Steering Questions

[Doobie]

I installed a RE SF 4.5" kit and some 33x1250R15 KM2s on 15x10 wheels.

The suspension is all fine and dandy, I just am concerned about the steering.

For some reason, I will hear a poping sound every now and then when I turn. Doesn't matter which direction, what speed or anything.

I Haven't found anything wrong with any of the linkage, any of the tie rods, the ball joints are new, and the allignment is perfect. I suspect it is in the steering colum itself, or somewhere around there.

Any thoughts?

Also, I want to know how strong the steering is on my XJ. If I turn into a rock and drive up it, will the rods snap?

[60Driver]

Lot's of info around on this if you search but general consensus is that XJ steering needs to be upgraded when you go to bigger tires. Popular upgrade is WJ knuckles and tierod from JY. With the WJ knuckles you can run bigger brakes up front unless I'm completely mistaken. I know someone more knowledgable than me will probably correct me. Also might want to look at getting a steering gear box out of a 98 or 99 durango 4x4 without the snow plow package. It's a direct bolt on replacement and is much beefier. Lots of writeups on how to do that one too. I did it, I love it. I got a SGB for $40 from a JY and it's one of my favorite upgrades. While you're changing that out you might as well head over to C-ROK and get their "frame" brace kit. The part of the frame where the SGB bolts on is susceptible to wearing out and physically breaking. There's probably a lot more you can do, I've heard about over the knuckle steering (OTK) a lot but haven't done enough research on it to be knowledgable about it.

[muddeprived]

Get under there and check the t-bar when someone turns it back and forth. If you installed a t-bar, it's likely the bolt is probably loose and popped back and forth when you turn.

I suggest anyone with 33's at least upgrade the tie rod and rod ends. It strengthens the alignment and keeps the tires firmly planted in the direction they are rolling. A tiny tie rod tube like the stock one can easily wobble in and out when hitting bumps. Just grab the stock one and pull, you'll notice how easily and weak it is. Andy at IronMan4x4 has a nice cheap BIG tie rod that uses Dodge style rod ends and it is bolt in. It's a nice upgrade. The ZJ tie rod is also a beefier alternative.

[Doobie]

thanks guys. I went and replaces my SGB already with a PSC heavy duty one. My stock one went ca-put.

The track bar was tight and not moving when I looked at it the first time, but I will take another look.

I will look into new tie rods and steering linkage.

[4.3L XJ]

Another area of concern with larger tires is the steering box mount. If you snag something with the outside edge of the passenger tire it can tear the steering box loose by pulling the bolts through the frame. The fix for this is a simple plate on the other side which can also be your front bumper mount too or vise versa. There are also steering box braces that go across the frame too that can be bought from our vendors.

[60Driver]

Oh another thing I made sure to do when I added the steering box reenforcement was to use Grade 8 bolts. I don't believe the stock bolts for the steering box are Grade 8. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I read it somewhere else before I did my upgrade so I made sure to do it.

[4.3L XJ]

Grade 8 is OK, but not necessary. The ears on the box are cast iron. They will fail before a grade 5 bolt will.

[Doobie]

thank ya'll so much for all the help. I will have to go through in an reinforce all the steering. Don't need anything breaking on me:-)