Hey guys I'm new to cherokees but have been a long time offroader. I just got a 1992 cherokee for 800$ it is from Georgia rust free, I'm in michigan. But the guy before me clipped somebody and took out the headlight on the drivers side and the grill and a tiny bit of the fender. It didn't Bend the frame and the damage is not bad at all. But when you drive on pavement it try's to take off all DIFFRENT ways before you hit 30+ and anything after it feels like you will drive off the road. Also when you hit pot holes it jumps and takes off left and right. And all DIFFRENT ways. No vibrations tho. It's got 160xxx. Any help on what is causing the problem would be appreciated. Also when you turn the wheel about half way left or right it starts the shake slowly but violently. But the tires don't appear to rub at all. It's all stock by the way with the 4.0ho and the dana 35 axles with part time 4x4 and the factory towing package

 

Do a search on here for "Death Wobble" and see if that is anything like you have going on.
Welcome to the forum.

 

Sounds like it needs a front suspension overhaul and an alignment. While pics would help as far as the accident damage, if it is minor and up-high like you say it is unlikely that that is what is causing the issues. It is most likely just worn steering/suspension components (tie-rod-ends, ball-joints, steering stabilizer, sway-bar bushings/end links, etc.) at 160k mi and 22 years (since many of these components are rubber they are affected as much or more by age as mileage) if these items have never been replaced they're way overdue.


Note: your front axle is a Dana 30, the rear is a Dana 35 (though the Chrysler 8.25" and Dana 44 were used in the rear in some XJ Cherokees).

 

Heres some reading to get you started....http://www.mikestrawbridge.com/XJ-death-wobble.shtml

 

I red a few and they sounded DIFFRENT. Mine seems to shoot of DIFFRENT ways and the death wobble forums seem to report violent shaking.

 

Chack all these parts for play step 1.

 

Is that the front or the rear?

 

Front crappy picture ...

 

Better.....

 

Thanks man that actually helps alot

 

Also wanted to know if they made a 1992 cherokee with stock dana 44 axles. Because my jeep did come with the factory towing package

 

I noticed that my tie rod is bent pretty good. It's bowed way down. Would this carouse my problems? Because everything else seems good

 

No, 88-89, I believe.

Yes.

 

Bent tie rods gonna throw the tow all outa wack. Easy upgrade grand Cherokee v 8 one.

 

No, (early) 1991 was the last year for the Dana 44 in the XJ (though a previous owner could have swapped one in). However if you have the tow package there is a good chance your rear axle is a Chrysler 8.25" (which is similar in strength to the Dana 44) not a Dana 35. All XJs have a Dana 30 front axle.


Have a look at your rear diff cover to tell what you have





The Chrysler 8.25" also has a "lip" that extends beyond the diff cover and larger diameter axle tubes than the Dana 35:


Chrysler 8.25":







Dana 35: