Topic: wheel rub on a tj need help

[frosty]

I have a 98 tj se that originally had 215 tires on it and it was in a small fender bender and everything was supposedly fixed.  I later added aluminum wheels off of a 99 cherokee and put 225 75 r15 tires on it with no problems.  I then bought 235 75 r15s for it and when I turn the steering all the way to the right there is slight rubbing on the lower  passenger side control arm.  There is no rubbing on the driverside when I turn the steering to the left.  The difference in spacing between the tires and the control arms when the wheel is turned is about 3/4 of an inch.  Now if the frame is bent it shouldnt matter since the axle is independent of it right?  The truck looks straight and drives fine.  What is going on?  And how can it be fixed, Please help

Billy

[SMC4WD]

http://www.ronmorrisperformance.com/01hot_new/Steering_Stop_pict_8.jpg

I looked everywhere for a pic and this one has nothing to do with your Jeep...  But...

The lower part of your front steering knuckle has a bump stop.  This helps (and hurts) your turning radius.  Take a look at that.  At full turn, see how close that is to hitting (or not hitting) its point on the axle itself.  

Two things to remember.  The drivers side bump stop controls how far the back of the passenger tire goes in, and vise versa.  And...  If you unscrew it from the knuckle, the thinnest washer around will make a big difference to the wheel.

[frosty]

I checked those bump stops and both of them are hitting and the one wheel still slightly rubs.  i love my jeep and this really bothers me any other ideas

[chrisfranklin]

Probably doesn't answer your question, but I had tire rub in the front when I went up just to "235/75/15 Bridgestone Revos."  I too am using stock 15" wheels (Jeep Steel wheels, 94 YJ).  I had done some homework on the subject before purchasing these 29" inch tires for my YJ -- JP magazine had a chart which stated that 29" would fit with no modifications on a YJ (30's and 31's would require TJ flares and or modest lift).  JP didn't mention the issue of tire contact with the suspension under tight turns with 29s :evil:

To fix the problem, I didn't mess with the bumpstops (didn't know about them).  Instead, I bought 1.25 inch aluminum spacers for each wheel -- can get them for 100 bucks + shipping for 4 on "a certain auction site" from the various fabricators out there (these guys actually do nice quality work from what I've seen). These spacers fixed the problem and gave my rig a slightly wider stance, which was nice.  Have been very pleased.

But, I know that if you are using stock rims and go to very conservatively-sized 235/75/15s on a YJ, you are likely going to have rub.  May be the same deal for your TJ using 235/75/15s

[frosty]

did it just rub on one side or both sides.  Someone told me once that the suspension is never 100% equal and that one side may turn more than the other

[Jeffy]

The problem is with your wheel backspacing.  The simple fix is to turn your steering stops out.  Not your Bumpstops.  The steering stops are on the lower part of the outer knuckle.  You'll see a bolt with a nut welded to it right behind the front tires.  There is one on each side.  Turning one side out will effect the opposite side.  Add some washers behind the nut so it doesn't back out.

[chrisfranklin]

Yeah, but Jeffy, you start messing with bump, i mean "steer" stops then your turning radius is going to suffer, right?  Right now, mine still turns tight like a small car 'cause I haven't messed with the stops.

[Jeffy]

Yeah, but Jeffy, you start messing with bump, i mean "steer" stops then your turning radius is going to suffer, right?  Right now, mine still turns tight like a small car 'cause I haven't messed with the stops.

Not enough for you to really notice.  How many times do you use full lock?

[chrisfranklin]

Every day in the "Parking Lot" that is L.A.  

[frosty]

I located the steering stops and it looks easy enough.  Is this normal for one side to turn more than the other?  If its an actual defect that is causing this problem I would like to fix it.

[Jeffy]

I located the steering stops and it looks easy enough.  Is this normal for one side to turn more than the other?  If its an actual defect that is causing this problem I would like to fix it.

Yes, it's unlikely to find one that isn't slightly off.

[Jeffy]

Every day in the "Parking Lot" that is L.A.  

What are you doing, U-turns all day?  In any case, I'm sure you wouldn't notice an inch.

[frosty]

I only do u turns in the snow in a empty parking lot.   I guess I will go buy a washer.  Thanks for the help

[chrisfranklin]

What are you doing, U-turns all day

U-Turns, sometimes backing up and turning, sometimes entering/exiting parking lots/parking spaces, cranking it to park on the street, tight switchbacks on trails, getting around other trucks on one lane trails, oh great dry one.  Yes, full lock! I know, I know, am awaiting your retort about nobody going full-lock that much -- well maybe only in NYC and LA  

What are you doing, driving in straight lines and getting onboard friends to lean left when you want to steer a little right?

Could I have gone with adjusting the steering stops and been ok? Sure. But, making the tight turns like stock is nice, I gotta admit. :D

[SMC4WD]

Chris...   your asking for a hard time

Why can't you just gun it and wipe your rear end around with the sheer power the the 2.5L  is so famous for?  Imagine sitting there in the Ralph's parking lot...  waiting for that Oldsmobile Bravada to back out...  And once it's clear, LIGHT 'EM UP!  Get that rear end swinging around to the side and bingo, parking and looking good!!

I can guess this technique can work at the airport, gas stations and especially good for quick in and out's at the liquor store!