Speed sensitive steering vibration

[Gobucks43112]

Hi guys. 2002 TJ. 176,000 miles. 33x12.5x15. Rough country 4” suspension lift.
Im having some serious front end vibration issues that I’m trying to pinpoint.
I’m not sure I’d this is considered death wobble or not, but it seems to be isolated to between 30-40mph, and can sometimes accelerate through it. When the vibration happens, the whole front end of the Jeep shakes so violently that I have to pull over. Fresh alignment today and wheels balanced. I was told that I had a slightly bent wheel and they put weight bags in it to balance it out. Any chance this could be my issue?
The track bar seems to be fine, however there might be excessive play in my drag link and tie rod.
Any help is appreciated. Thank you

 

[danurt]

Hi guys. 2002 TJ. 176,000 miles. 33x12.5x15. Rough country 4” suspension lift.
Im having some serious front end vibration issues that I’m trying to pinpoint.
I’m not sure I’d this is considered death wobble or not, but it seems to be isolated to between 30-40mph, and can sometimes accelerate through it. When the vibration happens, the whole front end of the Jeep shakes so violently that I have to pull over. Fresh alignment today and wheels balanced. I was told that I had a slightly bent wheel and they put weight bags in it to balance it out. Any chance this could be my issue?
The track bar seems to be fine, however there might be excessive play in my drag link and tie rod.
Any help is appreciated. Thank you

 

[Boinked]

With the larger tires. First thing I would do is replace the bent rim. Sounds like it is causing the problem.

 

[someguysjeep]

yah pull that wheel and try a run with your spare. if it persists then start with a dry steer test and look for any loose bushings in that front end linkage and at the ball joints.

 

[danurt]

Well I was going to say check your tires that's where I have seen most of the problems. When I read your last statement about tie rod and drag link being excessively loose I changed my mind, replace the loose components get a good alignment and then see what you've got.

 

[Chris]

With the larger tires. First thing I would do is replace the bent rim. Sounds like it is causing the problem.

Yep, I agree with this.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Whether it's a bent wheel or imperfectly balanced tires, either or both can cause that problem.

 

[Gobucks43112]

Thanks guys. I don’t have a spare. Maybe put the front on the back and see if that corrects it? And if so, then get a new wheel?
Also, why just the bad shakes during certain mph???

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Also, why just the bad shakes during certain mph???

That's just how imperfectly balanced tires and/or bent wheels affect vehicles. Vibes will always be worse at some speeds than others.

 

[andy29847]

Aftermarket wheels? If so this thread might help - https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/hub-centric-wheel-questions.26958/