How to improve handling performance

[Barinator]

Mine is an all factory setup. The handling, especially at highway speeds can be a challenge. It is very loose and can drift a lot. I really don't go off-road. Looking for recommendations and best bang for the buck.

 

[NMBoondocker]

I added a Fox ATS steering stabilizer, Clayton 392 coils and the slightly longer Mopar lower control arms. This firmed up the handling for not much $.

 

[Love6MT]

Hellwig Sway Bar….makes the Jeep handle almost like a car, but it is much stiffer off-road. For ~ $300 makes the biggest change of any mod I have ever put on a vehicle TBH. Just drove a curvy 500 mile trip through mountain highways, the change in cornering is crazy.

 

[onfire392]

I would have the dealership check it out if it wanders. I’ve cruised at 85mph and hit bridge expansion joints with CC on with zero issues. What is your tire pressure ?

 

[Robr651]

Mine is an all factory setup. The handling, especially at highway speeds can be a challenge. It is very loose and can drift a lot. I really don't go off-road. Looking for recommendations and best bang for the buck.

Also consider getting the Mopar LCA’s makes a world of difference for about $80. They should’ve been added from the factory. Can’t get a better deal for the money

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[3TV]

The thing that made the absolute most difference with my Jeep was when I changed to a quality MetalCloak tie rod and drag link, and Dynatrac ball joints. That change did more to eliminate the loose feeling and drifting feeling that Jeeps can have on highway. My Jeep only had 13,000 miles on it when I upgraded those parts but there was already visible movement in the tie rod ends on the drag link with the factory parts. I had already had the Jeep aligned, had caster set at 5.8 degrees, and had 30 psi in the tires. But it was the change to stronger steering parts without all of the flex and looseness of the stock parts that made the difference.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

The thing that made the absolute most difference with my Jeep was when I changed to a quality MetalCloak tie rod and drag link, and Dynatrac ball joints. That change did more to eliminate the loose feeling and drifting feeling that Jeeps can have on highway. My Jeep only had 13,000 miles on it when I upgraded those parts but there was already visible movement in the tie rod ends on the drag link with the factory parts. I had already had the Jeep aligned, had caster set at 5.8 degrees, and had 30 psi in the tires. But it was the change to stronger steering parts without all of the flex and looseness of the stock parts that made the difference.

Does the steering wheel still have some play now? My stock steering gives about 1” play when parked. Wondering how big of a difference the upgraded tie rod and drag link make.

 

[3TV]

No, it feels rock solid and goes exactly where it is pointed. No vagueness or loose feeling at all. I've never owned a Jeep that drives this good.

The mechanic shop I have used for years on several vehicles is run by a guy that is the crew chief of a trophy truck desert race team. He has a ton of experience in off road vehicles. He was the person that drove my Jeep briefly after installing the parts, in order to center the steering wheel exactly. And he said that he doesn't even own a vehicle that drives that good and commented that now there is no vagueness at all.

 

[BarneyM]

Mine is an all factory setup. The handling, especially at highway speeds can be a challenge. It is very loose and can drift a lot. I really don't go off-road. Looking for recommendations and best bang for the buck.

I suspect you have some loose nuts or bolts somewhere. It's time to grab some wrenches and check everything. Jeeps are known for having loose hardware coming from the factory.

I have a 2022 392 and it drives like a dream. At 80 mph on our crappy Cali roads and driving with one hand on the wheel and enjoying the drive. All original suspension parts.

Start with the simple things before spending a lot of money.

 

[Uncommon Sense]

Mine is 100% stock XR. Check tire pressure. I found the 37 psi is too much. It makes mine feel kind of skittish and bouncy on highway. At 30 it perfect. My 392 tracks straight as an arrow and doesn't wander much. It ain't a M4 on highway, but handles great in a straight line. I does leave a lot to be desired cornering though. I find taking some highway curves at 75+ to be a bit butt puckering due to body roll.

