XJ wanders all over the road

[rastus2571]

Just bought an XJ sport, had an alignment done on it and the bloody thing wanders all over the road, I have checked bushes and alignment and everything seems to be tight. 4 wheel laser alignment to specs and the same.
Any ideas. See my welcome post as a new Jeep owner and mechanic. Is this typical or what?
Rastus.

[nzoliver]

Um,
What tyres do you have?

Oliver:rolleyes:

[rastus2571]

235/75/15 Maxxis 751 radials at 38 psi. My wife just came back from driving it the first time and said it is dangerous as it wanders all over the road. Which it does. I do not even like driving it. I read a long time ago when the XJ's were first introduced into Australia the fix for them. They were not aligned properly for right hand drive and I think it may have been upper control arm offset bushes that had to be done on a recall. I am not sure ofthis. But the vehicle does wander quite a lot even after have the alignment done. I am not too keen to keep driving it in the mean time. It has not been in an accident as I know ther first owner I am the second. Nothing is bent underneath nor has it ever been off road, It was just used to tow a caravan on sealed roads.
Rgds Rastus

[Jeep'ers]

Is your sway bar disconnected?

[nzoliver]

Hi,

Can you fine some 15" wheels (ie stock) and try them. Did the wheel alignment shop put the fronts to rear and rear to front etc? 38psi on 17" sounds pretty hard for a suspension system designed in 1982.

My 10c

[rastus2571]

I Posted wrong with 17 and edited to 15 inch rims. My XJ is bog stock factory standard apart from towbar. No the wheel aligner did not change rims. I know it has something to do with a recall that Jeep did with bushes for RHD cvonditions but as I said I cannot remember the exact fix. I did drop to 32 psi and it had no effect on the wandering. I have been searching the forums and they keep saying worn bushes but mine are like new and no play at all I have crowbarred everything under it and done a chassis drop check with measurements and all is within spec. I am sure it has to do with the bush fix. But I cannot find any info on it now......ARGGGGGHHHH.
Rgds Rastus.

[rastus2571]

Is your sway bar disconnected?

No all is bog stock factory
Rgds Rastus.

[Oli-dogg]

It was just used to tow a caravan on sealed roads.
Maybe it still has the caravan attached?

[rastus2571]

Thx mate. I'll sort it out. NO THE WOBBLY BOX IS NOT ATTACHED. I am turning towards the rear diff atm as it is very tight and would cause this problem as It is the same as driving with a locked diff which I have had b4. It does the same. I am getting front and rear ARB lockers put in and going to lift it 6 inches and run 35's and change the ratios. Full bash and skid plates and put my son in law to shame with his GQ. I know what the GQ can do as I had a full modded one b4. Just need to find the best lift kit and ratio change for it. The XJ is as thirsty as my Range Rover was.
Rgds Rastus.

[bruggz351]

Check for any movement at the steering box. ( pitman arm, sector shaft seal area, movement at the chassis etc. uni joints on upper shaft)
Also, just for shits n giggles, try a different set of wheels and tyres.

cheers

edit... look at shocks too. I had DS rear go on me and the car handled horrendously...

[Oli-dogg]

There was a problem with the steering box bolts but I don't know if that would cause it wander before they completely shear off?

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107124

It could be a loose trackbar bolt, here are some other suggestions:

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=463950

http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/road-wander-not-death-wobble-48421/

www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=909563

[rastus2571]

As I said I have only had it 2 days,well 3 now being Sunday but have this problem to sort out. I know when I have had XJ's come into my shop they have had really strong aggressive rear diffs.I had a 97 WJ in the shop once and you could not turn it 45 degrees without chirping. Now I am not a Jeep Specialist and don't claim to be but is this normal? I have been googling this for no result.
Rgds Rastus.

