I recently purchased a 1998 XJ w/ 4.0. I am loving it so far! Definitely has some wear and tear, so I'll be on here again in the future to ask questions, I'm sure.

When I first purchased it, the steering wheel was off about 90 degrees. After driving down a bumpy gravel road, it was off 180 degrees. I read on the forums about it, and they suggested adjusting the drag link in order to straighten out the steering wheel. However, when I was under the Jeep, I noticed that the steering tube near where the tie rod connects to the Pitman arm was loose and could be turned by hand. It also had grease markings on it where it obviously had been in a different position in the past. So after I tightened it, the steering wheel is now straight. I just want to know - is this an OK way to fix this? Could there be something else going on to cause this?

The previous owner mentioned that the tie rod ends might need to be replaced. There does seem to be a bit of play in the steering... But the alignment seems to be good. Drives down the road very straight and doesn't pull to either side. The previous owner put new tires on it, so I don't have tire wear evidence to tell me if anything's out of wack.

Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

 

I'm thinking you are OK. That's just between the drag-link and the Pittman arm? Don't think that affects your alignment. I might check the bolts on the other components....


Nifty diagram here V

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/adj...ck-bar-134455/