Baystate Jeepers

Anyone around the area (Marlborough) that is tech savy and can look at my TJ... that would be helpful!

The steering feels odd when turning left. New steering box installed last year. I can't pin point the problem.

I can't really bring it to a shop since the hubby works the opposite shift as me.

.... I also believe I need to replace my front brakes, but I don't see how that could be connected.

Can you give more details regarding "feels odd"?

Almost "loose" I guess, but not new steering box loose.

Only photos I have with me right now..

That is the drag link, and the (bottom photo) shows the grey track bar. The track bar could have a worn or funky bushing on either end. The drag link could be the culprit, though, it does look a bit like death.

I messed up in the message to you aswell! I think I sent you the same photos twice instead of 4 different ones.. darn you photobucket! let me add the other ones as well Then you can see BOTH the track bar AND the drag link.

Your draglink and tie rod look like they have excess angle (from your lift), which can lead to premature wear. Although I have a mix of GM/YJ & CJ components in my front high pinion axle, I used the Goferit flip kit on my CJ knuckles which worked very well. The tie rod operates at the correct angle and is out of harms way. You simply drill the knuckle to 3/4", insert the sleeve, burn it in, and install the tie rod (which will need it's own sleeve).

In the case of a TJ, your toe changes slightly when you hit bumps and having better angles will lower bumkp steer and get your tie rod angle more in line with your track bar.

For starters, it looks like the boot on the drag link TRE is pretty well trashed. Much like Joe said, the angles in your steering are likely the root cause of this. Ideally, at ride height, your track bar and drag link will be very close to parallel. I would recommend a raised track bar bracket for the axle and flipping the drag link per Joe-man-candy.

It is tough to track down steering issues when tie rod ends are in bad shape. Just the slop in those can cause some flighty steering. It's important to consider why those TRE's are bad in the first place. In this case it appears the static height geometry is the problem.

TJ's steering isn't suppose to be junk?

Sorry mine's had a dancing issue for 3 years now and every time I take it somewhere they say its fixed and I usually don't get it home before it dances again. I've given up and dance along with it!

You should probably find a new shop.

ArticRubi wrote:You should probably find a new shop.

I'm on my third, right now funding doesn't allow me to fix my Jeep, but it does have a date with my bf for brakes so he may be up for a little more.

errr... anyone want to help a lady out and take a look/help me pin point the problem? anyone drives by Marlborough area or somewhat close (like 20 minutes?)

Mike- I know you offered, but, you are almost 1 hour away! (jeep speed)

My hubby works 2nd shift and I only really "see" him on Fridays (his only day off).

I could come up with an work related reason to take a trip down to the Suds most any day at lunch.
We could look at the Heep then in the parking lot.

Let me know what day would work for you.

7-225-1135

Sweet! Anyday works for me, but, Friday is my day off and I will be at home (3 miles away).
I will give you a holler at some point today

Kurt...YOU DA MAAAAAN!!!

Put some power steering fluid in... we shall see!!