Topic: A question about steering.

[BigCarl]

I just installed a 4" Rough Country on my YJ. The story is, she has been sitting for about 6 years and I have gone all out. Replaced the engine and tranny, new motor mounts and I am in the process of doing the body mounts today.

Well, last night I figured I would ball park the alignment of the steering so that I could drive her to an alignment shop. I have replaced all the front Tie Rods and Ends. I centered the steering wheel last night, centered the wheels and adjusted the steering rod.

If I turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, the steering wheel will lock out when the wheels lock out. If I turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, the wheels lock out about 1/4 turn before the steering wheel does (The steering wheel will have about 1/4 turn or so of play).

I have tried turning the wheels and steering wheel all the way to the left and aligning like that and I will have play on the other end.

My method of centering the steering is:
Turn the steering wheel from left to right and back and count the turns (I think it was 3-3/4 turns) half that and the wheel is centered (Jeep emblem is straight up and down at this point, so that is good.
Center the front wheels and adjust the steering link.
Common sense tells me that this would have the wheels centered... but turn right and the wheels and steering lock out, turn left, wheels lock out and the steering wheel will have play.
I have looked for anything causing bind and there is nothing.
Common sense tells we that this is an issue at the wheels and not the steering box. Nothing is bent, so I am having difficulty wrapping my head around this one.

My wheels are straight at the front with the linkage that goes from wheel to wheel.

At this time, I have removed the steering stabilizer (shock) a new one is on order. But I don't believe that would have anything to do with left and right lock outs of the wheels and steering.

Anyone have any ideas why this isn't working for me?


To add, my YJ is a 94 and I have taken a steering box out of a 92. Just throwing everything out that I did in the event something will make a difference.

Thanks.

[Jeffy]

Is the pitman arm straight when the wheels are straight?  Is the pitman arm straight with the steering wheel straight?  I'm going to guess, either the pitman arm is not straight or the steering wheel isn't centered in which case the pitman arm isn't straight.

[Jeffy]

Also with the lift, are you using the front track bar extension mount?  If not your axle will be pushed off center by the short track bar.  Otherwise just disconnect the front track bar and the axle will center itself under the frame.

[BigCarl]

Here is the kicker.

Both the steering wheel and pitman arm are straight on with each other. The pitman arm is parallel with the frame of the vehicle. The 'Jeep' is correctly displayed and horizontal to the ground.

At this time, I have neither the front or the read track bars in place.

This is really screwing with my head. It doesn't make sense.

[sharpxmen]

Here is the kicker.

Both the steering wheel and pitman arm are straight on with each other. The pitman arm is parallel with the frame of the vehicle. The 'Jeep' is correctly displayed and horizontal to the ground.

At this time, I have neither the front or the read track bars in place.

This is really screwing with my head. It doesn't make sense.

so when you drive straight is the steering wheel centered?

if yes then the trackbar relocation bracket might help (like Jeffy said) but other than the only other thing i can think of would be a hi-steer solution

the other thing to look at is if at full travel the wheel that does not get to the limiter is at less steering angle than the other one - if it's the same or more then you'll need to adjust the stops.

[countrymusic1993]

I just had the same problem with my 4in rc lift on mine one of the tie rod adjuster sleeve clamp bolts was hitting the leaf spring stoping turning.  I had to loosen it and turn it up out of the way.

[BigCarl]

Spent 2 more hours trying to figure out this thing again. The right (passenger side) spindle is locking out ir hitting against the knuckle before the left (drivers side) is hitting against the knuckle.

I have adjusted the rods now, so there is an even amount of play between them at the ends. (Neither wheel locks out, but there is play in the steering box/wheel at the end when the wheels both lock out. (About 1/8" movement till the box locks out.)

I figure that if I take this in to alignment shop, the should be able to adjust the toe in so that the wheels lock out when the steering box does. (Wheels are, to the best of the judgement of my eyes, parallel to the sides of the vehicle.)

To add to this, I have taken the Steering box and large tie rod (the one that is parallel to the ground and links the front wheels together) out of a 1992 YJ and installed them into my 1994.

Stupid question and I am sure I know the answer, but, do the spindles on a 1994 Yj have a smaller turning radius (or arc) then the spindles on a 1992 Yj?

[sharpxmen]

Stupid question and I am sure I know the answer, but, do the spindles on a 1994 Yj have a smaller turning radius (or arc) then the spindles on a 1992 Yj?

I think they're the same so the answer should be no (pretty sure there are no differences between 92 and 94). The only one that was different as far as i know was the Renegade but not sure what years that was in production.

[BigCarl]

I switched out both my steering shaft and steering column with ones from a parts Jeep that I have and it seems to have corrected the alignment issues. But the shaft and the column both had a considerable amount of play in them (Reading the forums I had read that there was going to be some play in the wheel, but this was a little more than should have been.)

I am going to need a new shaft soon as this one is starting to bug out.

Thank you for the help, seems like it was me that was taking this in the wrong direction.

[jagular7]

Put in steering stops and work from there. The stops are designed to keep the caliper of the knuckle, keep the ujoint from binding in the axle yokes, keep the tires off the suspension components, and over rotating the steering box. With properly adjusted steering stops, you can also install a steering stabilizer with proper length travel.

I replaced my stock steering stops with gr 8 bolt (fine thread) and nut. I had to adjust the steering when I installed the wheel spacers for a tighter turning radius. I still use a stock travel stabilizer, have 3.75" bs wheels and 2" wheel spacers. Depending on the axle articulation, my tires are full steer lock will rub the lower control arm, sway bar (disconnected from axle), steering box bolt head, and coil tower. This is on a 2" lift TJ.