Steering wheel float

mossyoaktj · 03-03-2011, 11:49 PM

So I've had float in the tj for 4 yrs now and it's time to fix it. The jeep has a 4 in rc SA lift and 33s. I'm thinking bout switching out the gear box mine has a leak ad I think it may be the heart to the problem. I've been throughout the whole front susp time and time again to get rid of the dreaded death wobble with has been resolved.

On a second note I'm deploying to afghan and will be doin so future modifications. I want to run 36s with a 4 in for lower COG. But may have to go tk a 5 in either way I will be goin LA. None of this really goes with the topic but I listed for some insight. I've done some reading on dropped Pitman arms cause steering float. I'm wanting to upgrade track bars and steering linkages for a more solid setup.

With all that Being said can I go with a stok pitman arm and lose the relocation bracket kn the axle side. Along with replacing the steering box. Would this get rid of the float. Or am I wrong in a few areas.

Trigger · 03-04-2011, 08:31 AM

Don't waste your money replacing your box with a stock TJ box. Go ahead and get one out of a 99 Durango. You'll need one from a 4x4 Durango with snow plow. They are a direct bolt-in, but are much bigger and stronger.

If your steering box is worn, replacing it with a new on will make the biggest difference with your steering float.

blazerbrad · 03-04-2011, 08:38 AM

I know you said the entire front end has been through, but have you had an actual alignment performed? It's pretty common to people describe this type of condition when the toe is out of adjustment.

itbrokeagain · 03-04-2011, 11:31 PM

Ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar in good shape?

mossyoaktj · 03-06-2011, 05:04 PM

Jeep has had an alignment. Ball joints tie rods all are in good shape.

So just need a gear box from a 99 4x4 Durango. I dont get the snow plow part of that?

mossyoaktj · 03-06-2011, 08:11 PM

I've done a little research on the Durang box swap. Looks like 98-99 Durango with 4x4 and the v8 are a direct bol in. The snow plow package just gives a little extra turning lock to lock I'm really not worried about that right now. Just want to get the float in the steering fixed.

This will be done and I'm wanting to throw in a heavy duty adjustable track bar at the same time. With doin that would I still use the drop pitman arm and track bar relocation bracket on the axle or use OEM pitman arm an mounting hole on the axle.

RuffedUpXJ · 03-06-2011, 09:10 PM

Make sure your steering shaft doesn't have any play in it either. Where i connects to the box can get some slop too but this should create any drift on the road but the steering may feel loose.

itbrokeagain · 03-06-2011, 10:42 PM

Make sure it is the box before you do it. It will only frustrate you if it isnt.

mossyoaktj · 03-07-2011, 10:36 AM

I'll probably do the upgrade to the Durango box anyways since my box already a good leak coming from it.

03-03-2011, 11:49 PM	#1
mossyoaktj Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: moscow,ohio Posts: 245	Steering wheel float So I've had float in the tj for 4 yrs now and it's time to fix it. The jeep has a 4 in rc SA lift and 33s. I'm thinking bout switching out the gear box mine has a leak ad I think it may be the heart to the problem. I've been throughout the whole front susp time and time again to get rid of the dreaded death wobble with has been resolved. On a second note I'm deploying to afghan and will be doin so future modifications. I want to run 36s with a 4 in for lower COG. But may have to go tk a 5 in either way I will be goin LA. None of this really goes with the topic but I listed for some insight. I've done some reading on dropped Pitman arms cause steering float. I'm wanting to upgrade track bars and steering linkages for a more solid setup. With all that Being said can I go with a stok pitman arm and lose the relocation bracket kn the axle side. Along with replacing the steering box. Would this get rid of the float. Or am I wrong in a few areas. __________________ UNITED STATES MARINE 99 TJ, locked, long armed, creepy's

03-04-2011, 11:31 PM	#4
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	Ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar in good shape? __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

03-06-2011, 05:04 PM	#5
mossyoaktj Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: moscow,ohio Posts: 245	Jeep has had an alignment. Ball joints tie rods all are in good shape. So just need a gear box from a 99 4x4 Durango. I dont get the snow plow part of that? __________________ UNITED STATES MARINE 99 TJ, locked, long armed, creepy's

03-06-2011, 08:11 PM	#6
mossyoaktj Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: moscow,ohio Posts: 245	I've done a little research on the Durang box swap. Looks like 98-99 Durango with 4x4 and the v8 are a direct bol in. The snow plow package just gives a little extra turning lock to lock I'm really not worried about that right now. Just want to get the float in the steering fixed. This will be done and I'm wanting to throw in a heavy duty adjustable track bar at the same time. With doin that would I still use the drop pitman arm and track bar relocation bracket on the axle or use OEM pitman arm an mounting hole on the axle. __________________ UNITED STATES MARINE 99 TJ, locked, long armed, creepy's

03-06-2011, 09:10 PM	#7
RuffedUpXJ On XJ 2 Now Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield Twp. Posts: 314	Make sure your steering shaft doesn't have any play in it either. Where i connects to the box can get some slop too but this should create any drift on the road but the steering may feel loose. __________________ 88 XJ - 5" lift - 35" BFG's - Bumpers - Rock Rails - Homebrewed OBA - Roof Rack - Tube Doors - Trimmed - Dented 87 XJ - D44 - Disco D30 - 235's - 231TC - Stock for now

03-04-2011, 08:31 AM	#2
Trigger Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Xenia, OH Posts: 281	Don't waste your money replacing your box with a stock TJ box. Go ahead and get one out of a 99 Durango. You'll need one from a 4x4 Durango with snow plow. They are a direct bolt-in, but are much bigger and stronger. If your steering box is worn, replacing it with a new on will make the biggest difference with your steering float.

03-04-2011, 08:38 AM	#3
blazerbrad - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 831 Images: 6	I know you said the entire front end has been through, but have you had an actual alignment performed? It's pretty common to people describe this type of condition when the toe is out of adjustment.

03-06-2011, 10:42 PM	#8
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	Make sure it is the box before you do it. It will only frustrate you if it isnt. __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

03-07-2011, 10:36 AM	#9
mossyoaktj Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: moscow,ohio Posts: 245	I'll probably do the upgrade to the Durango box anyways since my box already a good leak coming from it. __________________ UNITED STATES MARINE 99 TJ, locked, long armed, creepy's