If you're having a wobble triggered when you hit a bump or pothole, there is something in the steering linkage that is bad. As you've read, the track bar is commonly involved. Usually under torqued TB bolts, bad TB joints, or wallowed out holes in the frame side bracket. Ball joints are the next most common culprit. I can't tell from the pictures, but I suspect those are the factory ball joints which aren't very hearty.

I always address things from a "this is what I would do if it were my jeep" perspective. Even if you've been through the steering linkage already, get someone to sit in the jeep while you watch things from the front. A lot of times you can see play in the TB without the engine even on.....just have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect both the frame side and axle side joints. You should not see hardly any movement at all in the bar. Next I'd focus on the ball joints. Jack the jeep up, (i usually stabilize the axle with stands) and stick a shovel under the tire for leverage. If you see any movement (I usually look where the C meets the knuckle by the upper joint even though it's the lower joint that goes kaput), it's no bueno.

If you've already had a good wobble or two, I'd be shocked if a factory BJ escaped it unscathed. That's kinda how these things go. Once problem reeks havoc on the other components. If you love your JK, it's best to just get intimately acquainted with the steering linkage

 

Alright I'll get my friend to give me a hand with this after work and let you know how it goes. I really appreciate it!

 

I bought a used 2011 jk unlimited w/ a 3” lift and 35x12.5 tires . Being new to Jeeps did lots of reading on the forums and talked to a local crawler shop about the same issue. We have big ruts on the freeway here and would scare the crap out of you above 50mph. Came to the conclusion of the aster due to the lift. Bought a pair of freedom off-road front lower control arms and put an extra 3/4” length on them over the stock. WOW!!!!! Straight as an arrow at 75 mph now on the freeway. Not sure if you’ve corrected this already but thought I would comment for future member searches.

 

some things to look for
1) Track bar should run the same angle as steering linkage - a lift w/o using an adjustable track bar (or using an relocation bracket) causes issues.
2) Wallowed out track bar bushings.
3) Bad ball joints
4) Front axle caster tilted too far back after lift (using OG upper control arms after lifting causes front axle to tilt too far).
5) Wheel bearings,
6) Bad end links.
7) Tire/wheel balance
7) Alignment (need a slight toe out just to the edge of within "good" spec range).

 

To clarify, this is referring to "caster", and actually what happens is the axle tilts "forward" unless corrected for the lift, thus lowering your caster. tilting the axle backwards (pinions lower) is what raises caster.

 

Is there a picture of the bracket itself? If there was a picture I could analyze the problem because I've had this problem before.

 

posted issue is really 5 years ago.