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Death wobble

Old Mar 27, 2017 | 11:17 AM
  #1  
blackhandbeagles's Avatar
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Default Death wobble

I have had multiple Cherokee Sports from the mid 80's to the early 90's vintages. Several of them have developed the death wobble.

My question is, does the Grand Cherokee platform have the same issue?
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 11:33 AM
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JakeThatOneJeepGuy's Avatar
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From: Newton,IA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2 Magnum V8
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I found that it depends on how well the vehicle was taken care of previous to the current owner. I've had numerous friends that have had ZJs that have had the death wobble and had replace all their front end suspension components but I have two ZJs (95 GCLs) and neither one have the death wobble. My 5.2 doesnt even start to shake until 85 mph and that's only because of the tires. So its honestly hit and miss
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 02:18 PM
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Charlie Foxtrot's Avatar
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From: rural northern Illinois
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Yes - GCs can and do get the death wobble.Typically worn &/or damaged parts are to blame. Got a 95 GC that has developed the death wobble twice. Both times the cause was severe trauma resulting in damaged BJs, bent TR, & damaged track bar mount. Had a 98 developed mild DW from worn front steering linkage & OOR wheel/tire combo. Any solid front axle can. Problem used to be called axle tramp in the 40's & '50s.
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 02:58 PM
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Thanks. I have never owned a Grand but figured it would be the same.
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 03:55 PM
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From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
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The front suspension on the XJ and ZJ are identical. It's the rear where the differences are. Think about it. The suspension is a leading link type so any looseness anywhere is going to make it unstable. The ZJs trailing arm suspension is very stable compared to the leading link.
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