[rastus2571]

I do a slight U -turn and the rear diff chirps and grabs as I am turning. I heard a while ago in the trade that this is am easy way to fix a stuffed DANA rear by putting in another 2 though shim to stop the whine and to lock it to make it quiet. I played with it actually yesterday on my son in laws property and I was going in 2WD over stuff where he had to go in 4 Low in the GQ. The right line I said to him. Then I put my baby into 4 Low and it walked over his raised patrol. so I must say driver attitude has a lot to do with it.
Rgds Rastus

[XJeepers]

Maybe www.recalls.gov.au might help find the recall you are thinking off

[rastus2571]

Just found the problem. Crawled under my baby again now. Some moron has put a longer rear spring shackle in the left hand rear spring. About 25-30mm longer than the right one. Of course this would create problems. I did not pick it up on my pre purchase hoist inspection.What a dickhead would do this I do not know. I'll change it t/m and let you know how it goes. I do not know how this did not come out under the chassis drop check.

Rgds Rastus.

[rastus2571]

Maybe www.recalls.gov.au might help find the recall you are thinking off

No nothing under recalls. I have this site set to automatically inform me of recalls on selected brands I choose that I worked on. Rgds rastus

[rastus2571]

No nothing under recalls. I have this site set to automatically inform me of recalls on selected brands I choose that I worked on. Rgds rastus

However this XJ is better off road in standard condition than my standard patrol. I walked all over my son in laws raised GQ yesterday in rock and ledges. Very happy. Not as good as my modified patrol but bloody great standard. My first Jeep and I am going to build it up.
Rgds Rastus

[rainman]

When my stering was vague it turned out to be a loose pan hard bolt on the dif. Flogged out hole where the pan hard tie rod attaches/ loose bolts holding the panhard mount to the body can also cause same symptoms.
Good luck with it.

[junglejuice]

If you need any bits I am also in Logan City and have loads of Xj parts....

[AussieCJ7]

Just found the problem. Crawled under my baby again now. Some moron has put a longer rear spring shackle in the left hand rear spring. About 25-30mm longer than the right one. Of course this would create problems. I did not pick it up on my pre purchase hoist inspection.What a dickhead would do this I do not know. I'll change it t/m and let you know how it goes. I do not know how this did not come out under the chassis drop check.

Rgds Rastus.


Sounds like your onto it

Half expecting you will have a lean when you fix it up and someone tried the wrong fix for a lean

The other thing i make sure the u bolts are torqued too. You will find you get rear steer with power applied and let off if they are a bit loose

[Easy Rollins 1]

Toe out will give you wander,like it's tramtracking.HTH

[rastus2571]

Problem sorted. Pulled the rear shackles out put new shackles and rear springs and bushes in, another alignment and it tracks straighter than a thirsty drover to the nearest pub. All level all straight and drives straight as. It would not return on caster before when turning a corner you manually had to unwind the steering. No she snaps back into line. Thanks fellas for the help. Now onto my next project lift,tyres and lockers.
Rgds Rastus.

[Easy Rollins 1]

Now onto my next project lift,tyres and lockers.
Rgds Rastus.



Get some tyres and good bumpstops on and go wheeling,I reckon you will be surprised.I was,but I have 2" lift.

[Steve F]

Thx mate. I'll sort it out. NO THE WOBBLY BOX IS NOT ATTACHED. I am turning towards the rear diff atm as it is very tight and would cause this problem as It is the same as driving with a locked diff which I have had b4. It does the same. I am getting front and rear ARB lockers put in and going to lift it 6 inches and run 35's and change the ratios. Full bash and skid plates and put my son in law to shame with his GQ. I know what the GQ can do as I had a full modded one b4. Just need to find the best lift kit and ratio change for it. The XJ is as thirsty as my Range Rover was.
Rgds Rastus.

