2001 XJ wobble please help, its my DD!! :(
07-26-2011 | 03:17 PM
#32
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,858
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From: Nor-Cal
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: The venerable 4.0
Is that your lower control ARM mount?? There are no shims! It's pushed all the way back. Also I want to see a pick where the track bar is hooked to he Frame mount.
07-26-2011 | 03:33 PM
#34
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 45
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From: Texas
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
do these pics work?
yes, those are the lower control arms, attached to the frame, back
So i have to add shims?? That's the problem? Where they do alignment, do they add those??
Do you need a better pic of the track bar?
yes, those are the lower control arms, attached to the frame, back
So i have to add shims?? That's the problem? Where they do alignment, do they add those??
Do you need a better pic of the track bar?
07-26-2011 | 03:55 PM
#36
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 45
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From: Texas
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
its the stock one, i haven't put the track bar adapter that came with the lift kit, which moves the track bar like an inch down, but its the stock one
07-26-2011 | 04:40 PM
#37
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,858
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From: Nor-Cal
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: The venerable 4.0
Originally Posted by xcalibur_123
its the stock one, i haven't put the track bar adapter that came with the lift kit, which moves the track bar like an inch down, but its the stock one
07-26-2011 | 05:33 PM
#38
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,567
Likes: 19
From: ☼ Blackhole Sun
Year: My Jeep is a GMC
First, if your going to install a lift it should be installed completely before you drive the vehicle. Doing things in a piece meal way like this is just dangerous. More than likely the clank you are hearing is the washer which is supposed to sandwich the top sway bar end link bushing. In one of your pics there is a bushing below the bar and none on top, as well the nut is holding the assembly together by two threads. Or it could be something else that was not properly assembled or torqued.
Understand when something in the front suspension breaks your control of the vehicle is gone. I'm not trying to be harsh, but this is serious.
07-26-2011 | 05:35 PM
#39
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 45
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From: Texas
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
So you suggest putting in adapter and change the stock track bar for a new one?
Do I buy a replacement oem or get a better one?
Right now a friend was turning the steering, I notice where the track bar ends on top, where it joints the mount, the rod was moving, little but it was moving, does that mean I need a new one?
Do I buy a replacement oem or get a better one?
Right now a friend was turning the steering, I notice where the track bar ends on top, where it joints the mount, the rod was moving, little but it was moving, does that mean I need a new one?
07-26-2011 | 05:38 PM
#40
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 45
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From: Texas
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I did not put the adapter because I was reading in other post that it was not necessary, so then I need to put it?
I'm confused since some people say yes other say no
I'm confused since some people say yes other say no
07-26-2011 | 06:14 PM
#42
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 45
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From: Texas
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Yes I'm using stock control arms, and stock track bar too
So far what I have new, it all tie rods, all ball joints, shocks, coils
Need more cash for new steering stabilizer and new track bar
So far what I have new, it all tie rods, all ball joints, shocks, coils
Need more cash for new steering stabilizer and new track bar
07-26-2011 | 06:37 PM
#43
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 45
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From: Texas
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
this is where the track bar moves, the two top screws from the mount became loose cause of the crazy movement, i already tight them up, still hear the clank there
07-26-2011 | 07:43 PM
#44
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Like many have mentioned, it could be a combination of many things.
You can go ahead and start replacing parts or you can spend some time narrowing down what is the cause starting from the cheapest fix.
IMHO, and limited experience, i would start by torquing down steering parts (I'll start with your track bar and track bar bracket) to spec and see if it reduces the DW.
Just head over to AZ or O'reilly for a loaner torque wrench.
Here some info for your reference.
GL
You can go ahead and start replacing parts or you can spend some time narrowing down what is the cause starting from the cheapest fix.
IMHO, and limited experience, i would start by torquing down steering parts (I'll start with your track bar and track bar bracket) to spec and see if it reduces the DW.
Just head over to AZ or O'reilly for a loaner torque wrench.
Here some info for your reference.
PepBoys 
Aligned to stock specifications or aligned for a lifted Jeep ?
Buy an Adjustable Track Bar.
The first steps to eliminate death wobble should be a visual inspection of each component, check the bushings, tire balance and an alignment. These are some common things you must check anytime you lift your Jeep. Death wobble is experienced mostly on lifter Jeeps, however it is not uncommon for someone without a lift to experience the dreaded DW. Listed below are a few things you can check.
Check your Track Bar, play in this can cause the axle to shake.
