So, i got my IRO HD trac-bar on and adjusted today, but i've searched through the forum for specifics on adjustments and i still feel like i'm missing something. I know your axle needs to be center, and you do this by measuring the space between each wheel and the frame (through the spring to the top of the tire).


On the passenger side it was a hair over 19" to the outside edge of the tire. On the driver's side it was a hair shy of 20". So less than an inch off. I attempted to move the steering wheel around hearing that this would move the body of the jeep and recenter it over the axle but it had no effect (i was doing this with the trac-bar removed and that's it).





Now after putting everything back together measurements are the same and i still get wicked DW anywhere over 40mph. Either i'm doing something wrong, or my problem lies somewhere else.


I've read about steering stabilizer's possibly being an issue? My lca's are worn out and the driver's side axle bracket is bent to hell. But, if you get under it and get your hands on everything nothing feels loose enough to cause such a big problem.


Ideas?

 

trust me wen i say this bc i had the exact MASSIVE DEATH WOBBLE OVER 40 esp hitting a lil rock REPLACE YOUR STEERING DAMPER ASAP i did mine 3 days ago and i drove over every crack pot hole big or small i hit anything i could fit and steering is great now no more death wobble =)

btw i can see urs looks exactly how mine looked all beat up n shot it leaking so thats y u got death wobble

 

A new stering stabilizer will not fix it permanently, fix your lca's and axle mounts then check ball joints and tie rod &drag link

 

Mine used to look like that too. And I didnt have death wobble.

Moral of the story, steering stabilizer does not cause death wobble. Hell, if you have a good set up, you wouldn't even need a steering stabilizer.

So your problem lies elsewhere. I'd start at your ball joints

 

As the others have stated, a steering stabilizer will never cause death wobble. Tires, shocks, control arms, u-joints, steering linkage, can all cause it from being worn out, out of balance, etc.. My 97 ZJ with 35's doesn't even have a steering stabilizer.. Cruise down the freeway at 70 with no issues. You have to start with the basics and check for loose parts while someone is wiggling the steering wheel back and forth and go from there.. Hopefully it's quick and painless.. My first ZJ was a nightmare to try and find the issue. It isn't always that way though.

 

Ok, sounds like i need to just start replacing parts. But it'll have to wait til i have some jeep money. I'm a little tight right now.

 

I'm in the same process did new track bar and lcas are on their way right now. also did the steering stabilizer. track bar helped the most.

 

put yer front end on jack stands so it can move easier

 

Track bar didn't seem to help me at all. I have some lca's i need to put on too, but they aren't adjustable. Hopefully they will add some varying degree of help though.

If you mean when i'm doing the track bar adjustment, it was.

But i definitely affected something because my steering wheel is now a half turn off from straight.

 

Ball joints

 

That'll be my next step. Replacing any and all bushings and ball joints

 

It's just the 2 from the tie rod and 2 from the drag link right?

 

So, i found out today that i'm more or less just deathly afraid of DW. The slightest shake freaks me out thinking its wobble time. BUT, i got some speed up today and noticed that it does start to slightyly wobble around 40, but it goes away as i accelerate. Which means the trac-bar definitely helped. So i decided to brave the freeway. And it did great!

For about a mile...



As you can see, my driver's side lca decided to say f*** it and broke the hell off. I needed a new axle bracket made for it anyway, but would have liked to have the money for it before it decided to kick the can.

Just for SAG's, how driveable (under 35mph) is it with a detatched lca? I realize i'm going to be putting more strain on the other control arms, but shouldn't they still be able to hold the axle well enough in place to be driven? Mostly on a need to basis; i would rather not drive it at all until its fixed now.

 

Please dont drive your jeep with 3 control arms, my friend did trying to get his home and the upc on the side the lca was missing taco'ed locked up that tire and sent him into head on traffic.

 

Noted. I did already drive it home, but i don't have any plans on driving it again until i get that bracket made.