97 TJ all over the highway, help

[763ersma27]

Hey guys i have a 97 TJ, with 120k miles.

The Jeep seems to sway back and forth all over the high way, it tracks from lane to lane. I seem to have to make minor, like 1/2 inch corrections in the wheel the entire time its on the highway to keep the jeep straight. Its kinda scary driving above 60, having to move the wheel, left, right, left, right, just to track forward. It does not seem to do it that bad in town, below is what i've replaced so far with no change in handling. Jeep has a 3 inch lift, that came on it when i bought it, and stock tires. 4cyl engine. There is no radel, does not feel like a wobble, just sways back and forth?

New Drag Link
New Track Bar
New Tie Rod
Complete new set of Tie rod ends, inner and outer
New upper and lower front ball joints
New front axle u- joints to front wheels.
New Steering stabilizer
New Steering shafts
New front hubs and bearings
new rotors
Fresh front end alinement
Balanced tires.

If i'm correct, all that could be left is sway bar links, and steering box.

Everything looks tight, i had someone move the wheel, while looking under the jeep, and i don't see much play in anything, the steering wheel does have some slop, maybe 1 inch each way, where tires do not move.

What else can i do, i hate to get this thing on the interstate because its so weird to drive.

Thanks so much

[hawk3ye]

Something really basic but what are the tire sizes? and do you notice this on all highways where you're going more than 60mph?

I ask because because I noticed that with wider tires, they tend to get stuck in those groves (caused by a lot of heavy truck traffic) in the highway easily, kinda meets the description you had.

[Knuckelhead]

Tire pressure?...

[763ersma27]

Tire pressure is good, they are ballanced just fine, new allinment. Tire size is like a stock size, something like 235/something/15. Just silent armor good years

[mrcabinet]

Try adjusting the steering box screw. That worked wonders on mine

[763ersma27]

Originally Posted by mrcabinet

Try adjusting the steering box screw. That worked wonders on mine

Wont that just make the steering wheel tighter? how tight should it be? should i just replace the box?

[Knuckelhead]

Originally Posted by 763ersma27

Tire pressure is good, they are ballanced just fine, new allinment. Tire size is like a stock size, something like 235/something/15. Just silent armor good years

What pressure?...

[Username_Bob]

well for one thing its lifted, with a higher center of gravity its hard to keep it perfectly stable since jeeps are not aerodynamic at all. with my 4" im constantly correcting at those speeds. jeeps just don't drive like any other vehicles.

[mrcabinet]

No, it will get rid of the slop - provided that the box isn't shot. Loosen the lock nut, turn the allen head screw in until it just stops (don't crank it down!), then back it off 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Hold the screw with the allen wrench and tighten the lock nut. All you are doing is compensating for the wear in the gears. If that doesn't do it then I'd look into a new box.

[Rammer500]

Do you have the spec sheet from the alignment? If so, let us know the readings.

[763ersma27]

I dont have the specs, after i changed all the tie rod ends, ball joints, tack bar, drank link, i took it too good year for allinment, and tire ballance. They said it was adjusted. Do you think thats the issue, and i need to take it back to good year?

[DaFuzz]

Need more info. Do you have stock suspension or is it lifted, with a drop pitman arm. I have a 4" lift that had a DPA and couldn't keep the thing on the road. Took off the DPA and everything is tight, with no play and no more road wandering.

[763ersma27]

has a 3 inch, old man emu lift that came on the jeep when i bought it.

Im allmost positive the pitman arm on the steering box is stock.

[763ersma27]

someone said the frame could be flexing when you turn, and i need a steering box brace? anyone head something like that?

[rondak46]

I would bet your caster is off. Get some adjustable upper control arms. Dial in a balance between a correct pinion angle and the necessary caster. you will be good to go. I know you said you got an alignment done, but they cannot adjust caster without adjustable CA's ( I know some guys have cam bolts but I would toss them in the trash.

Cheers, Mike