exactly how I feel about it. Mines driving so good I'd hate to compromise the drive.
Except that that's the core issue of why an IFS will almost always handle better so it has to be about the steering system. Generally speaking, a steering box setup can't fit on an IFS because the arms moving independently will damage tie rod and you can't have a rack and pinion on a solid axle because the axle articulation would destroy the rack. This is a fundamental difference between the two.
Maybe “handing” is a misspeak. My truck “handles” just fine, conventionally speaking. But bump steer is still present, the ride is harsher than an IFS equivalent, and a rack and pinion is still far more precise. I have an IfS Cherokee and it’s a far more pleasant drive on the road.
Make sure they just didn't replace the old box with the exact same box....as they did on my Gladiator.
Seriously? That's brutal.
I hear ya man, I test drove TWO different JT's that had the worst steering I had ever experienced...literally dangerous. I custom ordered my JT and was sweating the whole time that I would get a crap steering box, but as it turns out mine is perfect. If ANYONE has loose steering with a massive dead spot you should NOT be living with it. It's not normal, it's NOT 'a Jeep thing'.
Mine is going in this week to be checked. I have a definite "wander" going on. Hoping to not have an issue with the Service department, but we shall see.I’ve had a 2013 JK, a 2017 JKUR, and this new gladiator. I’m well versed in the handling of solid axle vehicles. The gladiator’s steering is horrible from the factory. Mine had a significant deadzone, and constantly pulled to the right.
I dropped my Jt at the dealer with a 3.5” lift, including control arms, and 37s. Originally the TSB says to just replace it upon complaint, but that’s either updated or it didn’t happen. They test drove mine, and also noticed the pull. They inspected the suspension on the rack and did not notice any problems. They confirmed the steering box sucked, and replaced it: box, bolts, software, and fluid. The tech stated the pull was gone.
As soon as I got inside and before I turned on the ignition, I could feel the deadzone was gone. Not rack and pinion gone, but exactly as I remember it from my JK. Driving home was simply amazing. No pull, no deadzone. I still had to make corrections as a solid axle will require, but the pull is definitely gone.
If you haven’t done this yet— do it. If you think “eh I can live with it, it’s not that bad”— do it. It’s a hassle to ever deal with a dealership service department, but man, what an upgrade. The gladiator driving experience was always meant to be this way and I’m extremely happy with the results.
Unrelated pics just to have pics.
Do tell! I want to hear THIS story...
I picked up the truck after the tsb was performed and they replaced the steering gear with the exact same steering gear. I didn’t notice it until a few days later when I peeled back the wheel well. I looked at the gear and it wasn’t the right color nor was it the correct part number. The dealership had no rationale explanation as to why they replaced the steering gear with the same damn one. The proper gear came in today and I’m scheduled for install next Friday.
Not excusing them but I definitely reinstalled a part by accident at one point or another during my wrenching years. I always caught myself and never had one leave that way but I can see how someone would accidentally grab the wrong part if they didn't realize the two are totally different in appearance. You get paid by the job and warranty work is always a huge rush.
