Lean after wheeling

[Dkilduff87]

So I brought my 2018 JLU wheeling two weeks ago. Everything went without a hitch. I've got a stock sport. My question revolves around the following scenario.

After wheeling I wanted to see just how far up a boulder I can get without my tires coming off the ground. I pulled my front passenger wheel onto an 18 inch tall boulder. Had no problem. I left it there for a bit so I could look at it from all angles. I was quite impressed.
However, now, I notice that the passenger side seems about an inch low. Did I twist the frame by letting it sit there or is that slight lean normal? I understand the gas tank and battery may be contributing to the lean. Is there something that I should have done before doing this maneuver?

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[Headbarcode]

Did you have the front sway bar disconnected?

 

[Deke]

Did you disconnect your sway bar before flexing on the boulder? Most do so they get more articulation but 18" is pretty good if you didn't disco anything.
As for the lean, how much we talking? Can you measure the corners and find the difference? The pass side usually gets a stiffer spring to compensate for the fuel tank and battery so it's never truly level... well once per tank it will be.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

You didn't bend the frame climbing up onto an 18" rock. Check struts and springs and go from there.

 

[Gunfighter]

Is your gas tank full? The slight lean may have always been there and you just are noticing it. It's normal, especially if there is nobody in the drivers side seats.

 

[Dkilduff87]

Did you have the front sway bar disconnected?

No. Forgive me for my noobness but my girl is stock and I do not believe it has quick disconnects. Is this something that should always be detached to off-road?

 

[Rsarffs]

Check rear upper spring perch... seen the welds break causing perch to shift upward.

 

[Headbarcode]

No. Forgive me for my noobness but my girl is stock and I do not believe it has quick disconnects. Is this something that should always be detached to off-road?

Nothing to forgive. I still consider myself a green horn to offroading. We all have to start somewhere.

A lot of guys without quick disconnects carry a couple of wrenches and zip ties to unbolt the lower sway links and tie them off to the sway bar before hitting the trail. Disconnecting them will increase the amount of axle articulation, while also making the overall ride more comfortable. I'm wondering if you might have a bent front passenger sway link, which is now pulling that side down. They shouldn't bend so easily, but it was the 1st thing that popped to mind, which is why I wanted to ask if they were disconnected.

Hopefully it's something simple. And welcome to the community!

 

[Dkilduff87]

Check rear upper spring perch... seen the welds break causing perch to shift upward.

Everything underneath looks sound. Nothing broken, or bent in a way that doesn't match the other side. The lower tie rods both have identical bends at two points. So I'm gonna guess they are good. No way they both bent the exact amount in the exact places.

 

[Dkilduff87]

Nothing to forgive. I still consider myself a green horn to offroading. We all have to start somewhere.

A lot of guys without quick disconnects carry a couple of wrenches and zip ties to unbolt the lower sway links and tie them off to the sway bar before hitting the trail. Disconnecting them will increase the amount of axle articulation, while also making the overall ride more comfortable. I'm wondering if you might have a bent front passenger sway link, which is now pulling that side down. They shouldn't bend so easily, but it was the 1st thing that popped to mind, which is why I wanted to ask if they were disconnected.

Hopefully it's something simple. And welcome to the community!

I will keep that in mind for future ventures. Is it just the lower tie rods that should be disconnected?

 

[GATORB8]

I will keep that in mind for future ventures. Is it just the lower tie rods that should be disconnected?

I'm sure you mean sway bar end links, but definitely don't unbolt your tie rod ends.

 

[BDinTX]

Make your passengers sit behind you to help level it back out. Faster results if they are more... "rotund".

 

[Dkilduff87]

I'm sure you mean sway bar end links, but definitely don't unbolt your tie rod ends.

Wow. Yeah. How'd I'd mix that one up?

 

[Headbarcode]

I will keep that in mind for future ventures. Is it just the lower tie rods that should be disconnected?

I'm sure you mean sway bar end links, but definitely don't unbolt your tie rod ends.

Yeah, this ^^^. ?

 

[ZigZag]

Did you read the manual? It clearly states that the maximum size boulder you can put your front driver tire on is 17". After that there is no telling what you might have messed up. Not covered under warranty!

16.9" = OK
17.1" = you are screwed!

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