Just looking at your plans dont bother doing anything to the stock rear diff if it isn't a 8.25, if its a Dana 35 (Most likely) it will not last long with 35's on it and step one should be to replace it with a D44 or Chrysler 8.25. Do plenty of research as with an XJ its more than just putting on springs, shocks, tyres and gears if you want to run 35's ;)

Cheers
Steve

[rastus2571]

Been doing the research steve and I will probably go 33" Maxxis Bighorns that I had on my GQ. Great tyre. I am not into hard core killing vehicles. I take the softly approach and try to pick the right line. However how would my XJ go doing the lift (6 or 4 inch). What do you reccomend. I am only into recreational 4wdving. And running these tyres? I am not a wheel spinning nut. I know I have to change the speedo drive. I am fully conversant as being a fouby mechanic near all my life but these darn JEEPS are new time as I do not have much experience on them. But I sure love mine. What lift and suspension pack do you recommend for what I want to do? I want to run front and rear lockers. My rear diff feels like a locker. I was surprised where I went in 2wd on the weekend with my son inlaws GQ when he was in 4 low. As I said the correct line is everything. My rear chirps when doing U-Turns in 2wd. I found on the forums a correct gear ratios vs tyre size chart. just need advice mate which way to go to make it relaible for family fun and enjoyment. Not into vehicle killling environments.

Rgds Rastus.

[Steve F]

Forget the 6" lift, even 35's will fit with less than that and some guard chopping. 33's will also be pushing the strength of the rear diff (D35).

If it's just a bit of recreational stuff then go with 31's, 3.5" - 4" lift (at the most), a slip yolk eliminator (will strengthen the driveline and mean you can run a dual cardan rear shaft to avoid vibes). Also get some sway bar disconnects, these things are very capable when the front sway bar is disconnected. If it has a rear one bin it, only the limited had it the sport didn;t get one anyway.

As for lift, call Wooders Garage, or any of the sponsors really, and see what they have and recommend.

Gears, go with 4.11 for 31's or 32's and then 4.56 for 33's or 35's (if you still daily drive it).

Anyway, that should get you started.

Cheers
Steve

[Easy Rollins 1]

Your std ratio should be 3.55,that will suck with 33"s.The tallest the GQ's came with was 3.9's.So a regear will be on the cards,otherwise it will be geared to the moon.

[Toff]

The dana35 is a crappy diff and spending any money on it will still leave you with a crappy diff. Listen to Steve and get a D44 or 8.25.
Ditto on the lift kit - Listen to Steve.

[rastus2571]

Ok who's the best place to go to in Brisbane to sort my baby out?

[rastus2571]

I am listening.

[rastus2571]

How about Hammond Jeep here in brissy?

[Steve F]

How about Hammond Jeep here in brissy?

Never used Hammonds, I'm in Sydney. Personally I'd use Wooders no matter where in the country I was.

Cheers
Steve

[Easy Rollins 1]

How about Hammond Jeep here in brissy?

cough<better have deep pockets>cough


What do you want to do with it?


You are stuck with the std diffs and their ratios,otherwise it will cost a fortune.2" lift and 9R's will get you into a lotta places....and they will tuck under the guards.Std rims are 15x7,so use them.I did.Good set of bumpstops to avoid the upper control arm crushing auto cooling lines(RH side)-$70 from Wooders.

Next step for me will be a set of JKS disconnects and I'll be nearly done.Maybe some homemade sliders.

This ramp is 650mm high.
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6823/jeepflex020.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/15/jeepflex020.jpg/)

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/6050/jeepflex013.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/jeepflex013.jpg/)

[EwenM]

ditto on Hammond Jeep , you will need deep pockets, however if you are a mechanic by trade doing all the work your self will be a walk in the park

[rastus2571]

Just medium 4wd work. Easyrollins that articulation looks pretty good to me. Ah yeah Hammond Jeep. Had a customer years ago that took a turbo diesel XJ to them to have the front four control arm bushes done (8 in total) and he nearly fell over when he got a bill for $916:00. I asked him why he went there and not me and he said he was closer to that side of town to have them done than drive to me. I said "well next time you might change your mind" Well next time he came back was for the A/C compressor. Piece of piss to change except getting the bloody bolts back onto the front jackshaft that drives it. Total cost rebuilt A/C compressor removed and replaced $550:00 and all gassed ready to go.

