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TJ 8 inch Lift Problems~

8K views 17 replies 10 participants last post by  Black Magic Brakes 
#1 ·
I have a 1999 TJ With a 6-8 inch lift. I have put in new tie rod ends, new steering box, tightened everything up in regard to the steering assembly and I still get a swap in the top of the Jeep if you know what I mean. Going down the HWY and sometimes in town. Anyone know what this would be from? Are my large coil over springs just shot, could it be my suspension? I am also running 35x12.50s. I replaced my suspension shocks 2 years go. My guess it is the springs but im not sure. I would like to eliminate the sway wen driving. Anyone have any answers? Thanks
 
#2 ·
for starters, measure your springs at ride height. it rolled of the factory floor with 12" front and 8" rear springs.

if you truly have 8" of lift, that is where your problem starts. there is simply no need for that much height, unless its a mud bog jeep, and will have a crazy high center of gravity which will cause a swaying feeling.

the more details and pics you can provide, the better the responses will be.
 
#3 ·
Here are a few photos: I will measure them tomorrow. I'm guessing it is 6 then.
 

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#11 ·
im guessing closer to 4, ...
I was thinking something similar. My TJ looked about the same when I removed my pocket flares to replace them. I re-read his post and didn't take into account that he's running 35s. I have 33s. I think if he were running a 4" lift, those tires would be a little more stuffed.

I can't help but notice two things about those photos:

1. It looks like there's a lot of stuff leaking. The front differential has all kinds of wet marks on it. There's lots of "splatter" under the driver's side front wheel well.

2. The lower control arm on the passenger's side photo looks like it's coming in at an unusual angle. I have exactly zero experience with long arm kits, though, so that may just be my untrained eye. It just looks weird to me.

Not doubting your work at all, @Jetset083 , but I'm wondering if you recently bought it off someone else that was having problems with it?
 
#8 ·
A dual steering dampener will do nothing but make your power steering pump work harder. As mentioned above first figure out how much lift you have by measuring your springs.

Reinstall a sway bar and links, if you have a dropped pitman arm, get rid of it and install a sock one, and then you can address the steering issues.
 
#6 ·
For starters, based on the pics...you don't have a front sway bar, or it is not hooked up. That is likely why you get so much sway on the road.

Dual steering dampeners are a bad idea as they add strain to your steering box.
 
#12 ·
Correct my Sway bar is not hooked up in the front, I lost a part and Im waiting for it to be here. The strap is holding it up temporally. I will get those on and see how it handles, that might be the answer right there.
I swapped out the steering box just before I took the pics so the power steering pump oil is all over the jeep :) Nothing is leaking but thanks for the concern. I just did a little research and some people said that a duel stabilizer helps with better control on and off the HWY. This is my daily driver as well as offroad machine. I think its a 6inch lift, I know it is not a 4. I put this kit on along time ago, just forgot the lift measurements. Do you think the rear coil is propitiate? It seems to have alot of the sway in the rear, but who knows it could be happening due to the front.

All in all it seems I should not get a dual stabilizer, and get my sway bar connected? Or shall I do both? I want the swaying to stop and more control at the steer. Yes I have 35s and alot of gap still to play.
 
#13 · (Edited)
The sway bar being disconnected is causing a lot of the bad feelings most likely.

What is your caster and toe in?

Are your control arm bushings worn out?

Did you measure between the spring perches? That will take the guessing out of how much lift you have. Stock front is 12", rear is 8", anything above that is lift.
 
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