JK Wrangler Death wobble support group and clinic?

[cfr]

When it warms up, I'd like to try to arrange a death wobble work day for JK wrangler owners. I don't know enough to host this myself, but I think it would be great to get together with JK owners and go through planman's list and videos (mtplanman on youtube).

Anyone else interested? Anyone have a house/garage/shop that would accommodate 3-4 rigs? Air tools would be a bonus.

-Charles

[Max]

I'd come hang out. I replaced one part that cured a lot of my steering issues, but it's not 100% perfect yet (and may not ever be up to my standards).

[Tom]

I'd likely be interested. Never had that issue thankfully, but its common enough I'd like to know how to handle it I do.

[ctracy5]

This is one of the best thread titles ever :lmao:

[Popsgarage]

On a JK it's usually the tierod and/or drag link and the stupid axle end of the track bar. The mount the bolt goes through is to thin and when it loosens up the hole gets wallowed out. Here's one of the better tie rod fixes.

http://www.jk-adventure.com/JKA/steering-157/review-ruffstuffspecialties-coms-offset-tie-rod-kit-%24125-3413/

[cfr]

Never had that issue thankfully, but its common enough I'd like to know how to handle it I do.

I've spent far more than I care to admit trying to address this (and I'm about to admit it...).


On a JK it's usually the tierod and/or drag link and the stupid axle end of the track bar. The mount the bolt goes through is to thin and when it loosens up the hole gets wallowed out.

Not that simple. I've replaced literally everything in the front end (tie rod, track bar, drag link, ball joints, control arms, undersized bolts, etc) except the steering box, as well as new tires, alignment, and road-force tire balance. Even bought a torque wrench.

This is absolutely the best information out there for JK,

http://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/write-up-diagnosing-death-wobble-fixing-non-dw-shimmies-wobbles-260145/#b

Now you know why I called it a "support group".

[Popsgarage]

Now you know why I called it a "support group".

Does there appear to be any abnormal movement when you have someone sit in the drivers seat and turn the steering wheel lock to lock????? How many inches of lift are you running????? How many alignments have you had done????? Was it performed by a reputable shop????? What size tire????? Have you had the shop re-balance them????? Was it performed by a reputable shop????? And did they correctly check caster????? Have the control arms been upgraded or just replaced or did they appear okay????? Track bar replaced or upgraded????? Tie rod replaced or upgraded????? Drag link replaced or upgraded????? How about shocks????? Steering stabilizer????? Driveshaft u-joints in good shape???? Axleshaft u-joints in good shape????? Front wheel bearing assembly in good shape????? Unfortunately the list of potential problems is fairly large. I know people who are running 40's with zero issues and people running just slightly larger than stock tires who dread driving the damn thing.

[Max]

The write up and videos by "planman" on jk-forum.com is very thorough and THE source to fix DW. No need for diagnosing it on here. That's what the get together is for. :)
http://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/write-up-diagnosing-death-wobble-fixing-non-dw-shimmies-wobbles-260145

It sounds like you have a lot of knowledge about this sort of thing Jonathan! I'm sure if this meetup happens, everyone there would be appreciative of your help if you can attend.