Wandering D3

[Preacher]

Just taken delivery of a 05 TDV6SE and found that the steering is not all that direct on the open road.
I was prepared for a little 'wallowing' but the 'wandering' is of concern.
I've got 18" wranglers with the correct air pressures as per placard - any help would be appreciated

dj

[CaverD3]

Steering rod ends may be worn, common issue.

[ADMIRAL]

Just taken delivery of a 05 TDV6SE and found that the steering is not all that direct on the open road.
I was prepared for a little 'wallowing' but the 'wandering' is of concern.
I've got 18" wranglers with the correct air pressures as per placard - any help would be appreciated

dj
Check the obvious first. If you have abnormal wear on the front tyres, you will have indifferent handling & feel. Swapping the tyres around is a cheap diagnostic. Check for worn bushes or steering/suspension components, and most obvious, have the wheel alignment checked.
If the all is well elsewhere, but the wandering persists, ensure the castor is up to spec. Low or no castor, will have the front end all over the road. The wheel alignment will confirm this for you.

[Preacher]

Admiral
Thanks for the input
Just to clarify - had a road worthy and they replaced ball joints, said all else was OK
Doesn't seem like any uneven wear on tyers
No wheel alignment done since the ball joints though
will shortly be fitting 17" steel wheels and Maxxis Bighorns 265 70 17 and will have a wheel alignment then

dj

[ADMIRAL]

A roadworthy generally looks for items of a dangerous nature. If it drives without anything falling off, it will probably be passed. It doesn't give any real indicator as to what else could do with work or adjustment.