 

[Bobo57]

Mine is 100% stock XR. Check tire pressure. I found the 37 psi is too much. It makes mine feel kind of skittish and bouncy on highway. At 30 it perfect. My 392 tracks straight as an arrow and doesn't wander much. It ain't a M4 on highway, but handles great in a straight line. I does leave a lot to be desired cornering though. I find taking some highway curves at 75+ to be a bit butt puckering due to body roll.

Same here, mine is a 20th and it tracks straight as an arrow. I have almost 10,000 miles on it and it handles great IMHO for a short wheelbase vehicle with the CG 2 ft above anything else. Couldn't be happier.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

Also consider getting the Mopar LCA’s makes a world of difference for about $80. They should’ve been added from the factory. Can’t get a better deal for the money

68322798AA - 68322798AA Lower Control Arm, Front Jeep Wrangler JL (2020-2024) Mopar OEM 2020-2025 Jeep | Bam Wholesale Parts

Buy Your OEM Mopar 68322798AA Lower Control Arm, Front Jeep Wrangler JL (2020-2024) Mopar OEM (68322798aa) Online For Your 2020-2025 Jeep Vehicle And Have It Delivered Right To Your Home or Work!

www.bamwholesaleparts.com

I still have mine in the box! So damn hot this time of year.

 

[Robr651]

I still have mine in the box! So damn hot this time of year.

105 in the shade

 

[Barinator]

Thank you all for the terrific insight. FYI, I just had the dealer do an alignment and it both wheels were out in the same direction by more than 1/4", thus the pull to the right. A definite improvement but still not as good as I would like. I will definitely consider making these changes in the near future. Just have to find a competent shop near me.

 

[onfire392]

Thank you all for the terrific insight. FYI, I just had the dealer do an alignment and it both wheels were out in the same direction by more than 1/4", thus the pull to the right. A definite improvement but still not as good as I would like. I will definitely consider making these changes in the near future. Just have to find a competent shop near me.

What is your tire pressure. Mine was delivered at 42psi and felt terrible. As posted above, I dropped immediately to 32F and 30R. Huge difference at 80mph and expansion joints. I need to try 30/28

 

[@JC]

IMO the stock KO2s wander around the road like a drunk sailor on shore leave. Get some upgraded rubber on there after putting on the Mopar extended LCAs and Fox ATS 2.0 steering stabilizer at around 18-20 clicks and you'll feel like you're driving a completely different vehicle.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

IMO the stock KO2s wander around the road like a drunk sailor on shore leave. Get some upgraded rubber on there after putting on the Mopar extended LCAs and Fox ATS 2.0 steering stabilizer at around 18-20 clicks and you'll feel like you're driving a completely different vehicle.

As I former drunk sailor on shore leave I have to say I did better.

 

[AUSTX]

Thank you all for the terrific insight. FYI, I just had the dealer do an alignment and it both wheels were out in the same direction by more than 1/4", thus the pull to the right. A definite improvement but still not as good as I would like. I will definitely consider making these changes in the near future. Just have to find a competent shop near me.

Do you regularly rotate your tires...any uneven wear? I've had multiple sets of KO2s and never had wandering issues when rotated regularly. I do buy new set before they are hard and used up and prone to rail wandering.

Having had both I will say the Fox ATS and Falcon Nexus steering stabilizers definitely make a huge difference but shouldn't be used a band-aid. Make sure the basics have been covered first.

 

[Barinator]

What is your tire pressure. Mine was delivered at 42psi and felt terrible. As posted above, I dropped immediately to 32F and 30R. Huge difference at 80mph and expansion joints. I need to try 30/28

I did the same, but am not seeing a big difference at highway speeds.

 

[MDrums]

What is your tire pressure. Mine was delivered at 42psi and felt terrible. As posted above, I dropped immediately to 32F and 30R. Huge difference at 80mph and expansion joints. I need to try 30/28

Same pressures I am now running for the last 2k miles....32f/30r. I'm at 4500 miles now and tires wearing great. I just rotated them couple hundred miles ago working in the spare in the rotation.

I do want to add the Mopar 1/4" longer lower control arms soon though.