Newbie question on steering.

[Dan77CJ7]

Check ur wheel bearings a good shop wont align it with play in the bearings/ ball joints also. a good cleaning/replace and re-pack is always good for the front end.

 

[es335]

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.

Yep!!!! My point exactly...and MAN that hurts when the steering wheel spoke WACKS you....THUMBS OUT OF THE WHEEL AT ALL TIMES.......

 

[notwaiting]

My '80 CJ5 with a 3 1/2" lift, new steering stablizer, new BF Goodrich tires and new steering column would act the same way. It nearly jumped into the other lane sometimes from bumps in the road.

This winter I upgraded to the SkyJacker M95 shocks and at the same time added a Warn winch and bumper.
I also installed polyurethane bushings in the sway bar and end links.
The first time out I went over known streets and highways that I usually avoid.
The improvement in the handling was immediate, and especially at highway speeds.
The bumps that used to jar our teeth and make the CJ leap, are now more than manageable (but it's still a CJ with a lift kit).

I think the added winch weight helped as much as the shocks, but I'm totally sold on the M95's for the control they've given me going down the highway in this old CJ, and this is my third CJ5 . I have much more control and it's become fun to drive now instead of scary!!
Good luck!

 

[Dan77CJ7]

Have you looked into a shackle reversal kit they really help, pros and cons huge list. but they handle very very well on road a little more nose dive with hard braking, you can lose some traction going over rocks because the axle moves back but my locker clears that "con", you need to check for tire clearance with the lift you have again the axle moves back with hitting an obstacle,some kits require longer drive shafts with lift kits over 4in. but on road you get a sense of "go cart handling" LOL.

 

[moparharn]

Well I had the Jeep aligned yesterday and they said it was barely out of alignment and that the front end parts were all good. They were of the opinion that my steering box was sloppy and might need some attention. I went home and adjusted the box and found the steering improved. I put 1/4 turn into it and really noticed a difference. I will drive it for a while and see if I still feel this way after some miles. If not I will try another 1/4 turn and drive it again. Bill