1. Bushings - check to see that they are not worn. Looks for cracks, and excessive play)
2. Angles - this angle should be the same as your draglink. Use an angle finders you can get at sears to determine this, dont just eye-ball it.
3. Bolts Make sure all bolts are tightened down to spec (some lift components have a different torque spec then)
Check the Axle, your mounts may be worn
1. Check the axle mount. Here is a good write up on a wallowed out bolt hole
http://www.jeepin.com/features/trackbarfix/index.asp
2. Check your Universal joints, a binding or lose U-Joint can cause DW
3. On the frame end if you still use the conventional Tie Rod End or (TRE) make sure that there is no play in this, as play can cause DW.
4. Look/Check for worn/torn boots on ball joints/tie-rod ends.
Check your Tires
1. Out of balance tires can cause shaking in the front end, which can lead to death wobble.
2. Make sure all of your lug nuts are tight, (Sounds elementary but it happens to the best of us)
Check your Frame
1. Small cracks in the frame can cause the steering box to feel loose, Shaking from DW can only make this worse. 33s and larger should have some form of Steering box brace, or frame brace in.
2. If you have upgraded your frame mount, make sure its cranked down nice and tight. (best to use an impact gun)
3. A busted Frame Mount can cause play in the front end causing DW (Keep a watchful eye on the welds as welds in sheer can break over time.
Make sure you have a good alignment
1. After you get an alignment done, have them print out the numbers for you. An XJ should have a 7* positive caster angle. A lifted XJ cant always have that high of a number because the pinion would become out of alignment with the front driveshaft. Pinion angle takes precedence over caster.
2. Make you sure you go to a place that will adjust the caster if necessary (either by shims in the frame side of the LCAs, or adjustable LCAs).
The more adjustable parts the easier it is to tune in your suspension.
1. Adjustable Track Bar
2. Adjustable Upper and Lower Control Arms (upper ones above 4 of lift). Not only are they adjustable, but they are stronger.
Things to remember:
1. After any lift, get your Jeep professionally aligned, this is a REQUIREMENT, not a suggestion.
2. A Steering Stabilizer (SS) is not a quick fix for DW.
3. Make sure that the lift you purchase comes with all the required parts for a safe driving vehicle. (as long as its going to be a DD)
4. PLEASE ALWAYS DRIVE WITH YOUR FRONT SWAY BAR CONNECTED!
Entire list of everything that can cause death wobble:
-Front tires out of balance
-Front alignment out of spec
-Loose track bar
-Worn track bar bushings
-Worn track bar end
-Needing an adjustable track bar
-Bad bushings/joints in control arms
-Worn/damaged steering stabilizer
-Worn/damaged shocks
-Worn/damaged tie rod end
-Bad U Joint
-Bad ball joint
-Loose frame mount
-Steering box looseness
-Need drop pitman arm
-Driveshaft(s) not balanced
-Bad front hub assembly
Torque specs:
Item ........................................ Ft. lbs. ................... Nm
Lug nuts (1/2 X 20 w/ 60* cone) .... 85-115 .............. 115-150
All tie rod ends ..................... ..... 55 ................... .. 74
Steering (both ends) .............. ..... 55 ................ .... 74
Shock absorber upper nut .............. 16 ................ .... 22
Shock absorber lower nuts ............. 17 ................ .... 23
UCA frame end ..................... ...... 66 .............. ..... 89
UCA axle end ......................... .... 55 ................ .... 74
LCA frame end ...................... ..... 85 ...................... 115
LCA axle end ......................... .... 85 ...................... 115
Track bar frame end .............. ..... 60 ................. ... 81
Track bar axle end ................. .... 40 .................. ... 54
Track bar bracket bolts .......... ..... 92 ...................... 125
Track bar bracket nut ............. .... 74 ....................... 100
Track bar bracket support bolts ...... 31 ....................... 42
Hub bolts (3) ............................ . 75 ....................... 102
Hub- axle bolt .......................... .. 175 ..................... 237
Information provided by Jeeps Unlimited
Aligned to stock specifications or aligned for a lifted Jeep ?
Buy an Adjustable Track Bar.
The first steps to eliminate death wobble should be a visual inspection of each component, check the bushings, tire balance and an alignment. These are some common things you must check anytime you lift your Jeep. Death wobble is experienced mostly on lifter Jeeps, however it is not uncommon for someone without a lift to experience the dreaded DW. Listed below are a few things you can check.
