More Death Wobble problems
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
Did you install an adjustable track bar to center the axle? It needs to be torqued down to 125 ft/lbs with the tires on the ground and the weight of the JK on the suspension components. Any movement of the track bar mounting points can cause handling problems. I'd stay away from the cam bolts, I don't think the caster is the cause of your DW anyway. Save up for some adjustable control arms and do it right the first time. As far as shops in Clovis, NM I'm not sure, check with some local 4X4 clubs or you might have to travel to Tucson or Phoenix. Hope you get the problem resolved.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Clovis,NM
Did you install an adjustable track bar to center the axle? It needs to be torqued down to 125 ft/lbs with the tires on the ground and the weight of the JK on the suspension components. Any movement of the track bar mounting points can cause handling problems. I'd stay away from the cam bolts, I don't think the caster is the cause of your DW anyway. Save up for some adjustable control arms and do it right the first time. As far as shops in Clovis, NM I'm not sure, check with some local 4X4 clubs or you might have to travel to Tucson or Phoenix. Hope you get the problem resolved.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Clovis,NM
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Clovis,NM
If you haven't changed to an adjustable trackbar to re-center your front axle, that is probably the #1 problem.
After that, if you still have the wobble, I would get the lower control arms in order to change your caster. The further out you are, more positive caster, the more stable (the easier your steering wheel will go to center) your jeep will be. However, with that said, pushing your caster out can cause a secondary problem of driveshaft vibration. This is all dependent on how high your lift is and the angle difference between your diff and TC.
IF you still have issues after these two areas, then I would look at the tires. If they are not balanced, worn the same (someone here had DW because he put his unused spare onto his driver side front, moved it back and put a used tire up front and bingo, no more DW), TOED in about 1/4", that could be it as well.
After that, if you still have the wobble, I would get the lower control arms in order to change your caster. The further out you are, more positive caster, the more stable (the easier your steering wheel will go to center) your jeep will be. However, with that said, pushing your caster out can cause a secondary problem of driveshaft vibration. This is all dependent on how high your lift is and the angle difference between your diff and TC.
IF you still have issues after these two areas, then I would look at the tires. If they are not balanced, worn the same (someone here had DW because he put his unused spare onto his driver side front, moved it back and put a used tire up front and bingo, no more DW), TOED in about 1/4", that could be it as well.
Ok thanks for the help. Now I need help in one more area. How do I talk the wife into letting my buy the track bar.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1
From: The San Andreas Fault
The adjustable track will enable you to recenter your axle and the adjustable LCAs will adjust the Caster a more reliable way by replacing the Camber bolt kit you installed.
You likely don't need twin stabilizers because your tires are not that large.
If your JK only has 700 miles then you are right, it is very unlikely that is wear on a joint or bushing unless something was not torqued properly at the factory.
If you already double checked the wheel balance, then I recommend that you systematically check every bolt and joint that was involved in the lift and retorque them. Nthinuf posted a good list of places to start checking.
Your JK is new and you have only made a couple of mods so it shouldn't be too hard to track down the source of the DW.
You likely don't need twin stabilizers because your tires are not that large.
If your JK only has 700 miles then you are right, it is very unlikely that is wear on a joint or bushing unless something was not torqued properly at the factory.
If you already double checked the wheel balance, then I recommend that you systematically check every bolt and joint that was involved in the lift and retorque them. Nthinuf posted a good list of places to start checking.
Your JK is new and you have only made a couple of mods so it shouldn't be too hard to track down the source of the DW.
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 0
From: New France
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Fl
This isn't enough. With the JK on a level surface and not on stands either, loosen all 16 control arm bolts and the lower shock mounts and shake the chassis. Then torque them all to specks. Insure the draglink and trackbar are nearly parallel. After all that I dunno, I'd have to get my hands on it.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery
Had a helluva scare today going down the freeway at about 70 and hit a small bump in the road. The front end stated shuddering like it was going to self destruct. I managed to get over to the shoulder and the shudder didn't stop until I had the Jeep at a complete standstill. Since I was only a couple of miles from the dealership, I went there immediately. I pretty much got a blank stare from the Service Writer but he told me that they would take it in, check it out and fix it. I have an appointment to drop it off on Monday a.m. They can either fix it once and for all or this is going to look like a Discount Tire commercial when I drive it through the front window at the dealership! The Jeep is bone stock and has less than 13 k miles so this situation is totally unacceptable and totally unsafe. After what happened today, I won't let my family get anywhere near this thing until I'm totally confident that it has been repaired.