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Death Wobble

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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 08:07 AM
  #11  
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Wobbles at speed is not DW. Most likely tires.

My JK is not pleasant to drive at that speed.
My tires badly need a balance and possibly a bad wheel.
Also... Do to my front DC driveshaft my pinion is within 2-3 degrees which mean caster is the same. Steering is lose and follows ruts easily.
Too much toe in will do the same I believe.

Somebody mentioned a highsteer kit.
Manufactures don't recommend flipping the DL under 3".
Def worth it though. One of the better mods I've done.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 08:09 AM
  #12  
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Inexpensive fix for ovaled holes.

Have a shop weld washers on each side of the TB mounting holes.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 08:12 AM
  #13  
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When I had DW, I discovered that my new drag link didn't fit tight in the steering knuckle. Even though it was torqued tight, it still had slight movement because it didn't set down into the knuckle far enough.

After adding a large washer on the threads after it is installed in the knuckle and torquing the nut down on the washer, the drag link was pulled into the knuckle more and I've never had a problem with DW after that.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 08:27 AM
  #14  
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I had death wobble once and the culprit was low tire pressure on my 35's. They were around 20-22psi so i bumped the psi up to 26-28psi and no more death wobble.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 08:32 PM
  #15  
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Took her into a shop today and they said everything looks good... just minimal play on frame side of track bar... flex joint must have melted when I reamed it out to 9/16... have to order new bushing, I'll let you guys know if it fixes it I sure hope so because there is nothing else to fix... thanks for the inputs!
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 09:34 PM
  #16  
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That is enough to cause DW.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 09:46 PM
  #17  
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I sure hope so. I start school soon, and I'm going to need her to go back and do her job like a champ.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 10:14 PM
  #18  
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Paid $50 to get a two $2.50 bushings shipped to Hawaii... one week later new bushings on RK track bar flex joint (frame side). It's getting better, I don't feel like I am going to crash and burn anymore but, hitting bumps at 60mph still starts a wobble... I don't have to slow down to almost a complete stop anymore but I'm still not convinced it's safe enough to put my one year old in it. The shop I took it to said there is very small amount of play in the tie rod ends but their alignment guy doesn't think it's enough play to be a problem. The tech that did the bushing replacement said I can try to replace the tie rod ends but he doesn't think it's the problem either and if that doesn't work I can try to run it without front wheel spacers. What am I missing? I nearly replaced every suspension/steering component that can go wrong. I enjoy driving this Jeep but I'm not going to put my family, other motorist, or myself at risk, I have a feeling I'm going to end up selling this one.

Recap:
Wheels: Balanced
Alignment: Completed (-5.6 caster, everything else within spec)
Nuts & Bolts: Tight, 4 wheel shop checked.
Ball Joints: Replace w/ Synergy
Drag Link: Replaced with OEM
Tie Rod End at Pitman Arm: Replaced with MOOG
Steering Stabilizer: Replaced with Rancho and Rancho Bracket

Everything was replaced or done in the last 3 weeks. If someone is willing to blow it up, feel free, my track bar is bomb proof.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 11:19 PM
  #19  
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I only read your recap so I don't know if you answered this, but have you checked your steering box? I've heard about guys on here having play in their sector shaft that caused a pretty good shimmy. I also heard of one guy who noticed his whole box was loose on the frame.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 11:32 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by c4bus
I only read your recap so I don't know if you answered this, but have you checked your steering box? I've heard about guys on here having play in their sector shaft that caused a pretty good shimmy. I also heard of one guy who noticed his whole box was loose on the frame.
That's what I'm leading towards. The guy at the 4 wheel shop said it's not the steering box, but I feel some sort of clunk on my pedals and wheel at times... Maybe I'll have a shop in California check it out one last time, I'm starting school in April and I won't have time to mess with this... I'll make sure everything is tight for now... thanks for your help.
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