THIS ISN'T DEATH WOBBLE!

I have had death wobble before and i know for a fact what it is and this isn't it But what im am getting is a wobble in the steering wheel and tires and its been getting worse. Sometimes its bigger sometimes its smaller, but it does seem to go away when i slow down. Im planning on getting some TF lower control arms and a JKS trackbar here soon. Also ill post a picture here in a sec but can someone tell me if my tie rods bent up and if so would that be my cause. I only have money for either the control arms or the tie rod...




Basicly im not sure what it is and its starting to really bother me. Its getting worse and i have a big drive coming up here in a few weeks that i want the jeep ready for. Anybodys help or ideas would make my day!

 

But, i would go ahead and get the control arms. My steering was a little like you describe and when i put my lower control arms on it pretty much went away.

 

The lowest bar in the picture looks bent unless it is the lense on the camera.

That could be pulling your toe in a lot...

See mine:

 

now im even more confused... tie rod or control arms, tie rod or arms...

hmm

 

It looks like your tie rods are bent

 

From the lower/ darker of the two pics it appears that your tie rod is pushed upward. If it is, it would have pulled your tires a bit together in the front as it happened. It may have also pulled the bottoms together and pushed the tops apart. Either or both of which could give you some steering issues. From what i have figured out( no that im a pro) is that the tie rod can greatly effect your steering if bent to a significant extent.

 

Now which would make the best fix? Is it enough that getting a new tie rod is worth it or should i get new control amrs?

My budget at the moment only allows for one or the other but Im thinking ill go get the allignment checked out and see what they say.

 

I would try to bend the tie rod back to where it belongs and get an alignment.
W/ 2.5"s of lift you are borderline on whether you need to have adjustable control arms. I forgot to add before, be sure to check all your stearing components to make sure that nothing is loose. Suprisingly one loose bolt can cause a heap of problems with your handling. Check all control arms, both track bars, tie rod and drag-link.

 

your tie rod is bent for sure, and i know cause mine is too. forget the control arms and replace it with an after market one like the the one rockrawler makes, its heavy duty and the last one you'll have to buy...the tie rod hangs in a low dangerous position which will get hit again so you need a HD one. if you leave the bent one your steering will be off and your tires will not wear evenly.

this is mine (bent)

this is the rockrawler HD one



ill try to find a pic of one installed, i know WOL has one installed and i am looking for the thread with a nice shot of his installed

 

you can see from the pic, my rockrawler HD drag links thickness....compared to the tie rods