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2010 rubicon that wanders

1K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Old Dogger 
#1 ·
Just purchased a 2010 rubicon 13,000 miles it has 2.5 inches of lift and 325/70R17 for tires , it doesn't bump wobble but when I shift and accelerate it wanders it will wander on flat roads and when it corners it's like riding on marshmallows just wondering if it's the tires maybe I need to get a low profile sidewall or is there something else I should be looking for ?would appreciate any insight into this problem
 
#4 ·
325s are big tires, and will cause more of a wandering effect, because they have a tendency to follow any, and all paving contour defects.

Adjustable CAs, to put more positive caster in your front axle will also help.

And finally last, but not least, check your tire pressure, and alignment toe in, it should be with large tire, about 1/16"....:thumb:
 
#8 ·
A chalk test like Kjeeper10, recommended is always a good idea.

Since you are currently running 40 psi. If that is your cold tire A.M., pressure reading, then it is probably too much. My guess would be 32 to 35 lbs.
I suggest that you call a Discount Tire store, and give them all of the information on your tires. They are one of the real experts, and will give you the recommended pressure, applicable to the weight of your Wrangler. This will be accurate, and will take all of the guess work out of it!

I ran a front end rack, for several years, back in my early youth. I really think that your main issue, is needing more positive Caster, along with correct tire pressure. When your go around a corner, the steering should start to return on it's own after cornering.
With 325s, it will be somewhat sluggish on returning, because you have more tire to pavement surface drag, but it still should return partially on it's own

Just remember, that 325s are big, heavy tires, with a lot of road surface contact. So there will always be some negative handling characteristics associated with them............:thumb:
 
#7 ·
Do you what lift kit it has?
What were you driving before?

The "riding on marshmallows" feel can come from the coils or shocks being worn out or the sway bar disconnected. It could also come from the tire being too low which it is not if you are running 40 PSI. It could also be that you are accustomed to a car with sport tuned suspension so the JK feels like it riding on slinkys. :)

The wandering and flighty feel on roads is a classic symptom of a low Caster angle. Highly pressurized tires will make the tread tend to follow ruts in the road but lowering the air pressure to make up for low Caster is just a bandaid. If you drop the pressure low enough there will be so much drag from the tires the steering will not only not drift but it will be hard to turn but your stability of your steering will not be corrected.

You can safely go down to 30 PSi an almost every tire that size.
 
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