I remember reading somewhere in a forum near you that there was an issue when it came to MML's. As I remember, Blaine had mentioned something about it, and there was bracing and such.
Death Wobble Help!
- Thread starter JMT
- Start date
I've searched the web for MML linked with DW. Not commonly cited. As @Jerry Bransford noted somewhere else, things bolted to the frame are never the root cause of DW.
Question: The track bar bushing at the axle is moving when I do the 10-2 steering test. I've got it torqued to spec at 55ft lbs. Can I torque it down further to see if I can get rid of that play?
Tightening that particular OE bolt more than that is likely to snap it. Ask me how I know.
Ok, I won't do that!
In any event, with 2 3/4" lift should I get an adjustable track bar? If so, what two or three do you recommend I consider?
Chances are, with that size lift, your front axle is shifted 1/2" - 3/4". Normal driving it's likely not an issue. I ran my stock TB for about 3 years after I installed my lift before the tie rod end of the TB wore out. I replaced it with a JKS adjustable. Potential problems with leaving the stock TB that way would likely show itself when offroading and flexing the suspension. Since your axle is shifted to one side, you may get coil perch rubbing.
Keep in mind, the axle end of the TB has a rubber bushing. There will be an expected amount of play in the bushing because, well, it's rubber. It just seems like a strange coincidence that you suddenly developed DW right after the MML. Stranger things have happened to me though.
Keep in mind, the axle end of the TB has a rubber bushing. There will be an expected amount of play in the bushing because, well, it's rubber. It just seems like a strange coincidence that you suddenly developed DW right after the MML. Stranger things have happened to me though.
I know it's strange about the MML. But I have to say, scouring the internet, I haven't seen any diagnosis of DW attributed to MML. I did re-check my mounting bolts and re-torqued a few, but it didn't change anything, still got the DW.
I'm going to do more than eyeball the axle shift tonight. I'm pretty sure it's 1/2" or so. The only place I can find any slop is in the trackbar bushing at the axle mount. I ordered a Metalcloak adjustable trackbar today. Free s/h till tonight and midnight, so $179 for whole kit and caboodle! When I installed my 2.5" OME I had to ratchet the front to get the TB re-installed, that may be normal, but it could also be telling. And who knows. it's a TJ, they're all different and finicky in their own ways. The front end is definitely loose, you can tell just driving down the road. I hate it!
I also want to look a bit more at my drag link and check a few more things for slop again, since I've continued to read and know a bit more what to look for. I went ahead and toed out again just so I don't DW until I can get the wheels balanced. DW over and over doesn't help any other components. In the geometry I wondered if toeing out is taking up some of that slop in the TB? Most sites I've read on DW point to the TB, DL and Incorrect Wheel Balance as the top three problems...in that order. Thanks for any help...
Also, I went wheelin' that day, and detached my sway bar links, so was getting more flex than I ever had before. Wonder if I damaged something on the TB bushing?
Doubtful, but you may have flexed already on the verge wore out control arm bushings as a result. I had a similar problem years back when DW just appeared out of the blue. Not the common shimmy mind you, full on shat your pants, I'm gonna die, DW. That was when I discovered the wore out TB and replaced it. Didn't cure it totally, so, ZJ steering upgrade was next, followed by new drag link components. The final cure for me was new Currie front lower control arms.
You know, it's just strange, the day of the MML and wheelin. I thought about the control arms, but I'm thinking, this Jeep only has 51,000 miles on it. And I know where it's been, here in the Hill Country the whole time, no harsh treatment, no salt, probably never even seen snow. But if it comes to that, it comes to that, and that's getting $$$. Everyone says you should replace all your going to replace at the same time or else you'll just end up damaging the parts you put on. That's really $$$$$ I've been tempted to take the MML off, but I really don't think it would change anything. If I recollect correctly, the front end was already loose a week or so before...
Keep in mind that a loose or bad track bar can never be the actual true root cause of DW. It can allow DW to develop more easily once triggered by something else like a bad tire but the track bar can never be the actual root cause trigger of DW.
Ok, my axle is shifted toward the driver's side 1 1/16". The grease fitting (bushing???), not sure what it's really called, where the tie rod meets the drag link is busted. What are they called and where can I get a replacement?Keep in mind that a loose or bad track bar can never be the actual true root cause of DW. It can allow DW to develop more easily once triggered by something else like a bad tire but the track bar can never be the actual root cause trigger of DW.
Ok, but what do I do with this? When I drive the front makes sounds, it's loose, so it's got to be something in the front end besides the tires. Tires may be out of balance, I'll find out tomorrow, but there's more going on that I still need to correct, right?Keep in mind that a loose or bad track bar can never be the actual true root cause of DW. It can allow DW to develop more easily once triggered by something else like a bad tire but the track bar can never be the actual root cause trigger of DW.
More importantly, check the tie rod end at the pitman arm. That one seems to be the culprit for me. Replaced it twice now.
No side to side play. So that's positive! The other positive is the MML allowed me to remove the TC drop and not have vibes, and the oil pan is higher!
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