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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/Steering Stiffness

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Expert: - 4/2/2004


Question
I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I lifted 2.5" and put 32" BFG's on.  Lately I have had stiffness in the steering when I drive for extended periods of time.  And once it acutally stalled out. Not sure what the problem is but I have had it for almost a year now and this is the first time this all-time 4x4 has done this.  Basically I am trying to narrow down the issues that might cause this.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Adam,
  Without looking at the Jeep, I would guess that you have a power steering pump going out.  Many times, you can tell if this is the problem, as the pump may start to make loud growling sounds when you try to steer.  To a lesser degree another possibility, is the steering box itself, or a failing component in the steering linkage.
  A reputable front end shop should be able to check this out for you.

     Carl  

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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