2Wd Front Axle/ Steering Maintenance

[relyt120]

so my DD is a 89 mj pioneer 4.0 auto 2wd and I want to do some maintenance in the front before i start my new job on the ninth. Hopefully cure some front end noises, steering popping, occasional death wobble with some replacement parts and  maintenance.

 

I presume little to no maintenance in the trucks lifetime in this area.

 

do you guys have any recommendations/tips/warnings?

 

I don't have any serious problems driving it but I just want to close a few avenues of failure while I have free time. Thanks yall.

 

 

[Incommando]

A common cause for both the popping noise and then death wobble is that the hole in the body-side bracket where the tie rod end on the track bar mounts gets wobbled out. This was the cause of those symptoms on my '91 and I have seen it on XJ's as well. 

 

Starting with an alignment and tire balance may seem wasteful but it is good to start at square one

[benjy_26]

I agree with the tire balancing, but I'd wait on the alignment (you'll have to do it anyway). I say install all new TRE's and a new, stock replacement track bar. Makebsure to inspect all the mounting points as Incommando pointed out. THEN align the truck. If no maintenance has been done, new TRE's arent out of the question.

[relyt120]

thanks for the suggestions guys, any suggestions on source of tres or track bar?anything specifically i need to lube/grease up while I'm user there?

[nitroxsteve]

I would guess you could need about anything. I would recommend a good inspection of all the wear parts first and go from there. don't waist money on stuff thats not needed. We can all guess but only an inspection will actually tell you what you need.

[nitroxsteve]

All of the parts you will need are available at any auto parts store.

[benjy_26]

I went with all Moog stuff on my 87. I think I spec'd a track bar for a '88 4WD XJ. It fit fin, even though my MJ is a 2WD.