Squishy steering

[TRRC]

Hi Guys
I just bought a 2004 KJ with 94000 miles. As far as I can tell everything is still stock. It runs and drives great but I do notice that the steering seems to be soft and sways from side to side just a little. Not to the point of unsafe just not what I'm used to. Tires are new and alignment seems fine. I'm just wonder if this is a normat feel for this vehicle or should I be concerned and dig in deeper.
Thanks TRRC.

 

[LibertyTC]

Welcome to the forum.
Is there any slack in the steering?
Swaying a bit side to side, something does not sound right.
Do the rack bushings appear to have cracks or move around? or balloon out a bit when turning, with possibly a bit of side to side movement?
Parked, have some one turn the wheel & quarter turn back and forth, & observe the 2 bushings. things should be tight!

You must be registered for see images attach

You may want to have a front wheel /complete inspection & alignment done.

 

[TRRC]

Welcome to the forum.
Is there any slack in the steering?
Swaying a bit side to side, something does not sound right.
Do the rack bushings appear to have cracks or move around? or balloon out a bit when turning, with possibly a bit of side to side movement?
Parked, have some one turn the wheel & quarter turn back and forth, & observe the 2 bushings. things should be tight!

You must be registered for see images attach

You may want to have a front wheel /complete inspection & alignment done.

Thank you LidertyTC
I will check the R and P mounts for movement.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

The steering in mine is the tightest of anything I own. Should be super responsive and tight.

 

[TRRC]

The steering in mine is the tightest of anything I own. Should be super responsive and tight.

Thank you for the input. I have checked the steering rack and inspect all the bushings and linkage. All is tight and no cracks.
Could it just be the tires having roll in the sidewalls?

 

[LibertyTC]

What tires do you have? Rolls in sidewalls? What is your tire pressure at?
All Terrain tires are good for the Jeep. I run with thicker sidewalls/ Kevlar's.

 

[TRRC]

The tires that are on are "Lionheart TAs?". I know I've never heard of them either.
I can rock the Liberty back and forth by hand and see almost 1/2" of flex in the sidewalls of the tires.
I just took JK on some dirt roads sand and gravel. It did great. But on the pavement it feels like I'm driving through pudding.
I'm pretty sure it's these tires. I will be swapping them out soon.

 

[LibertyTC]

By the looks of those Lionheart's they are mainly car /street radials.
The Jeep is pretty heavy and you want to look for a heavier AT or All Terrain tire or a Mud/snow rated.
Look for an AT that has a strong thick sidewall, that does not push easily inwards- no flimsy sidewalls please.
I use GoodYear Wrangler All Terain Adventure with Kevlar. Many also like the GY Duratrac's, Falken Wild peak AT3W.

 

[TRRC]

By the looks of those Lionheart's they are mainly car /street radials.
The Jeep is pretty heavy and you want to look for a heavier AT or All Terrain tire or a Mud/snow rated.
Look for an AT that has a strong thick sidewall, that does not push easily inwards- no flimsy sidewalls please.
I use GoodYear Wrangler All Terain Adventure with Kevlar. Many also like the GY Duratrac's, Falken Wild peak AT3W.

Thank you for the advice