Installed beadlocks, now steering wandering - fix?

[joetimmons]

What trackbar are you running?

When you push the tires outboard, they have a longer moment arm and the larger forces they generate back-feed into the steering system from rolling resistance, bumps, road crown, wind side load, etc. IMO, the trackbar (and it's mounts) is one of the components that takes the brunt of these loads. If the bushings, mounts or the bar itself flexes and allows the axle to move laterally, the stationary draglink (assuming you hold the steering straight) pushes and pulls on the knuckle, which inputs a steering angle change.

XR stock at the moment , MC HD steering kit on order

Sponsored

 

[roaniecowpony]

XR stock at the moment , MC HD steering kit on order

While I like the HD steering kit and have it on my JL, and I think you will benefit from its strength when wheeling, it may not help your current wandering issue. IMO, you would benefit from a stiffer trackbar with harder bushings. BTW, the OEM tierod, draglink, and trackbar are all manufactured with staked on ends, which are more likely to work loose than a threaded end like the MC stuff.

 

[joetimmons]

While I like the HD steering kit and have it on my JL, and I think you will benefit from its strength when wheeling, it may not help your current wandering issue. IMO, you would benefit from a stiffer trackbar with harder bushings. BTW, the OEM tierod, draglink, and trackbar are all manufactured with staked on ends, which are more likely to work loose than a threaded end like the MC stuff.

Yeah after I throw on the MC steering kit and game changer kit (+Front & Rear Durotrak™ Track Bars) + proper alignment of geometry etc I am hoping I am g2g.

I may throw on a PSC hydro steer too

 

[roaniecowpony]

Yeah after I throw on the MC steering kit and game changer kit (+Front & Rear Durotrak™ Track Bars) + proper alignment of geometry etc I am hoping I am g2g.

I may throw on a PSC hydro steer too

I'm on 37s and not had reason for the PSC kit so far.

 

[joetimmons]

I'm on 37s and not had reason for the PSC kit so far.

I just like to burn $

 

[joetimmons]

Update: still wandering like crazy, & I am still curious about the technical reason vs the variables that I changed that have thrown the JLs steering way off,

Doing a side-by-side I changed 3 variables
1. Weight (+9lbs with new rims each)
2. Dimension (new rims are 1inch wider 17x9 vs x8)
3. The obvious one is going from a +12mm offset to -38mm, ~3.5bs @ 1.97" away from the frame for each tire.

Out of those 3 variables which one caused the wandering or is it the combo of all 3? I see a lot of suggestions on caster angle but keep in mind I still have bone stock XR Rubi and everything else so there isn't much I can do aside from lowering tire pressure to try to help - is there anything that can be done with the bone stock config to fix this or do I require additional $$$ and parts to have normal steering back?

 

[hoag4147]

Update: still wandering like crazy, & I am still curious about the technical reason vs the variables that I changed that have thrown the JLs steering way off,

Doing a side-by-side I changed 3 variables
1. Weight (+9lbs with new rims each)
2. Dimension (new rims are 1inch wider 17x9 vs x8)
3. The obvious one is going from a +12mm offset to -38mm, ~3.5bs @ 1.97" away from the frame for each tire.

Out of those 3 variables which one caused the wandering or is it the combo of all 3? I see a lot of suggestions on caster angle but keep in mind I still have bone stock XR Rubi and everything else so there isn't much I can do aside from lowering tire pressure to try to help - is there anything that can be done with the bone stock config to fix this or do I require additional $$$ and parts to have normal steering back?

What is your tire pressure?

 

[Roky]

Update: still wandering like crazy, & I am still curious about the technical reason vs the variables that I changed that have thrown the JLs steering way off,

Doing a side-by-side I changed 3 variables
1. Weight (+9lbs with new rims each)
2. Dimension (new rims are 1inch wider 17x9 vs x8)
3. The obvious one is going from a +12mm offset to -38mm, ~3.5bs @ 1.97" away from the frame for each tire.

Out of those 3 variables which one caused the wandering or is it the combo of all 3? I see a lot of suggestions on caster angle but keep in mind I still have bone stock XR Rubi and everything else so there isn't much I can do aside from lowering tire pressure to try to help - is there anything that can be done with the bone stock config to fix this or do I require additional $$$ and parts to have normal steering back?

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ow-steering-wandering-fix.113521/post-2359027

 

[joetimmons]

What is your tire pressure?

38

 

[joetimmons]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ow-steering-wandering-fix.113521/post-2359027

Was hoping could do it without net new parts (that I dont have yet) but I think you are right

 

[hoag4147]

38

For a quick test, set them at 30-32 and give it a drive. You will get a TPMS warning without a programmer but no issue. But agree with @Roky on LCAs.

 

[Headbarcode]

38

38psi is too high. What size tires? 32psi or under is where they should be, for a happy middle ground of good tire wear without being too mushy. The lower pressure will help lessen the wandering, but a higher caster angle is the real ticket.

 

[hoag4147]

38psi is too high. What size tires? 32psi or under is where they should be, for a happy middle ground of good tire wear without being too mushy. The lower pressure will help lessen the wandering, but a higher caster angle is the real ticket.

He has the 315s from the XR. What did you run your 35s at? I know that was FOREVER ago ?

 

[Jtclayton612]

He has the 315s from the XR. What did you run your 35s at? I know that was FOREVER ago ?

Without seeing the load rating at X psi I would guess 30ish psi will probably be best

 

[joetimmons]

38psi is too high. What size tires? 32psi or under is where they should be, for a happy middle ground of good tire wear without being too mushy. The lower pressure will help lessen the wandering, but a higher caster angle is the real ticket.

Just aired down to 32. thx!

Sponsored