First thing I would do is a dry steer test and look for warn out parts, tie-rods, ball joints, track bar, drag link, control arm bushings.............
What year and how many miles?

 

First thing I would do is a dry steer test and look for warn out parts, tie-rods, ball joints, track bar, drag link, control arm bushings.............
What year and how many miles?

My bad, 2010 with 94k on it.

 

Question for everyone, I'm looking into upgrading my steering as I have play in it. What would the best cost-effective solution? I have it lifted 2.5 inches on 35s. I mostly do on-road driving with minimal off-road besides driving on the beach and a couple times on a forest/dirt road. Interested to see what I should look into replacing first to help it out the most

In my opinion MetalCloak has a fantastic heavy-duty system. I did the front-end package (track bar, drag link, steering stabilizer & , tie rods) at a reasonable price. Great installation videos and customer support should you need it.

 

Do you have a link?

 

I've been running the Teraflex HD steering on my JK for 4 years now and it's been solid. Forged ends, chromoly tubing, etc. The ball joints are pre load adjustable, so overtime as the wear you can tighten them back into spec.

https://teraflex.com/jk-hd-forged-drag-link-kit-hd-chromoly-tie-rod-kit.html

 

Might be a little out of budget for me at this time, any other suggestions?

 

Have used Yeti Steer Smart for a few years now with no issue, on both a JKUR on 35 and stock JTR.

Steering and Suspension Improvement Products

We develop innovative aftermarket solutions to improve your driving experience. Our improvement parts bring peace of mind and safety to the discerning driver.

steersmarts.com

 

If you're just driving the thing on the street or fwy you won't need anything special. You can go with any of the cheap OE replacements from Moog or Crown etc and replace your tierod/DL ends as needed. That'll be the more budget oriented solution.
You should look to see if anything in your steering is worned out/failed etc instead of thinking to update the steering just cause since you mentioned you have some play in your steering.

This dude does a very detailed explanation on how your steering works, if you didn't know

If you have the idea already you can jump straight up to how to check your Tierod, Draglink, Trackbar, BJ's and wheel bearings for play/unwanted movements etc etc.. You need somebody in the driver seat moving the steering left/right while you inspect your components. Best way to check what you need and get familiar with your Jeep steering as a whole.

 

If you're just driving the thing on the street or fwy you won't need anything special. You can go with any of the cheap OE replacements from Moog or Crown etc and replace your tierod/DL ends as needed. That'll be the more budget oriented solution.
You should look to see if anything in your steering is worned out/failed etc instead of thinking to update the steering just cause since yo mentioned you have some play in your steering.

This dude does a very detailed explanation of how your steering works if you didn't know

If you have the idea already you can jump straight up into how you check your Tierod, Draglink, Trackbar, BJ's and wheel bearings for play/unwanted movements etc etc.. You need somebody in the driver seat moving the steering left/right while you inspect your components. Best way to check what you need and get familiar with your Jeep steering as a whole.

Awesome thank you man!

 

The best is seldom inexpensive. You don't have to do it all at once,. Once you move to a larger than stock tire size the oem stuff is really inadequate. I love my steersmarts front end. Running it for several years now. Start wITH THE TIEROD AND DRAGLINK, THEN THE TRACK BAR. The oem parts will look and feel like toys compared to them.

 

but as long as the stock parts are not worn , you gain nothing here. most this stuff is for people that push a jeep very hard. How many have bent a drag link or tie rod or track bar that was not from wrecking it? in wreck even the best DOM stuff will bend.

Unless its a "need" its tossing money at something that it dont need. The main part the gets bent and it bends very easy is the tie rod stock, IF if you hit a rock. they bend UP and really you can just set toe and it will still work unless its very bent.

Like said First find what is worn out. On my jeep the first suspension part to fail/wear out was the ball joints and that was at 20k from being brand new. since ball joints take the most beating in the system. especially off road. all the up and down force is pounding the lower BJ. My upper was fine but replaced it anyway since you are there.

 

I used the Fusion4x4 when I was on stock axles. Fully recommend!

 

With the OP ‘s uses I’d just go for stock replacements from Moog. They are a step up from stock and with regular lubrication will last a long time. For upgrade, I’ve run Synergy’s drag link & tie rod for years with great success. Their rod ends are as good as anything out there. Their double adjuster design is a slick solution and very strong.