Installed beadlocks, now steering wandering - fix?

[joetimmons]

Wonder if a sector shaft brace would help, dude in this video describes the feeling exactly on his rubicon

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[CaJLMetalHead]

Wonder if a sector shaft brace would help, dude in this video describes the feeling exactly on his rubicon

Are you planning on upgrading to a stronger Steering box.. like PSC?.. that brace I don't believe would work with PSC.. but it is still a valid kit to use on a JL... as the steering box moves.. especially the Aluminum one..

 

[Crowbar]

You moved each wheel out by 3.25" inches. That's what's ruined your steering and your ball joints will be destroyed in a year. 37s won't help you. Try -6mm offset at most. +12mm is better if you can find wheels in it.

I've run 3.5" backspace wheels with 37s for years and no issue. Tracks straight down the road at 80mph with 2 fingers on the wheel. Caster is set to 6.2 degrees and RPM tie rod, drag link, track bar, and Falcon stabilizer. No issue with ball joints.

 

[Crowbar]

Does nobody on the JL Forum run -38mm / 3.5" backspace? Didn't realize it was such a purple squirrel config haha

Was hoping once I get the adjustable arms I can re dial the caster in as mentioned above...

Ran 3.5" backspace and 37s for years. Caster set to 6.2 degrees. RPM tie rod, drag link, track bar and Falcon stabilizer. 80 mph with 2 fingers on the wheel. No issue with ball joints.

 

[joetimmons]

I've run 3.5" backspace wheels with 37s for years and no issue. Tracks straight down the road at 80mph with 2 fingers on the wheel. Caster is set to 6.2 degrees and RPM tie rod, drag link, track bar, and Falcon stabilizer. No issue with ball joints.

What tires?

 

[Crowbar]

Still have but my current plan would be to swap back to them if I cant mitigate the wandering in the meantime with either tire pressure / alignment.

I am doubting I can make much headway until I get my MC LIft / HD steering upgrades on which will be a few more weeks from now so as much as I hate to I will prob sell the KMCs and throw OEM back on and if I do buy another different set of rims go with 0 offset.

Your wheels are not the source of your problem. Plenty of people in my jeep group run 3.5" backspace. Its almost like a standard backspace for beadlocks. Fix your castor, beef up your steering, and adjust your tire pressure down if need be.

 

[Crowbar]

What tires?

37" Nitto Ridge Grapplers

 

[Crowbar]

Are you planning on upgrading to a stronger Steering box.. like PSC?.. that brace I don't believe would work with PSC.. but it is still a valid kit to use on a JL... as the steering box moves.. especially the Aluminum one..

Fix your caster first and drop your tire pressure down if too high

 

[drtrdr85]

Does nobody on the JL Forum run -38mm / 3.5" backspace? Didn't realize it was such a purple squirrel config haha

Was hoping once I get the adjustable arms I can re dial the caster in as mentioned above...

I ran that on my rig before upgrading the axels. I had no issues. Yes it puts more wear on the steering and ball joints but many people run that set up.

 

[GATORB8]

I ran that on my rig before upgrading the axels. I had no issues. Yes it puts more wear on the steering and ball joints but many people run that set up.

@joetimmons Reminder, we’re talking about “more wear” on a part of a toy we hit on rocks for fun. Breaking a Jeep is just an excuse to upgrade.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

Yeah, if you’re going to lift it, make sure you set caster to 6-6.5 degrees……should eliminate wandering……

6.5 degrees! I thought that the most should be about 6*, but they say every jeep is different. My stock JLUR is at 5.8* and I've been playing with the idea of adding LCA's, but thought it would be too much caster. Maybe I should just bite the bullet...

 

[Roky]

6.5 degrees! I thought that the most should be about 6*, but they say every jeep is different. My stock JLUR is at 5.8* and I've been playing with the idea of adding LCA's, but thought it would be too much caster. Maybe I should just bite the bullet...

Since the front driveshaft doesn’t spin in 2 WD courtesy of the FAD (excluding 392) you don’t have to worry about too much caster for fear of driveline vibration. You may have some vibration in 4WD at 50+ but how often does that happen and it’s not teeth loosening, barely noticeable….. I mean don’t go crazy with it but run a little more see how you like it…. Best part about it, it’s not irreversible…….

 

[Floriduramax3.0]

Wonder if a sector shaft brace would help, dude in this video describes the feeling exactly on his rubicon

I have this brace on my RNR box and ram assist. I hear PSC now has a kit for the diesel. I love the PSC on my JKU.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Running 35" KO2s, installed KMC 17" bead locks with -38mm offset (first mod ever to brand new JL) now I am getting the distinct feeling of the steering wandering (not severe but def noticeable) left right left strongest at 50+ mph.

What's the best remedy here? I already have a MetalCloak HD Steering System + Rocksport Steering Stabilizer on order is that what will restore tight steering or if money was no object should I go nuts up to hydro PSC?

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.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Just remember if this is the worst problem you have you're lucky. Easy to swap wheels, a bit of money is nothing compared to issues involving human lives. I always try to keep Jeep issues in perspective. My personal vote is you upgrade to 44 inch tires though now ?

Watching other people spending money is almost as much fun as spending it myself.

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