Note: this mod has been supplemented with a TSB since this was posted (see new post)
If you have a JL or JT, you know the steering is messy. An aftermarket brace seemed to be the solution up until recently when a TSB was released by Jeep that replaces key components in the steering box. In the short term (while waiting for my brace), I installed a Falcon Steering Stabilizer, which helped immensely, but as expected, didn't solve the problem. Here's an update:
Synergy Brace
After months of waiting, I finally got my Synergy Track Bar and Sector Shaft Brace in. It easy a pretty simple install. There was an immediate, very noticeable difference. Where I had previously been driving with the Falcon Stabilizer set to "Firm," I now felt more than comfortable setting the stabilizer to "Medium."
It helps with responsiveness; your input is more quickly recognized in the wheels. The micro-adjustments when driving are gone. Driving over road inconsistencies that nearly sent me into the opposing lane of traffic; gone. What remained, however, is the most minimal of dead spots.
Now let's talk about the TSB.
Jeep TSB
Recently, I went to Jeep to have them look at the steering relative to the TSB that's currently out. I was concerned they would give me crap about 40s and state that tire size or lift is the cause, even though it's not. To my surprise, that was not the outcome. In fact, they said there was a clear "popping" sound coming from the steering box, which is something they haven't seen before and is a clear sign that they box should be replaced.
For those in Colorado, I went to AutoNation West (Golden, CO). They happily placed an order for the parts, which I already knew were on national backorder. I'm not expecting to hear back from them before November.
The goal of this change will be to totally eliminate the dead spot. Though it's easy to get along with it right now, it never hurts to tighten things up even more. This TSB primarily seeks to reduce the tolerance in the steering box, eliminating play.
Note: I had the TSB review the day before installing the Synergy brace after reading that some people had been given crap by Jeep dealerships over the brace. My plan is to remove the sector shaft piece before going in to have the TSB completed, then re-install, just to be safe.