Jason Bowles

Hey guys I have an issue with with wandering steering, I know my front end steering linkages are probably shot after 250k mileage on original parts. I’ve struggled to find anything in specific that’s loose. Visually all the grease boots look okay, rubber bushings are cracked and deformed but no visible loose movement.
Also I just jacked up and and checked all 4 wheels no shifting left to right or up and down.
However the rear wheels do shift in and out..??
is this normal? Can’t find anything online about this

Jim Malcolm

Yes, the rear wheels will shift in an out a little bit.

Remove the steering stabilizer and take it for a drive. I haven't used once since...

BwanaBob

Check the toe-in. Steering can wander if there is no toe-in or there is toe-out.

Unless your front end is really messed up, or unless you have a lift kit
with adjustable control arms and ball joints, you can do the basic alignment
on your driveway. It is basically just twisting the tie rod to lengthen or shorten
it. Turn the steering wheel so the front wheels are eyeball straight, turn off
the motor, jack up the driver side wheel an inch off the ground. Then loosen
the nuts on the collars at each end of the straight tie rod. Place a long 2x4
across the front of the Jeep, touching the front of both tires, pick a tread groove
on each tire and mark the board where the groove hits, then put the board
behind the tires and mark where the same grooves hit. Then twist the tie
rod to shorten or lengthen it so the distance between the grooves in the front
of the tires is about 1/8 inch less than at the rear of the tires (the "toe-in").
Tighten up the collars and keep the 2x4 in your garage for next time.

Here is something to do if you have not yet done so. Get someone to help you
and have them start the Jeep in park. Lie down in front of the Jeep and watch as
your helper turns the steering wheel lock to lock. Look/listen for clunks or loose nuts.
Look for movement of the track bar bolt at the axle end. Make sure the track bar bracket
is not moving back and forth on the frame. Make sure the control arm bushings hold
tight and the tie rod ends show no play.

lawsoncl

Yup, on a c-clip rear axle in-out play is normal. X2 on having a helper turn the wheel back-n-forth while you look and feel for slop.

cruiser54

4.3L XJ

Does the steering wheel need to be turned before the slop allows the wheels to start turning?