Jeep Wrangler Tires and Wheels

Replying to: riclee (Oct 17, 2008 11:32 am)

Why would your age turn me off of helping? I ain't exactly young.
 
my email is skimblzbvs at yahoo dot com. That's the email I use for this stuff. If you got the haynes manual, I think that is the right one. I have the factory service manual for your year as well, but those kinds of repairs are probably more than you need to worry about. I can help ya as much as possible. When you contact me, I have a few things you can try.
 
-Paul

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• riclee (Oct 17, 2008 1:50 pm)

Replying to: erickpl (Oct 17, 2008 11:53 am)

Replying to: erickpl (Jun 23, 2008 4:20 am)

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• jim225 (Nov 18, 2008 9:29 pm)
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• brokenjeep (Apr 20, 2009 12:13 pm)

Replying to: cbrandtw (Nov 18, 2008 8:54 pm)

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• cbrandtw (Nov 19, 2008 9:19 pm)
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Replying to: jim225 (Nov 18, 2008 9:29 pm)

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Replying to: cbrandtw (Nov 19, 2008 9:19 pm)

It isn't just the track bar you should check out. Any joints or steering components should be considered.
 
Consider:
1. Control arm bushings - if they are worn, you may get play in the axle.
2. Tie rod ends - ensure greased, intact, and no lateral movement (may have some rotation due to the joint type).
3. Track bar - check BOTH ends (frame and axle)
4. CV joints - jack tire up and check for motion top to bottom /\ kinda thing.
5. Draglink/tie rod. make sure that connection is secure as well.
 
If the problem has cropped up, you should also ensure your tires are properly balanced and have even wear.
 
IF you replace the steering stabilizer/dampener, I'd suggest at least getting a good aftermarket one, like Old Man Emu or something. That stock unit is so so. That will be my next acquisition.
 
As an FYI, I'm on 33" tires with NO death wobble at all. Aftermarket track bar (JKS), and a Grand Cherokee tie rod (stronger). I did swap out my control arms back in August to newer, unbent ones. I did notice my trackbar loose at one point, but the only issue I had from it was loose/sloppy steering.
 
If you look at this pic, you can see the primary components for the front suspension. Any of those points being loose can create havoc.
 

-Paul

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• tomnlaurel (Nov 20, 2008 11:26 am)
  • mac24 (Nov 21, 2008 6:28 am)
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Replying to: erickpl (Nov 20, 2008 6:54 am)

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• mac24 (Nov 21, 2008 6:28 am)
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    • riclee (Nov 25, 2008 1:12 am)

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• erickpl (Nov 21, 2008 5:57 am)

Replying to: tomnlaurel (Nov 20, 2008 5:18 pm)

Replying to: tomnlaurel (Nov 20, 2008 11:26 am)

What is this death wobble your are refering to?
 
It's an uncontrollable shaking of the whole vehicle which originates from the front end.
You are unable to stop the vehicle from changing lanes and you'll invariably end up in the median or the ditch (or even the E.R. ).
 
It's scary, your life flashes before your eyes, and it carries a very real threat of an accident, hence the term 'death wobble'.
It's not just a bad vibration or shake, and accelerating, braking, or decelerating won't make it go away.
Thankfully it's also very rare, though it happens enough to be a recognized phenomenon, and most commonly occurs in Wranglers and Dodge Rams.
 
If you were to experience it or observe it happen to another vehicle I doubt you'd ever forget it!

Replies to this message:
• rself (Nov 24, 2008 9:13 pm)
  • riclee (Nov 25, 2008 1:12 am)