My 97 xj shakes at 55- about 70. I've noticed my wheels are missing weights. But wondering if theres another possible reason it shakes. don't feel like spending 60 dollars for wheel balance if its not that.

 

balance will contribute. maybe a dented rim. i dented (not noticeably) my rear rim and it was unnoticeable until i rotated em. then at ~50 there was a really annoying shake cause it was on the front end. but other than that, make sure your track bar is solid and the mount is torqued. also, any and all the TRE's and bushing are going to contribute to balance. if your tires are old/have some miles then theres a chance they will contribute. bummer its so expensive around you. a balance and rotate is like 10 per tire here, at most.

 

check all front end steering components.

Ball Joints
Track bar
Tie Rod ends
Front hubs for bad bearings
Upper and lower control arm bushings
and even the front u-joints

Any or all of these can cause the front end to shake.

 

okay ill check them in a little bit I know the other day when I was on the interstate the bolt for the track bar fell out so I had a nice time turning left and keeping it straight.

 

umm. whut.

 

Your XJ might just be getting cold from the wind. It is that time of the year.

 

^
Freakin death trap right there.

 

The wheel weights will do that but a bad tire will too

 

Uhhh... fell out? Just fell right out?

Your first instinct wouldn't be that that might have something to do with your shaking?

Get a new track bar

Make sure it's TIGHT

Go drive it for a while

RE-CHECK TIGHTNESS

Get an alignment

If your shaking persists, have your tires balanced. Check your tread wear, if it's uneven it can cause vibrations that you might misinterpret as shaking.

Loose wheel bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints can cause it as well.