Tie rod and drag link wobble

red84cj7

New member
I took a short video and tried to upload it here but it's not supported so I'll just have to be an adult and use my words.

Long story is, I'm the new owner of a 13 JKUR that has a 3.5" lift. The steering is flighty and was planning on swapping out the dropped pitman arm for a drag link flip but I've spent the last couple days reading the alignment threat and decided to check my caster first. Caster appears to be on point so I was back to DL flip. I grabbed the TR and that thing wobbles like a Weeble. Grabbed the DL and it's the same. I'm not talking just a little wobble, I'm talking 2+ inches of movement. I'm guessing they're not supposed to do that.

Given that, pretty sure I'm in for the DL flip. Question is, for the TR, can I replace just the ends or should I dive in for a whole new TR? I'm sure budget will factor into that answer, but is there anything inherently wrong or weak about the factory TR that will tip the scale one way or the other?

Thanks in advance for the answers.

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QuicksilverJK

Caught the Bug
When you say that they wobble, how do you mean. If it is rotating that you are talking about than it is perfectly normal. If the joint ends have noticeable up and down or side to side that is no good. Always good to do your steering component checks with someone else in the cab rocking the wheel back and fourth.


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MSJKU11

Caught the Bug
You can upload the video to YouTube and share the link here. I'm sure it would be easier to someone to diagnose to see it.

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BaddestCross

Active Member
I don't have a YouTube channel and I don't really want one, but I tried multiple times to create one but keep getting a server error. Any other options to upload a 12 second video?

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If you've got a Google account, you have a YouTube channel. Just go to your YouTube profile page and should be able to upload from there.



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BaddestCross

Active Member
Ok, let's see if this works:

https://youtu.be/q9wS4MBlXqE

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Good job! [emoji482]

That's normal movement.

It looks like you've got a raised track bar... A dropped Pittman arm is shit. Probably need a flipped drag link, but can you take a pic from the front so we can see how the drag link and track bar line up? If they're not parallel, it will cause issues with your steering for sure.



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Build Thread - Adventures of Fiona - https://wayalife.com/showthread.php?t=47407
 

red84cj7

New member
The axle end of the track bar is raised. I took a few different pictures to try to give a good view of the track bar and drag link.
Good job! [emoji482]

That's normal movement.

It looks like you've got a raised track bar... A dropped Pittman arm is shit. Probably need a flipped drag link, but can you take a pic from the front so we can see how the drag link and track bar line up? If they're not parallel, it will cause issues with your steering for sure.



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Build Thread - Adventures of Fiona - https://wayalife.com/showthread.php?t=47407
20190602_185942.jpg 20190602_190022.jpg 20190602_190107.jpg

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MSJKU11

Caught the Bug
Find an OEM pitman arm and a drag link flip kit. Like the others stated, thats what I would do.

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BaddestCross

Active Member
Like you said in the original post, get a factory Pittman arm and do a drag link flip. Also, get rid of the dual stabilizers and get a factory one or at least one that isn't pressurized.

As far as the actual tie rod, I've personally upgraded mine, so I don't know if you can just get new ends or not. If you can, and you're happy with the rod (many here are), just replace them.



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