Improving Hwy Manners For Long Trips

[Vegas_Sirk]

Hello fellow Jeepers ....

I posted this up on one of the Wrangler Forums, but I thought I would ask over here as well since most of you guys are putting decent milage on your jeeps on a Overland trip.

My current set up:

13 JKU Rubi
5-Speed Auto
Stock 3.73 Gears
AEV 2.5" XT Lift
AEV Geo Correction Brackets
Terra Flex Monter Track Bar
Method 17" Wheels
Falken Wildpeak AT 35x12.5x17
AEV Procal - used to set computer to the 35s

Currently I'm looking to improve the hwy manners on my JKU as I recently moved to Boise, ID and there are all kinds of weekend trips from here that are 1-8 hour trips. Currently my Jeep feels like chore to drive at hwy speeds (70+) as it feels like it lacks power in the upper range, and tracks around quite bit. This leave me with a tired right foot and sore shoulders on trips over 2 hours.

When speaking with a friend he told me my biggest issue is the lack of regearing for the 35s and suggested that I put in 4.88. He said it will get the RPMs back up to where then need to be on the hwy and keep the engine in the power band. This makes sense to me, but I'm also worried it might make it so that its in too high of the RPM band (where the engine is screaming at you). Thoughts?

Next I was looking at adding a steering stabilizer. I know some people say this is a band aid for larger problems, but I don't think I really have any problems with my steering (no death wobble or things of that nature) I just wanted to stiffen it up a bit to improve handeling. Whats everyones thoughts on this?

Lastly I'm going to be swapping out the Falkens for some BFG KO2s. The older Falken ATs are not great in the snow, and I have had at least 1 of them that never balances 100%. Whats everyone's thoughts on the KO2?

Any other recommendations on making the Wrangler a bit more bearable on longer road trips? I appreciate any and all feedback.

 

[Mitch502]

I too, have the same issues with my ZJ. I know my wheel bearings are bad, as they are getting very loud. Last time I replaced them road manners were noticeably different. I also need a rear track bar (drop bracket right now is not sufficient)

I think in the end, we just have to remember we drive boxes on wheels that act like a sail against any winds what so ever. I know a semi can push me a lane or two over pretty quick if I don't anticipate the wind from it.


Make sure everything is tight, and the alignment is good (all 4, not just the front), and all parts are quality. After that, it's the nature of the beast.

P.S. This issue has also resulted in me driving no more than 65MPH, and usually more like 60...helps with gas mileage at least!


EDIT: 4.88's will help with your power issues. Look for a chart that shows tire size to gear ratio. There is one out there for all makes of jeeps and they are pretty helpful.

 

[Mitch502]

I also run a steering stabilizer. I am not sure why anyone would not run one...

 

[daveh]

A skinnier, smaller diameter tire would do wonders. If you're just overlanding, I would say go with the 34x10.5/17 KO2. I would bet that change alone will solve all of your issues and it's a whole lot cheaper than gears.


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[Comanche Scott]

Your JK came stock with a steering stabilizer. It's the black shock looking thing mounted on the passenger side of the axle tube bracket, and with a clamp around the tie rod.
The wandering issue may be resolved with new tires. Or it may need a toe adjustment.

I've done a 15 hour straight through drive, and 18 hour drive with a 1 hour lunch stop (pulling an empty car trailer). Two 10 hour days back to back pulling an old Scout 80, and lot of 3-4 hour trips.
A few things I've done to make those long drives comfortable:
*M.O.R.E. Dead Pedal. So nice to have support to wiggle around in the seat.
*Jack the driver's seat as high as it will go, so it's more of an upright seat for better posture support.
*Keep the radio volume down low, the windows up, and air circulating.

I have *read* some good reviews on the yeti steering attenuator. No first hand experience, and I'm a pretty big skeptic on this kind of stuff, but it might be worth looking into.

This Jeep is the loudest, harshest vehicle I've driven that I still feel fresh and ready to go, after long days of driving. Overall I'm very impressed. Hope you find the same results with yours. :beer:

Picture one: Pulled this Scout for two days 1,000 miles
Picture two: Overnight stop about half way into the trip
Picture three: Pulled this car trailer back 1000 miles with a stop in Bend Oregon for an awesome lunch at Riverbend Brewery.
Got out of the Jeep, and was ready to go all over again.

 

[MOguy]

As far as power, you are under geared with those larger tires.

As far as wandering, I would replace the tires before you do anything else and don't over inflate them. I like skinner tires better than fat ones. I think they drift less. Don't over inflate them. Trying running around 25 psi and see if that helps.

 

[kayadog]

There is definitely something wrong. I just got back from a 1000 mike highway trip in my JK Unlimited (stock with 265/75r16 AT's) and it is very comfortable. Not like my WK, but really good for what it is. I bet it is the tires.

 

[pilosopo]

Hello fellow Jeepers ....

I posted this up on one of the Wrangler Forums, but I thought I would ask over here as well since most of you guys are putting decent milage on your jeeps on a Overland trip.

