Fox ATS plus Steer Smart bracket. I have a RK lift on 38s, 90 mph on cruise control is no problem,
How to improve handling performance
- Thread starter Barinator
- Start date
pawj112
Well-known member
Are those Clayton coils noticeably stiffer or harsher around town?
Tank2112
Well-known member
- Nov 4, 2022
- 732
- 901
- Current Rides
- 2023 Rubicon 392 XR, Custom 2003 LJ with 6.1 Hemi, 2013 Ram 3500
I second replacing factory lower control arms with Mopar 2” lift version.
I also replaced my rear factory track bar with Hellwig. The combination on my 2023 XR really improved on-road handling, so much so you can push corners to the point of tires breaking loose… with confidence.
Jeep is more stable when passing an oncoming semi-tractor trailer.
I’m still running factory 315/70R17 K02’s, at 36 psi. I found that air pressure minimizes rolling resistance while still stable at highway speeds.
I also replaced my rear factory track bar with Hellwig. The combination on my 2023 XR really improved on-road handling, so much so you can push corners to the point of tires breaking loose… with confidence.
Jeep is more stable when passing an oncoming semi-tractor trailer.
I’m still running factory 315/70R17 K02’s, at 36 psi. I found that air pressure minimizes rolling resistance while still stable at highway speeds.
NMBoondocker
Well-known member
Noticeably firmer but not harsh. I put on the Clayton coils because I installed a Metal Cloak winch plate and a Warn winch so I was worried about front end sag with the stock coils. The Jeep still rides great!
Handling and steering while obviously related are not the same. Replacing steering components as has been noted is the way to go. The ultimate is hydro-assist, but it’s expensive and still relies on all the other parts being right, tight, and aligned with caster around 6
Handling wise, my philosophy is “sneakers and boots” for tires if you off road occasionally and want big 37 meat on 17s get a set. But i run daily driver “sneakers” T rated 305/55/20 on fuel rims with Clayton performance springs, hellwig rear bar, synergy end links, and Bilstein 5100s.
It handles incredibly.
KnoxRents
Active member
The 392 drifts more than other Jeeps I have run so I haven't checked the caster angle but if you are saying that longer lowers helped then you may have answered my question. Pushing the angle back a little probably helped a lot. A little toe in over spec on the tires helps as well. I always did a 1/8" to 1/4" with no affect on wear.
I don't understand being out in the same direction. Was the steering not centered by a 1/4"?
The sway bar won't affect wander but it's definitely noticeable in handling turns. If you ever want the best of both worlds for on and off-road, I highly recommend ORO Sway-Locs. Back when I ran sway bars on my TJ instead of ORI Struts, the Jeep handled like stock on the road and was better balanced than disconnected off-road.
NMBoondocker
Well-known member
Correct. The longer Mopar lowers helped and would be a good first step if you don't plan to swap them out with adjustable LCAs.
What about the weak steering box design? The steering on my Jeep tightened up a lot after I installed a sector shaft brace. The factory design is so bad that my steering wheel was off center after the install. I had to buy an adjustable track bar to get it back on center.
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Mandrake
Well-known member
I second the rear Hellwig sway bar. Really does help. The newer sway bars have two notches for the sway bar end links, to adjust for the type of drive you want. I switch back and forth. It really helps with the softie Rubicon shocks. I have the XR suspension and the sway bar really helped end that sway side to side.
I think the next thing is get some Fox shocks like I have on the Gladiator (Mojave). That thing is flat cornering. No swing or sway.
I do need to get some end links longer than 10 inches for the rear. I think the sway bar could have been an inch or two wider. You can't bend the Hellwig, that's for sure, LOL !
I haven't done to much more. I'd like some new differential covers. I disconnected the microphones and that got rid of that stupid drone from the sub-woofer. That was horrible. Its good now, pure Hemi sound.
I need to get the sound deadening head liner. Its good in the Gladiator.
I run 31 or 32 psi in the fronts and 34 in the rear, tires are wearing pretty good. The higher pressures make the sidewalls a little stiffer.
They were all 45 psi all way around when we picked the Jeep up. That was a wild ride.
have a good one!
I think the next thing is get some Fox shocks like I have on the Gladiator (Mojave). That thing is flat cornering. No swing or sway.
I do need to get some end links longer than 10 inches for the rear. I think the sway bar could have been an inch or two wider. You can't bend the Hellwig, that's for sure, LOL !
I haven't done to much more. I'd like some new differential covers. I disconnected the microphones and that got rid of that stupid drone from the sub-woofer. That was horrible. Its good now, pure Hemi sound.
I need to get the sound deadening head liner. Its good in the Gladiator.
I run 31 or 32 psi in the fronts and 34 in the rear, tires are wearing pretty good. The higher pressures make the sidewalls a little stiffer.
They were all 45 psi all way around when we picked the Jeep up. That was a wild ride.
have a good one!
There isn’t really a front straight bar upgrade that will improve roll/sway. The big boy bars with long end-links actually increase tip in roll in corners on the street
Fast-n-Furious
Well-known member
Folks, I’ve done 1/4” longer Mopar LcAs, Clayton performance coils, steer smarts track bar bracket. Rides great and I’m onto the next improvement.
Is Fox ATS 2.0 really making a big difference?
Is Fox ATS 2.0 really making a big difference?
