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HELP..HELP.. Bought an '02 TJ and can't keep the rear end swaying..

2K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  The Ugly Jeep 
#1 ·
I recentlry bought a 2002 Wrangler X and the rear end 'seems' to sway a little when turning. So much it is scary driving over 30 because it is all over the place. The guy that traded it in said it was the rear control arm driver side where it meets the frame. I went ahead and replaced all four control arms and it did not help. I then went to the track bar and took it off and it was fine. The guy also said the steering box may have a 'dead spot' in it. The Jeep is sweet and mechanically sound. It has a Superlift lift, i think 4", that was put on a long time ago, i think when new. The tires are 33" x 12.50" R15 wrapped around some MIckey Thompson Classics.
If anyone can help me or steer me 'straight' I would really appreciate it. I am new to the Jeep world and really like these Wranglers.
Thanks ahead of time.....Dan
 
#4 ·
If this is your first Jeep, it may just be the short wheelbase. Having such a short wheelbase gives the Jeep Wrangler a seemingly over sensitive steering or "swaying". I'd also check the tire pressure and drop it to about 28-30spi so the tires are not riding high and on the center which can also cause drifting.
 
#5 ·
Is the rear sway bar attached? Also how are the shocks.. any leaks, etc. Are the tires balanced, rims bent perhaps?
 
#6 ·
Thanks for all the excellent advice. The front sway bar is pointing up and looks factory. The rear sway bar is attached and is factory with extender mounting brackets on the axle for the lift. Shocks seem ok and do not leak. Tires are a 30 psi and look pretty new and none of the rims look bent or chunked up. I am not familiar with 'auto locker' so I am not sure how to answer that one. I was also curious if the steering 'dead spot' the previous owner said would cause binding an it just 'feels like' it is coming from the rear of the Jeep. I am so lost with this, and starting to get frusturated. My other option is ripping off the suspension lift and doing a brand new one. The only problem is, I don't want to spend the money and it not resolve the problem. Thanks again to all of you, and any more ideas would sure help.
 
#7 ·
can you describe the "sway" a little better, is it rolling/tilting to much in turn?, or pushing (not wanting to turn) as you get on the gas. an auto locker is a locker (positive traction that locks the rear diff (tires turn the same speed) it works when you apply throtle it "locks up" one side effect can be a little pushing in a turn when you get on the gas.

and just FYI, a lifted jeep rides and handles like nothing else I have ever driven. (good and/or bad) so its hard to compare to much.
 
#8 ·
The sway is kind of like the rear end is kicking out to the side. Kind of like fishtailling. It seems to do it more when turning to the left. It turns fine and meaning it is not pushing like auto locker causes. I just wonder if it is a combo of dead spot in streering and the tires being 33x12.5. I may go to a 31 or 32 that is about 10.5 wide. Do you think that may help? Thanks again.
 
#9 ·
changing tire sizes won't help.

If you are at a loss, I'd try to find a decent suspension/alignment shop and have them test drive it. (or even better find a local jeep club).

Words don't describe things like this very well, and its difficult to get an idea of what you mean w/o seeing the vehicle. (at least this is true for me, and I spent a few years tearing suspensions apart and repairing them).
 
#10 ·
Have a good alignment shop go over it.
If you have adjustable control arms , you can have an adjustment issue. You could have the wheelbase longer on one side than the other.
 
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