Return of Steering Challenges

[NPE102414]

I think I was misunderstood. I was just trying to say that I didnt understand why the new track bar was causing steering to be worse. No bracket used, was on factory mounts.

Also, I am not chasing what isnt possible, I am chasing what I had when PSC and Steering stabilizer was first installed. That was ruined by either track bar or caster of +6.1 on a stock JLUR. PSC suggested that initially, now are saying +5.

I meant initially, what were you chasing? What was the problem? Their probably saying +5 because that’s factory caster range on the Rubicon. At this point I would just get any set of adjustable lowers and give that a shot or throw your stock ones back in

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[cosmokenney]

Wow, I thought the $2,400 PSC kit was the end-all.
If it were me I'd make sure everything is torqued correctly especially after the two new parts were installed. I wouldn't torque just the two new parts, but go through everything since you don't know what was removed and put back while installing the new parts.
But, I honestly think that my wandering comes from the rear of the car. I can feel it by the seat of my pants that that's what's going on. I still have yet to get under there and try torquing stuff. But you might start looking at the rear suspension parts.

 

[thadius65]

I meant initially, what were you chasing? What was the problem? Their probably saying +5 because that’s factory caster range on the Rubicon. At this point I would just get any set of adjustable lowers and give that a shot or throw your stock ones back in

I was chasing previous JK steering I experienced, or even solid 2018/2019 JLs. My 2020 JLUR was a mess with 2-3" center play and required continuous adjustments to stay put. The PSC corrected the center play, but was very light due to stock tires and no return to center when coming out of a turn. The Teraflex adjustable stabilizer fixed the lightness, but return to center needed caster..... and so on. It's just trial and error. I almost have it. I think as stated, adjustable lower control arms will allow caster dial in. Stock LCAs only give just above +4.

 

[NPE102414]

I was chasing previous JK steering I experienced, or even solid 2018/2019 JLs. My 2020 JLUR was a mess with 2-3" center play and required continuous adjustments to stay put. The PSC corrected the center play, but was very light due to stock tires and no return to center when coming out of a turn. The Teraflex adjustable stabilizer fixed the lightness, but return to center needed caster..... and so on. It's just trial and error. I almost have it. I think as stated, adjustable lower control arms will allow caster dial in. Stock LCAs only give just above +4.

Rusty’s lowers can be had for $199 ish if I remember correctly. They even have a a provision for the brake line brackets.

 

[NPE102414]

I was chasing previous JK steering I experienced, or even solid 2018/2019 JLs. My 2020 JLUR was a mess with 2-3" center play and required continuous adjustments to stay put. The PSC corrected the center play, but was very light due to stock tires and no return to center when coming out of a turn. The Teraflex adjustable stabilizer fixed the lightness, but return to center needed caster..... and so on. It's just trial and error. I almost have it. I think as stated, adjustable lower control arms will allow caster dial in. Stock LCAs only give just above +4.

How come you didn’t go all the way with a hydraulic assist? I know it’s more money but that was the time to do it.

 

[Deadserial]

Maybe just me, but I don’t understand how a lower caster will solve your problems? I can see how the trackbar could’ve been the culprit. Maybe go through and make sure everything is torqued properly from the suspension swaps. I have a stock sport s on 33s and installed the mopar lift LCAs because I was planning on getting rubicon suspension. Haven’t found a set yet, but my jeep drives so straight and I’m scared to lose that. I probably have caster around 7 degrees too.

 

[thadius65]

How come you didn’t go all the way with a hydraulic assist? I know it’s more money but that was the time to do it.

If you are talking about the addition of the ram port and ability to add ram assist for even larger tires, that was not needed for me. For my beach/mall/light trail needs, the SK500 Overlander kit was all I needed. It made a world of difference and very happy with it. I am only sharing my process and thoughts as I complete the adjustments to get this where it should be. Some are good changes, some are bad and need removed or adjusted. I have this very close!

 

[Pipes]

I was chasing previous JK steering I experienced, or even solid 2018/2019 JLs. My 2020 JLUR was a mess with 2-3" center play and required continuous adjustments to stay put. The PSC corrected the center play, but was very light due to stock tires and no return to center when coming out of a turn. The Teraflex adjustable stabilizer fixed the lightness, but return to center needed caster..... and so on. It's just trial and error. I almost have it. I think as stated, adjustable lower control arms will allow caster dial in. Stock LCAs only give just above +4.

So I'm running the same setup on my 2019 Sahara JLU stock height. 285/65r18 Toyo Open Country AT II and Fuel wheels 18x9.5. I have been running the Teraflex IR adjustable trackbar and Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2. This thread had me thinking and I went back to stock track bar and tested with Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2. Then back to stock steering stabilizer with stock track bar. Then Teraflex IR adjustable track bar with stock stabilizer and determined the ride was much better no matter what stabilizer I used with the Teraflex IR adjustable track bar. Now debating if the Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2 makes much of a difference for me. It does ride the best I think with both Teraflex parts but now debating if its worth the extra money for the Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2? Also thinking about the Synergy setup with Tie Rod and drag link and then going with the relocated Fox stabilizer they suggest. As I don't think the Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2 will work with their setup?

One thing I did notice is when I add the Teraflex IR adjustable track bar the steering wheel moved slightly off center to the left just slightly. Just enough for me to notice. Drives very straight but just thought that was strange. The Trackbars are measured precisely to the same size. Bolted in exactly the same with wheels straight. Obviously the Teraflex is heavier, but thats about the only difference between the two.

 

[Pipes]

The biggest improvement for me was the tire PSI. They had 41 psi from the shop. I went to 35 psi and that was an amazing difference in the ride.

 

[thadius65]

So I'm running the same setup on my 2019 Sahara JLU stock height. 285/65r18 Toyo Open Country AT II and Fuel wheels 18x9.5. I have been running the Teraflex IR adjustable trackbar and Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2. This thread had me thinking and I went back to stock track bar and tested with Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2. Then back to stock steering stabilizer with stock track bar. Then Teraflex IR adjustable track bar with stock stabilizer and determined the ride was much better no matter what stabilizer I used with the Teraflex IR adjustable track bar. Now debating if the Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2 makes much of a difference for me. It does ride the best I think with both Teraflex parts but now debating if its worth the extra money for the Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2? Also thinking about the Synergy setup with Tie Rod and drag link and then going with the relocated Fox stabilizer they suggest. As I don't think the Teraflex adjustable stabilizer 2.2 will work with their setup?

One thing I did notice is when I add the Teraflex IR adjustable track bar the steering wheel moved slightly off center to the left just slightly. Just enough for me to notice. Drives very straight but just thought that was strange. The Trackbars are measured precisely to the same size. Bolted in exactly the same with wheels straight. Obviously the Teraflex is heavier, but thats about the only difference between the two.

I did the PSC first and all else stock. It was way to light for my liking and at highway speeds, the lightest touch equaled two much movement. PSC indicated the reasoning is that the pump was made for 35-40" tires, not necessarily stock 33's like mine. So I added the Falcon 2.2 adjustable trackbar and it saved the day from the feel perspective. Adding the adjustable track bar made more adjustments needed while driving (left to right). No play in the middle, just needed adjustments. With stock, that went away.

I had a major steering wheel alignment issue after returning to stock and took me a while to figure out how to correct, but after I found a video on drag link steering adjustment, all is centered now. (PS - I know enough to be dangerous, so please fact check with those in the know).

 

[thadius65]

The biggest improvement for me was the tire PSI. They had 41 psi from the shop. I went to 35 psi and that was an amazing difference in the ride.

I have been running 33psi from the day I got it home and I like it there.

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