Newbie question on steering.

[moparharn]

My new to me 1978 CJ7 with 12400 original miles needs some steering help. I took off the original goodyear polyglas and replaced them with wrangler radials. My jeep still jumps around the road more than I think it should. The shocks (pretty much everything) are original, and I am wondering if new shocks and a steering stabilizer might help my lane darting issue. It is not terrible, but worse than previous CJ's I have owned. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am assuming my factory set caster is still close enough that I should not have to check it. Maybe an alignment? Bill

 

[jzak]

My experience has been that a new steering stabilizer is the cheapest way to improve the handling on your jeep. It wont solve all your problems, but it's a good place to start. A Rancho RS5000 steering stabilizer is about $50.

 

[mtnwhlr]

You need to check everything under the front for wear and see if it's loose. Our you could take it in for an alignment and they will check everything and tell you what needs replaced. Either way I bet you need some front end work by the sounds of it.

 

[DHugg]

My new to me 1978 CJ7 with 12400 original miles needs some steering help. I took off the original goodyear polyglas and replaced them with wrangler radials. My jeep still jumps around the road more than I think it should. The shocks (pretty much everything) are original, and I am wondering if new shocks and a steering stabilizer might help my lane darting issue. It is not terrible, but worse than previous CJ's I have owned. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am assuming my factory set caster is still close enough that I should not have to check it. Maybe an alignment? Bill

Bill, my '80 CJ7 has big 35's and was run through a lot of rocks - scars prove it. When I watch the front section, engine running and someone turning the steering wheel, the first thing I saw was the two-piece pressed steel power steering box mount flexing like the blades on a hay-mower,

I got one of the heavy-duty welded and braced one-piece mounts, Rocky Ridge I think, and it really helped.

 

[es335]

My $.02, I just had the same issues with my 74...

-Assuming you have front/back leafs, stay away from gas shocks. These jeeps (front/back leafs) do not need any type of shock that will make the ride worse. The best solve I found-straight hydraulic shocks. I used Sky Jacker. People will probably disagree, argue etc. I went to a suspension guy , didn't believe him, but bought the Sky Jacker Hydraulics-HUGE difference in dampening, road manners, pot hole recovery.
-Check your ball joints. Had to have mine replaced-HUGE difference
-Tie Rod, spend a little extra and get the beefy (Rugged Ridge has a great one), get the stock one replaced

 

[moparharn]

All good replies, thank you. I will investigate all of them. Bill

 

[Dan77CJ7]

My new to me 1978 CJ7 with 12400 original miles needs some steering help. I took off the original goodyear polyglas and replaced them with wrangler radials. My jeep still jumps around the road more than I think it should. The shocks (pretty much everything) are original, and I am wondering if new shocks and a steering stabilizer might help my lane darting issue. It is not terrible, but worse than previous CJ's I have owned. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am assuming my factory set caster is still close enough that I should not have to check it. Maybe an alignment? Bill

Most Cjs I'v driven bounce around a bit. if you have never had a Cj before this might seem like a problem. Shackle reversal kit is a helps, Rugged ridge HD tie rod kit is the way to go, i dont run a stablizer, $165 amazon, streeing box brace, Big daddy makes a good one and you can also add a cross member type brace to the steering box for a double brace, R/R makes one. boils down to what you want to spent and how strong/stable you want ol'girl.

 

[Petescj]

My experience has been that a new steering stabilizer is the cheapest way to improve the handling on your jeep. It wont solve all your problems, but it's a good place to start. A Rancho RS5000 steering stabilizer is about $50.

In my opinion you dont even need a steering stabilizer. Your right they are cheap , but they only mask your real problem.

You need to check everything under the front for wear and see if it's loose. Our you could take it in for an alignment and they will check everything and tell you what needs replaced. Either way I bet you need some front end work by the sounds of it.

Id bet you have some worn out end links or maybe something bent.

Bill, my '80 CJ7 has big 35's and was run through a lot of rocks - scars prove it. When I watch the front section, engine running and someone turning the steering wheel, the first thing I saw was the two-piece pressed steel power steering box mount flexing like the blades on a hay-mower,

I got one of the heavy-duty welded and braced one-piece mounts, Rocky Ridge I think, and it really helped.

Mine is the exact same way. If you can get someone to turn the wheel back and forth while you look over the different areas of the steering.

Most Cjs I'v driven bounce around a bit. if you have never had a Cj before this might seem like a problem. Shackle reversal kit is a helps, Rugged ridge HD tie rod kit is the way to go, i dont run a stablizer, $165 amazon, streeing box brace, Big daddy makes a good one and you can also add a cross member type brace to the steering box for a double brace, R/R makes one. boils down to what you want to spent and how strong/stable you want ol'girl.

Mine had some really worn out tie rod ends and a bent tie rod. I have 35s and used the rugged ridge kit. I got a front end alighnment after I installed it and it really tightened everything up. No steering stabilizer either. I still need to put on my new steering box mount and brace but its leaps and bounds better.

 

[hdgapeach]

Bill,
An alignment check should definitely be on your list just because you put new tires on it.

What Petescj stated X 2!

If this is your first CJ ever, my advice is to find another Jeep enthusiast and get to know him/her. It won't hurt to have someone that's "been there, done that" help you evaluate what your problems are.