My current set up:

13 JKU Rubi
5-Speed Auto
Stock 3.73 Gears
AEV 2.5" XT Lift
AEV Geo Correction Brackets
Terra Flex Monter Track Bar
Method 17" Wheels
Falken Wildpeak AT 35x12.5x17
AEV Procal - used to set computer to the 35s

Currently I'm looking to improve the hwy manners on my JKU as I recently moved to Boise, ID and there are all kinds of weekend trips from here that are 1-8 hour trips. Currently my Jeep feels like chore to drive at hwy speeds (70+) as it feels like it lacks power in the upper range, and tracks around quite bit. This leave me with a tired right foot and sore shoulders on trips over 2 hours.

When speaking with a friend he told me my biggest issue is the lack of regearing for the 35s and suggested that I put in 4.88. He said it will get the RPMs back up to where then need to be on the hwy and keep the engine in the power band. This makes sense to me, but I'm also worried it might make it so that its in too high of the RPM band (where the engine is screaming at you). Thoughts?

Next I was looking at adding a steering stabilizer. I know some people say this is a band aid for larger problems, but I don't think I really have any problems with my steering (no death wobble or things of that nature) I just wanted to stiffen it up a bit to improve handeling. Whats everyones thoughts on this?

Lastly I'm going to be swapping out the Falkens for some BFG KO2s. The older Falken ATs are not great in the snow, and I have had at least 1 of them that never balances 100%. Whats everyone's thoughts on the KO2?

Any other recommendations on making the Wrangler a bit more bearable on longer road trips? I appreciate any and all feedback.

I know one thing that improved drivability significantly was to actually lift my Jeep higher so as to install a lift with a flipped drag link.

In my case, switching to the AEV 3.5 with the the flipped drag and relocated track bar made a large change in the drivability/comfort of my Jeep on longer drives. The more horizontal, neutral angles of the steering components calmed things down.

Prior to that I had an OME lift of approximately 2.5" which by comparison, was a much busier, less settled ride.

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[MagicMtnDan]

I love KO2 tires but make sure you like their performance in the snow.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/03/winter-tire-test-some-treads-are-better-than-others.html

 

[Thean]

Regear it.
play with toe, caster and tire pressures.
Roads and highways around Boise have decent channels worn in from winter tires, so dont totally rule that out.
if you dont have a steering stabalizer on it currently, buy a nice one like the Fox or similar. It will take some of the stress out of the JKs long sector shaft and also keep a lot of feedback from going into the steering wheel in the event you catch a rock, tree stump, etc.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

Your JK came stock with a steering stabilizer. It's the black shock looking thing mounted on the passenger side of the axle tube bracket, and with a clamp around the tie rod.

I should have been more clear ..... I meant an aftermarket one like the less expensive Bilstein or more expensive adjustable Fox ATS one.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

I know one thing that improved drivability significantly was to actually lift my Jeep hire so as to install a lift with a flipped drag link.

In my case, switching to the AEV 3.5 with the the flipped drag and relocated track bar made a large change in the drivability/comfort of my Jeep on longer drives. The more horizontal, neutral angles of the steering components calmed things down.

Prior to that I had an OME lift of approximately 2.5" which by comparison, was a much busier, less settled ride.

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I thought about switching lifts, but just not willing to put too much money into my Wrangler at this point. Its paid off and having been wanting to get something new to replace it, but have been waiting to see the specs on the up coming JLT (wrangler based pickup) with the 8 speed & diesel. For now I'm just trying to make it comfortable (as much as possible) till I decide to replace it.

I did the geometry correction brackets to help get the AEV 2.5" kit more in line with stock, and added the Terraflex Monster track bar to get the wheels centered under the front end, so I have some some stuff to keep everything in proper alignment.

 

[Dan Grec]

With the AEV 2.5 and Geo Brackets the concensus is the JKU drives better than stock... so I think something is out of whack with yours.

I'd get all the wheels balanced, then do a wheel alignment.

If it still wanders on the highway, I would put it on level ground, loosen all the suspension bolts and then re-torque to the specs AEV provides.

Mine is rock steady at 75mph, I can drive for 12+ hours no problem.

-Dan

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

I love KO2 tires but make sure you like their performance in the snow.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/03/winter-tire-test-some-treads-are-better-than-others.html

Thanks for the link, it was a good read. I think the KO2s should be good for a non-dedicated snow tire .... as it seems like the thats what the ones that ranked higher where. Also anything will be better then my current Falkens.

 

[pilosopo]

I thought about switching lifts, but just not willing to put too much money into my Wrangler at this point. Its paid off and having been wanting to get something new to replace it, but have been waiting to see the specs on the up coming JLT (wrangler based pickup) with the 8 speed & diesel. For now I'm just trying to make it comfortable (as much as possible) till I decide to replace it.

I did the geometry correction brackets to help get the AEV 2.5" kit more in line with stock, and added the Terraflex Monster track bar to get the wheels centered under the front end, so I have some some stuff to keep everything in proper alignment.

Understood. I basically had the same setup. Just a JKS track bar instead of a Teraflex one.

My Jeep, like yours, was paid off when I made the switch as well.

But yeah, in term of calming the ride and making the prospect of a long drive more palatable, biggest difference was the flipped steering for me.

The flatter angles just make the front end work better. Only way I can describe it.

And I too nearly made the switch to another vehicle (4runner in my case). But I realized upgrading the front end was cheaper than a new vehicle.

Good luck to you.

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