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Thread: Death Wobble

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    Colorado
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    Default Death Wobble

    Hey everybody, I have an '89 with 167k miles. The death wobble happens to me sometimes, although it sounds like I have it easy. I was doing about 75 today with no problems. But when the front wheels hit a bump, it seems like some component is thrown out of balance and the shaking begins. That being said, I only had to deal with the wobble four times today on a 160-mile journey. If anyone has any easy solutions please let me know!

    BTW the jeep is stock but will have a 3" lift and 31s on in a month or so—will this make the problem worse?
    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Chico, CA
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    Default Re: Death Wobble

    Yes, it will be worse with a lift.

    The first thing to do is have someone saw the steering wheel back and forth while you look underneath at the steering components. Everything should be solid, but you will undoubtedly find some joint or bushing that is not, such as the track bar bushing etc.
    230 hp 4.3L Chevy
    Built 4L60E with manual lockout
    Atlas 4 speed
    Griffin radiator
    On board air
    Warn 9.5ti on custom bumper
    7.5" RE front and bastard pack rear on custom long arms
    30 gal gas tank
    lockers
    And a bunch of other stuff

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
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    568

    Default Re: Death Wobble

    You should find which component is worn, I would lift the jeep earlier and replace every suspected item:
    When you install the lift, you will probably replace the lower control arms - that might help (new bushings, no play there)

    You should replace the upper control arms bushings (or the arms themselves)

    As mentioned, check the track bar bushing (or replace it, if you haven't till now)

    Check the steering shock absorber and wheels alignment.

  4. #4
    nickyg's Avatar
    nickyg is offline Level: Uber Jeep Cherokee Trailer Queen
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    Default Re: Death Wobble

    when was the last time the wheels were balanced?
    when I had D.W. it was the track bar mounting bracket on the frame side. 2 of the 4 bolts were rusted away. Freshly balanced tires seemed to help it a little bit.

    I agree something is worn out and will not get any better with a lift.

    Hey guys, help me out. since it's getting a 3 inch lift would this be a good time to replace the track bar with an adjustable one or something? Just thinking outloud.
    One more part and I'll have a new Jeep

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Chico, CA
    Posts
    29,847

    Default Re: Death Wobble

    That would be a good option
    230 hp 4.3L Chevy
    Built 4L60E with manual lockout
    Atlas 4 speed
    Griffin radiator
    On board air
    Warn 9.5ti on custom bumper
    7.5" RE front and bastard pack rear on custom long arms
    30 gal gas tank
    lockers
    And a bunch of other stuff

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    101

    Default Re: Death Wobble

    Thanks everybody for the help! Now that I have a list of suspects I'll get to work. Definitely the lift will come after I pay for repairs. Slowly figuring this thing out

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    101

    Default Re: Death Wobble

    Can I do all these repairs in my garage with jack stands?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Chico, CA
    Posts
    29,847

    Default Re: Death Wobble

    Yes. If you have stands and a jack you can do just about anything to an XJ
    230 hp 4.3L Chevy
    Built 4L60E with manual lockout
    Atlas 4 speed
    Griffin radiator
    On board air
    Warn 9.5ti on custom bumper
    7.5" RE front and bastard pack rear on custom long arms
    30 gal gas tank
    lockers
    And a bunch of other stuff

  9. #9
    nickyg's Avatar
    nickyg is offline Level: Uber Jeep Cherokee Trailer Queen
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    2,075

    Default Re: Death Wobble

    garage is optional.
    One more part and I'll have a new Jeep

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