Shootin' from the hip: If your CJ really only has 12,400 original miles, I'd be willing to bet every rubber bushing on the vehicle is dry rotted. With everything being original, I'd be looking at replacing the belts, hoses, fuel pump, vacuum lines, wiper blades, etc. Maybe even the soft brake lines and brake master cylinder. If it's rubber or has rubber components (like O-rings), I'd be checking it real close before placing a lot of faith in it.

 

[jzak]

In my opinion you dont even need a steering stabilizer. Your right they are cheap , but they only mask your real problem

I bought a Jeep wrangler waay back in high school. On the way home, the wheels were shaking so violently, I almost lost control a few times. One of the first things I did was install a new steering stabilizer. The old one was in such bad shape you could push it in and out with your pinky finger. Immediately after installing the stabilizer the thing drove like it was on rails. Amazing difference.

So like I said in my post, it's not going to solve your problems (Tie Rod end, Ball joint, Alignment), but in my opinion, it's still a good/CHEAP place to start!

 

[Petescj]

I didnt mean for my post to seem like an attack on you. I just wouldnt go with a new stabilizer to mask my problem. That $50 could be best spent elsewhere.

I bought a Jeep wrangler waay back in high school. On the way home, the wheels were shaking so violently, I almost lost control a few times. One of the first things I did was install a new steering stabilizer. The old one was in such bad shape you could push it in and out with your pinky finger. Immediately after installing the stabilizer the thing drove like it was on rails. Amazing difference.

So like I said in my post, it's not going to solve your problems (Tie Rod end, Ball joint, Alignment), but in my opinion, it's still a good/CHEAP place to start!

 

[mstar]

So I think I read this right, 12,000 original miles. new top and paint.Was it stored outside in the elements? Sometimes that can be the worst possible
thing for a vehicle is sitting(people too ) You may be in for several hours of maintenance to get everything loosened up and lubricated.That is quit a find . mike

 

[Old Dog]

have you read this yet? http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f99/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/

FWIW I don't run a steering stabilizer on mine and it handles fine.

 

[es335]

Agree with petescj. I can tell you after replacing the ball joints, axle universals, tierod and tierod ends, I have been running my CJ5 with NO steering stabilizer at all. No shimmy, no shake, stays straight as an arrow at 50 mph on the highway(get your alignment ckd after you make the repairs). I will put a stabilizer on due to the manual steering and smacking the occassional rock/log. But, stabilizer really is not necessary for shimmy/shake if your front axle components are in good repair. At least on my CJ this was the case.

....my $.02

 

[mstar]

Ditto on my 1969 with Saginaw steering on dana 27 front axle.No steering shock.
Ditto on my 1967 with dana27 and ross stock steering.No steering shock.

If I where doing a lot of off-road I would consider installing a good steering shock stabilizer on them.

The wrangler came with one. go figure. mike

 

[jzak]

I'm kind of blown away by the anti-steering stabilizer commentary. I guess you can also call me a Newbie, because I had no idea there are so many CJ owners who don't even use one.

It just seems like from this guys post that he was dealing with a "death wobble" situation. I don't know how you solve that problem without first having a steering stabilizer.

 

[hdgapeach]

I'm kind of blown away by the anti-steering stabilizer commentary. I guess you can also call me a Newbie, because I had no idea there are so many CJ owners who don't even use one.

It just seems like from this guys post that he was dealing with a "death wobble" situation. I don't know how you solve that problem without first having a steering stabilizer.

Think of the steering stabilizer as an accessory. It's not a "repair" for any kind of steering problem.....except, maybe, for a worn out steering stabilizer............

Ha! That's pretty funny now that I go back and read it.

 

[Dan77CJ7]

With HD tie rod and drag link kits with 1ton strengh and streering box braces you dont really need one not that you dont have to run it if you feel like ur ride is good with out a stabilizer run it if not run with it. I didnt run it because it handled very well and i had to special order the bracket! if it had come with the kit i would more then likely have used a stablizer.

 

[Old Dog]

I'm kind of blown away by the anti-steering stabilizer commentary. I guess you can also call me a Newbie, because I had no idea there are so many CJ owners who don't even use one.

It just seems like from this guys post that he was dealing with a "death wobble" situation. I don't know how you solve that problem without first having a steering stabilizer.

a steering stabilizer has nothing to do with death wobble. death wobble is caused from worn out parts such as rod end or worn ball joints ect. Although it can help mask these issues it doesn't fix the problem.
IMO a stabilizer only helps to keep the steering wheel from being jerked out of you hand when you hit a bump or rock.
I prefer to "feel" the road/trail under my jeep.

 

[moparharn]

Very good advice here. Thank you. My brake fluid looks like coffee (I think its original). Put new pads on the front. New blower motor comes this week. Suspension is all original and yes it is time for an alignment. First I plan to do my own inspection. I need to find a shop I can trust. If I bring in a 78 original these guys are going to bend me over a log. I will look for slop or movement and replace what I can, then go get an alignment and wait for the horror story they try to sell me on. This is an ice cream getter and Saturday country driver. I only want it to be safe and drive as well as it can, all while keeping it original. I like the plain Jane look it has. Not a single option on it. Bill