Check your Track Bar, play in this can cause the axle to shake.
1. Bushings - check to see that they are not worn. Looks for cracks, and excessive play)
2. Angles - this angle should be the same as your draglink. Use an angle finders you can get at sears to determine this, dont just eye-ball it.
3. Bolts Make sure all bolts are tightened down to spec (some lift components have a different torque spec then)
Check the Axle, your mounts may be worn
1. Check the axle mount. Here is a good write up on a wallowed out bolt hole
http://www.jeepin.com/features/trackbarfix/index.asp
2. Check your Universal joints, a binding or lose U-Joint can cause DW
3. On the frame end if you still use the conventional Tie Rod End or (TRE) make sure that there is no play in this, as play can cause DW.
4. Look/Check for worn/torn boots on ball joints/tie-rod ends.
Check your Tires
1. Out of balance tires can cause shaking in the front end, which can lead to death wobble.
2. Make sure all of your lug nuts are tight, (Sounds elementary but it happens to the best of us)
Check your Frame
1. Small cracks in the frame can cause the steering box to feel loose, Shaking from DW can only make this worse. 33s and larger should have some form of Steering box brace, or frame brace in.
2. If you have upgraded your frame mount, make sure its cranked down nice and tight. (best to use an impact gun)
3. A busted Frame Mount can cause play in the front end causing DW (Keep a watchful eye on the welds as welds in sheer can break over time.
Make sure you have a good alignment
1. After you get an alignment done, have them print out the numbers for you. An XJ should have a 7* positive caster angle. A lifted XJ cant always have that high of a number because the pinion would become out of alignment with the front driveshaft. Pinion angle takes precedence over caster.
2. Make you sure you go to a place that will adjust the caster if necessary (either by shims in the frame side of the LCAs, or adjustable LCAs).
The more adjustable parts the easier it is to tune in your suspension.
1. Adjustable Track Bar
2. Adjustable Upper and Lower Control Arms (upper ones above 4 of lift). Not only are they adjustable, but they are stronger.
Things to remember:
1. After any lift, get your Jeep professionally aligned, this is a REQUIREMENT, not a suggestion.
2. A Steering Stabilizer (SS) is not a quick fix for DW.
3. Make sure that the lift you purchase comes with all the required parts for a safe driving vehicle. (as long as its going to be a DD)
4. PLEASE ALWAYS DRIVE WITH YOUR FRONT SWAY BAR CONNECTED!
Entire list of everything that can cause death wobble:
-Front tires out of balance
-Front alignment out of spec
-Loose track bar
-Worn track bar bushings
-Worn track bar end
-Needing an adjustable track bar
-Bad bushings/joints in control arms
-Worn/damaged steering stabilizer
-Worn/damaged shocks
-Worn/damaged tie rod end
-Bad U Joint
-Bad ball joint
-Loose frame mount
-Steering box looseness
-Need drop pitman arm
-Driveshaft(s) not balanced
-Bad front hub assembly
Torque specs:
Item ........................................ Ft. lbs. ................... Nm
Lug nuts (1/2 X 20 w/ 60* cone) .... 85-115 .............. 115-150
All tie rod ends ..................... ..... 55 ................... .. 74
Steering (both ends) .............. ..... 55 ................ .... 74
Shock absorber upper nut .............. 16 ................ .... 22
Shock absorber lower nuts ............. 17 ................ .... 23
UCA frame end ..................... ...... 66 .............. ..... 89
UCA axle end ......................... .... 55 ................ .... 74
LCA frame end ...................... ..... 85 ...................... 115
LCA axle end ......................... .... 85 ...................... 115
Track bar frame end .............. ..... 60 ................. ... 81
Track bar axle end ................. .... 40 .................. ... 54
Track bar bracket bolts .......... ..... 92 ...................... 125
Track bar bracket nut ............. .... 74 ....................... 100
Track bar bracket support bolts ...... 31 ....................... 42
Hub bolts (3) ............................ . 75 ....................... 102
Hub- axle bolt .......................... .. 175 ..................... 237
Information provided by Jeeps Unlimited
Last edited by BotakBeng; 07-26-2011 at 07:49 PM.
07-26-2011 | 07:48 PM
#45
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
From: Jackson,TN
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Why are you so stuck on fixing the steering stabalizer? Save that for later, fix the trac bar, add adapter, and then adjust caster. After those three fixes see where your at.