Steering "shimmy" issue after OME lift
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Burbank, CA
Steering "shimmy" issue after OME lift
Hi all, I'm relatively new to the forum and new to Jeeps. I've read dozens of threads on multiple forums trying to work this out and I try to read up on everything prior to posting but this time I'm at a loss...
Just recently lifted my '14 JKU Rubicon with a 2" OME HD lift. Right now I have a smittybilt rear bumper and only winch/winch plate on stock bumper in front so it lifted about 2.5 in the rear and 3 in the front. I'm experiencing the infamous shimmy, def not death wobble but it likes to track or pull randomly above about 40mph. I've driven cars with directional tires that like to track on certain parts of the highway and this is what it feels like.
I switched out the steering stabilizer to OME which didn't help, it made the steering feel more solid and less loose but that's about it. I just put on a Synergy adjustable front track bar, centered my axle torqued and re-torqued but still have the floating/shimmy steering pull.
Is there a way to adjust alignment with stock LCA's or do I need to purchase these as well? Seems like a lot of headaches for such a small lift. I was staying away from larger lifts because I didn't want to go to the expense of swapping axles and control arms, etc.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Just recently lifted my '14 JKU Rubicon with a 2" OME HD lift. Right now I have a smittybilt rear bumper and only winch/winch plate on stock bumper in front so it lifted about 2.5 in the rear and 3 in the front. I'm experiencing the infamous shimmy, def not death wobble but it likes to track or pull randomly above about 40mph. I've driven cars with directional tires that like to track on certain parts of the highway and this is what it feels like.
I switched out the steering stabilizer to OME which didn't help, it made the steering feel more solid and less loose but that's about it. I just put on a Synergy adjustable front track bar, centered my axle torqued and re-torqued but still have the floating/shimmy steering pull.
Is there a way to adjust alignment with stock LCA's or do I need to purchase these as well? Seems like a lot of headaches for such a small lift. I was staying away from larger lifts because I didn't want to go to the expense of swapping axles and control arms, etc.
Any help would be much appreciated.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 2
From: Parker, Colorado
I would loosen all control arms and track bars and torque all hardware to spec with a torque wrench and install caster correction with adjustable lower control arms or geometry brackets. Then have it aligned.
If it was good before the lift I'd bet something is loose or the alignment is off.
I don't understand why OME labels that kit as a 2" lift. Maybe 2" on a super heavy pig of a JKU.
If it was good before the lift I'd bet something is loose or the alignment is off.
I don't understand why OME labels that kit as a 2" lift. Maybe 2" on a super heavy pig of a JKU.
Last edited by Ncb; Jan 22, 2015 at 07:21 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Burbank, CA
I figured that could be the issue. I noticed the stock MT's had kind of strange wear at the front after 15k miles, rotated every 5k...
I'll get the caster checked out but will probably install LCA's anyway for piece of mind.
I'll get the caster checked out but will probably install LCA's anyway for piece of mind.