Gladiator Steering upgrades

[DieselPete]

Good Morning All, I have a question but first a little back information. Our 2020 Gladiator Overland and at 72,000 miles is starting to have the beginnings of the death wobble, (Tires balanced and wheel alignment checked). When I inspected the steering system I do hear a pop but cannot seen to see which part is worn/moving. So I have decided to upgrade the steering linkages anyway. Now here is my question I have seen alot of mods and they look great however this jeep is not going on any major off roading events that I can see any time soon So while the synergy/rock jock etc are great mods what is out there that is a good upgrade to stock and not priced to break the bank? Any input would be great, oh and i would prefer made in the USA parts!
Thanks!
Pete

 

[Mike Pierson]

Good Morning All, I have a question but first a little back information. Our 2020 Gladiator Overland and at 72,000 miles is starting to have the beginnings of the death wobble, (Tires balanced and wheel alignment checked). When I inspected the steering system I do hear a pop but cannot seen to see which part is worn/moving. So I have decided to upgrade the steering linkages anyway. Now here is my question I have seen alot of mods and they look great however this jeep is not going on any major off roading events that I can see any time soon So while the synergy/rock jock etc are great mods what is out there that is a good upgrade to stock and not priced to break the bank? Any input would be great, oh and i would prefer made in the USA parts!
Thanks!
Pete

You need to have someone in the truck with it turned on, and semi-quickly moving the steering wheel in a short back and forth motion. You would put your hand on the tie-rod ends of the tie-rod and drag link. You’ll be able to feel the pop and the play in it. You’ll also want to observe the track bar on the frame side for movement checking for tightness and a bad bushing; there shouldn’t be much movement at all. Last check the ball joints for movement. You can do that by lifting that corner and putting a long bar or a shovel under the tire and lift repeatedly checking for any play by keeping your hand on it while someone does the lifting.

I personally think Synergy is best for steering and trackbars but if you don’t want to spend a lot of money right now, just go with OEM or a parts store replacement, You got 72K out the ones you have.

 

[jeeeep]

You need to have someone in the truck with it turned on, and semi-quickly moving the steering wheel in a short back and forth motion. You would put your hand on the tie-rod ends of the tie-rod and drag link. You’ll be able to feel the pop and the play in it. You’ll also want to observe the track bar on the frame side for movement checking for tightness and a bad bushing; there shouldn’t be much movement at all. Last check the ball joints for movement. You can do that by lifting that corner and putting a long bar or a shovel under the tire and lift repeatedly checking for any play by keeping your hand on it while someone does the lifting.

I personally think Synergy is best for steering and trackbars but if you don’t want to spend a lot of money right now, just go with OEM or a parts store replacement, You got 72K out the ones you have.

This ^ and recommend removing the track bar to check if the holes are wallowed, check both ends of the track bar and the mounting brackets.