Hello everyone this is my first Jeep and I must say I love it! I picked it up a few months ago and have been anxious to mod it! But first I wanted to fix any problems it currently has. I replaced the timing chain and gears,valve cover gasket,tuned it up,replaced the air filter,greased it and changed the oil. Seems like I fixed all of the leaks. It runs like a dream now with almost 170,000 miles.

I was not scared to buy one with the amount of miles it has because I have heard nothing but great things about the 4.0 and overall durability of them. The previous owner had it since it had 30k on it and did services religiously (log book to prove it).

I noticed two times during highway driving a bad wobbling right after I hit a bump. It feels like a tire blowout and it goes away right away. I took it to a garage I do side work at and put it on the lift. Nothing seems to be loose and I greased everything. Any ideas what it could be? Once I get this done I feel confident putting a lift on it and rims and tires! Thanks for any advise.

 

let me be the first to say welcome to CF and please feal free to ask us any questions. Yes also my 98 cherokee classic does the same thing yours does but what year is yours and what model?

 

Death wobble happens to alot of people, not suree of the cure have to waut for a more technical member. But I'm sure it somethings loose or worn out in your steering assembly

 

I am sorry its a 99 Cherokee Sport. Is that normal?

 

It does not sound like the dreaded deathe wobble,but similar,The things that can cause it on stock xjs is,shocks,steering stabilizer,ball joints,bushings,tire out of balance. When you go over a bump your shocks should keep your tire in contact with the road,if not this can happen. I think in your case if you replace the steering stabiliser you will be ok seeings you plan on lifting it soon. Once you lift it you can open another can of issues that can be worse than this,when you do lift it make sure you get an adj track bar and adj control arms,and inspect everything very well.

 

The ball joints were recently replaced and front shocks. I planned on putting a new steering stabilizer on with the lift. Of course I want to get all of the kinks out of it before I start to modify it. I have been modifying cars for a long time now and know its best to start with a good platform. So the wobble is common?

 

The wobble is common in lifted xjs not so much stock ones,it is much worse than what you have described here though.

 

I reviewed the repair log book and the steering stabilizer was replaced at 150k. The ball joints at 153k on both sides along with a 4 wheel alignment. I'm going to put a wrench on everything to make sure everything is tight. The only thing I saw questionable was the sway bar bushings which I'll replace also.

 

I reviewed the repair log book and the steering stabilizer was replaced at 150k. The ball joints at 153k on both sides along with a 4 wheel alignment. I'm going to put a wrench on everything to make sure everything is tight. The only thing I saw questionable was the sway bar bushings which I'll replace also.

 

if i were you i would check your track bar bushings. if it hasnt been changed in 170k that might be it. it limits horizontal movement of the axle. it might me the lower bushing.. check that