Fast-n-Furious
Well-known member
Mine is daily driver, local + highway combined. I have no complaints about the factory steering damper. Do you think Fox ATS with 18 clicks would be much better on-road handling?
I drive my wife’s Audi A4 too, tight and accurate steering. Jumping back to the Jeep steering I’m still fine.
AUSTX
Well-known member
The last thing I'm trying to do is sell you on something you seem to be reluctant to purchase. So, if you have no complaints with your OE SS, then it's not broken for you, so save the $400.
However, given all my Jeeps are or have been lifted with oversized tires and daily drivers, I notice a measurable difference. So much so, I even had a custom bracket fabbed for my '77 Bronco (lifted w/37s) and run the FOX ATS on it. The adjustability/versatility enables you to dial it in for any driving types/conditions including on-road.
Perhaps you can drive someone's Jeep with the FOX ATS SS. For me, I will never go back to conventional SS given my application of lifted Jeeps with oversized tires. On my 392 I have the Falcon Nexus SS which I like very much as well. But again, for you if it's not broken, then don't spend it.
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Fast-n-Furious
Well-known member
Thanks for the feedback. I've been wanting to get the Fox ATS as an upgrade. Then the Fox 2.5 shocks to improve performance and comfort. I tend to do a few small mods each year so I don't break the bank and keep myself busy too.
AZ-MarathonCoach
New member
From my 20 plus years in the offroad industry I would recommend a simple improvement.
Tera Flex Falcon adjustable pass thru stabilizer or A Fox ATS pass thru adjustable steering stabilizer. You cannot go wrong with either one. I have a Falcon on medium setting on my wife’s Jeep and a Fox set at 15 on mine.
One other issue is 2020-2021 Jeep Wranglers that many do not know about is they have a recall in the steering box gear.
Another issue is add a degree of caster. Jeeps normally are about 4.0-4.5 degrees. Adding 1 degree makes a very noticeable improvement
Tank2112
Well-known member
- Nov 4, 2022
- 732
- 901
- Current Rides
- 2023 Rubicon 392 XR, Custom 2003 LJ with 6.1 Hemi, 2013 Ram 3500
Hellwig rear track bar is another upgrade if mainly a daily driver.
I added the teraflex falcon adjustable, set to medium it’s mildly improved from stock. Set to firm, it alters the steering as if someone in the passenger seat has a hand on the wheel. It all but removes return to zero at slow speeds. in firm, it is tremendous going straight on the highway, but otherwise unusable for typical driving.
atlpolarbr
Active member
while scouring the forums, I ran across this old thread which just kinda stopped, but I thought I would add my issue and see if anyone has some feedback......
I have a 2023 20A which has the XR pkg, stock 315/70s and no modifications. It rides great and wander is reasonable for a live axle vehicle. After all it's a Jeep......
In prep for adding Fuel 20x12s with -44 offset and 35x12.50r20s. I decided to add a TeraFlex 1" leveling spacer up front just to insure I would not have a clearance issue. Also decided to add the AEV steering stabilizer which seemed like a good choice. the steering stabilizer was a bear to install. It's highly charged and is always trying to expand. took alot to compress it. the install went great. No issues. I was happy.
On the way home on the interstate I immediately noticed it was drifting/slightly pulling to the right. I immediately though it was the stabilizer. It took me 3 weeks to get back to work on it.
I swapped the factory stabilizer back and same issue.....slight, but definite drift right.
Yesterday I installed the MOPAR longer LCAs because i had the help to do it. that went fine, Trust me 190 ft lbs is alot of torque on the garage floor.....lol. Using the digital angle finder, it seems I maybe added 1 degree of caster. was disappointed in that small gain for that much work. of course it could be me not measuing correctly so I will be working on getting an accurate reading or just take it to an alignment place to get an accurate reading.
So......can anyone offer some experiences here? it worked fine until i took the front end apart to put in the leveling spacers. that should not have caused this issue. Also my steering wheel is in the correct straight ahead position..........and my steering angle (from off road pages) is zero.
Suggestions......
I have a 2023 20A which has the XR pkg, stock 315/70s and no modifications. It rides great and wander is reasonable for a live axle vehicle. After all it's a Jeep......
In prep for adding Fuel 20x12s with -44 offset and 35x12.50r20s. I decided to add a TeraFlex 1" leveling spacer up front just to insure I would not have a clearance issue. Also decided to add the AEV steering stabilizer which seemed like a good choice. the steering stabilizer was a bear to install. It's highly charged and is always trying to expand. took alot to compress it. the install went great. No issues. I was happy.
On the way home on the interstate I immediately noticed it was drifting/slightly pulling to the right. I immediately though it was the stabilizer. It took me 3 weeks to get back to work on it.
I swapped the factory stabilizer back and same issue.....slight, but definite drift right.
Yesterday I installed the MOPAR longer LCAs because i had the help to do it. that went fine, Trust me 190 ft lbs is alot of torque on the garage floor.....lol. Using the digital angle finder, it seems I maybe added 1 degree of caster. was disappointed in that small gain for that much work. of course it could be me not measuing correctly so I will be working on getting an accurate reading or just take it to an alignment place to get an accurate reading.
So......can anyone offer some experiences here? it worked fine until i took the front end apart to put in the leveling spacers. that should not have caused this issue. Also my steering wheel is in the correct straight ahead position..........and my steering angle (from off road pages) is zero.
Suggestions......
Have you put the new wheels and tires? If so which brand of tire?
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