I am going to go the 2" and 31's for now. Need to know what ratio I need to run. Going to have a peek around Wooders.

Now my rear diff is pretty well more or less a savage little beast as she chirps and grabs when turning. I think she's had a bit of shim treatment.

Today I got my mechanic mate to change the thermostat and seal the housing as she had a slight leak,new rear gearbox mount and serpentine belt, new radiator hoses and heater hoses, service the auto and drop the engine oil and filter and change the diff oils. Flush the cooling sytem and the power steering fluid. And full grease. Nipples and wheel bearings.

So everything is all new. Why do I use a mechanic you ask when I am one.

Simple answer I drive coaches all day and don't have time and secondly after over 25 years in the trade I would not care if I had to lift another spanner in my life.

Gladly help out on the internet with queries though anytime.
Rgds Glenn.

[Easy Rollins 1]

I just squeek by with 9R's now,they tuck up into the guards with a slight scrape in the rear.If you go 10R's you will have to trim guards etc...and you are getting too tall for the stock (3.55)diff ratios.

My neighbour has a lifted Patrol with 33's,he gets to the top of this same ramp.His Patrol weighs over 3.5tonnes!

The silver lining with XJ's is their articulation...don't mess with it IMO.Use the force.:cool:

Bonus is you save a fortune.Tag along with a few blokes on Sat,they are going wheeling at Ripley.You will be amazed where it will go.

[rastus2571]

Just had a look around the Wooders site. I can feel a woody coming on now.
Remember Top Gun when Goose said to Maverick. " I'm gettin' a hard on man"? Yes I know this is a family show. Where's my credit card. That scan tool looks good to me for a first buy.

Rgds Glenn.

[junglejuice]

I am going to go the 2" and 31's for now.


Seriously buddy this is a poor option, you will lose so much flex by running 31's as you need to bump stop it a fair bit to stop the tyres from rubbing from both their diameter and width, you will also find that you will bottom out on these stops far too often.

I, like Easy Rollins run 30's but I run more lift and find they work excellently and give awesome flex that you simply won't get on 31's with that small a lift.....

[junglejuice]

I just squeek by with 9R's now,they tuck up into the guards with a slight scrape in the rear.If you go 10R's you will have to trim guards etc...and you are getting too tall for the stock (3.55)diff ratios.

My neighbour has a lifted Patrol with 33's,he gets to the top of this same ramp.His Patrol weighs over 3.5tonnes!

The silver lining with XJ's is their articulation...don't mess with it IMO.Use the force.:cool:

Bonus is you save a fortune.Tag along with a few blokes on Sat,they are going wheeling at Ripley.You will be amazed where it will go.

What's happening on Saturday Easy????

[rastus2571]

Seriously buddy this is a poor option, you will lose so much flex by running 31's as you need to bump stop it a fair bit to stop the tyres from rubbing from both their diameter and width, you will also find that you will bottom out on these stops far too often.

I, like Easy Rollins run 30's but I run more lift and find they work excellently and give awesome flex that you simply won't get on 31's with that small a lift.....

Maybe I am still Nissan Patrol orientated. As I have said prior money is now option to lift or clearance. I know further down the track I am going to get serious with this sucker and play with it harder. I have to spend money on it to get it right where I feel like I want it so I am throwing the gauntlet open.

Jeep as I said is so different to run of mill cruisers and patrols so I want to do it right first time and have it reliable and safe.

I want another weapon that I had before.

OH god help me what have I started now.

Throw the best at me boys and suppliers and ye shall seek,fit and buy.

This XJ has never been offroad in it's life. What a rude awakening it is about to have.

How much will $5000:00 go? towards it
:p

[Easy Rollins 1]

What's happening on Saturday Easy????

It's all here,be at the Yamanto Maccas at 8am.;)
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110237&page=5

[rastus2571]

Saturday or Sunday easy. Different conflicts from looking at the trip on the forum?

[Easy Rollins 1]

This Sat ....trip pics are from last Sunday.