Uncontrollable steering

[drosales007]

I just acquired an 84 cj7 and i'm wanting to enjoy it but I have a big problem with the steering on it. It drives decent until I get into the 30-35 mph range and then it feels like it wants to go everywhere. I haven't actually take it faster than that cause it feels like if I go any faster I won't be able to control it. It doesn't vibrate, it just wanders all over the road. I've never owned a jeep so any advice would help a great deal here.

 

[SteelHeadz]

Start by getting your Wheel balance checked and tires checked . if that's good , get your Alignment checked. Toe and Camber are the 2 specs. you need to be concerned about..

 

[blown XJ]

also check for worn or missing suspension bushings. and make sure all the steering parts tierods ends ect. are tight and in good shape.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Typical of a CJ to wander all over the road. Watch all the steering components while a friend turns the steering wheel back and forth. This will expose what is worn. Also watch the steering box to see if it's securely attached the frame and that the pitman arm properly relative to the steering wheel.

 

[pitbulld45]

I have heard that you have to expect a little wondering with wide tires. Is that true or not?

 

[SteelHeadz]

I have heard that you have to expect a little wondering with wide tires. Is that true or not?

That depends on the Tires your using. I've got 2 sets that i use. BFG Mudterrain Baja champions,35 X 12.5-15 and PitBull Krawlers, 35 X 14.5 -15.. Neither one of those 2 sets wonders on the road.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I have heard that you have to expect a little wondering with wide tires. Is that true or not?

Not really, but wide tires will wear steering parts quicker as it is a lot of added leverage.

 

[drosales007]

I adjusted the toe in and it seemed to help a little. Then again i was driving around at no more than 30. Its on 33x12.50x15 BFG M/T's. When i took it out today i noticed that it is very sensitive to any change in the steering wheel. I'm not sure if this is normal but i've never driven anything that is that sensitive. When the jeep gets out of line, correcting it ends up being an overcorrection and its a hassle to stabilize.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

CJ's are notorious for loose steering gear boxes (both internally and the external mounting brackets), worn tierod ends, and loose suspension bushings. All attribute to poor steering.

 

[pinaplebob]

I had the same problem with my Cj5 when i first got it. I've got old BF tires on it that came with it, and are probably origional to the jeep. But anyway they are beefy enough that they will hold the jeep up with little or no pressure in them. One day I realized i never checked the pressure, filled them up to where they were supposed to be, and it took care of about 75% of it's bad road manners.

 

[drosales007]

Would taking the power steering out be a good idea? what about adjusting the toe out?