Steering Problems

[rjmax]

My '88 YJ with 4 in lift and 33's is having a problem with the steering. It seems to have some play in it but only when I hit bumps or turn hard. I have looked at the tie rod ends and they look fine. I did notice though that when I turn, my drag link (attached to tie rod not the knuckle like on CJ's) causes my tie rod to twist. I am thinking this is where my "play" is coming from (see pics). What can I do to eliminate this? Thoughts??? Do I need a different pitman arm?

[love24wheel]

Just about every YJ Ive seen with stock steering does this.. you can try to replace your TRE's, but Im not sure it would do any good.
Scott

[dcafaro7]

Try tightening your steering gear in the box under your frame cover (the palstic thing that says Jeep on the front bumper). Back the outer lock nut out some and use a hex key and tighten the bolt a little at a time. Each time make sure you tighten down the lcok nut. I had rbig "floating" problems with mine and did this and it much better. Carefull not to overtighten the hex bolt though. WHen you tighten the lock nut you need to hold the hex bolt still while you tighten it down.

[butch6924]

That rotation is normal. It's necessary for when the steering reaches its outer limits the rod must have some movement to accomodate it's forward to back movement relative to the vertical plane parellel to the axle and the somwhat diaganol plane associated with your knuckle's camber angle.

[87yjer]

Did this start after you lifted your jeep? Since you lifted your jeep, what is the angle on the drag link? You want the drag link to be as close to parrallel to the road as possible. The more the angle-the more bumpsteer you have when a front tire hits a pot hole or some other kind of bump in the road. If so, you are right, dropped pitman arm. usually 4 inches works good. :usflag: