Walking Rear End

[CranfordJfam5]

My 97 Jeep Wrangler Sport has issues with the rear end wanting to dog track while at highway speeds, but not constantly. Prior owner, had problems with the jam nut on upper rear control arm backing off and appears to have spot welded it. Maybe it’s out of alignment?

I asked my normal service guy the cost for alignment. He replied with “well by the look of things it could be expensive.“ I could have to replace control arms and U-joints in the front end and so on. Does anyone else have this issue?

 

[Steel City 06]

Sounds like something is loose where it shouldn't be.

Start with both ends of the trackbar. Are either of them loose? Is there any play in the brackets? The trackbar is the most likely cause of these issues, followed by the control arms.

Them you should check all of the control arms for play. If any of them have any play, they should be replaced.

If you do replace the trackbar, consider an adjustable trackbar. That will allow you to center the axle under the jeep.

If you replace the control arms, consider a set of double adjustable arms. They act as giant turnbuckles and are very easy to adjust. Savvy is a great brand but may be out of your price range.

 

[someguysjeep]

the rear dog tracking would refer to thrust angle and would depend on if the axle is centered under the jeep and square to the frame, it could be affected by bad bushings in the control links under load.

 

[CranfordJfam5]

Sounds like something is loose where it shouldn't be.

Start with both ends of the trackbar. Are either of them loose? Is there any play in the brackets? The trackbar is the most likely cause of these issues, followed by the control arms.

Them you should check all of the control arms for play. If any of them have any play, they should be replaced.

If you do replace the trackbar, consider an adjustable trackbar. That will allow you to center the axle under the jeep.

If you replace the control arms, consider a set of double adjustable arms. They act as giant turnbuckles and are very easy to adjust. Savvy is a great brand but may be out of your price range.

Thanks for the information.

 

[CranfordJfam5]

the rear dog tracking would refer to thrust angle and would depend on if the axle is centered under the jeep and square to the frame, it could be affected by bad bushings in the control links under load.

Thanks, I’ll start there.

 

[CharlesHS]

the rear dog tracking would refer to thrust angle and would depend on if the axle is centered under the jeep and square to the frame, it could be affected by bad bushings in the control links under load.

X2
IF this is a stock '97 TJ then the control arm bushings and tracbar bushings are probably worn and dry rotted.
The shifting of the rear tracbar would create the appearance of crab walking. IF this problem existed on the front.... you might be prone to death wobble (uncontrollable shaking).

 

[AndyG]

X2
IF this is a stock '97 TJ then the control arm bushings and tracbar bushings are probably worn and dry rotted.
The shifting of the rear tracbar would create the appearance of crab walking. IF this problem existed on the front.... you might be prone to death wobble (uncontrollable shaking).

Agreed , really sounds like rear steer from worn bushings . Many TJ's benefit tremendously from fresh bushings throughout .

 

[CranfordJfam5]

I’ll be replacing control arms this weekend. I’ll inspect the track bar bushings while working on control arm replacement. Thanks!