All the info you need in here
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/death-wobble-17342/

 

I've heard and read this but I've also read on the Jeepforum just the opposite...that Heim joints, being exposed to the elements, wear out quickly and, according to a couple of write-ups, are WEAKER than stock ball joints which is exactly why the OEMs use them.

They appear to have one advantage in that as they wear out they will not "fall out" - as in the ball will not fall out of the socket. However, in the case of either the Heim joint or ball joint, the wear would have to be extreme before either could fall apart. So the concensus was that ball joints are better because they last longer and are way, way cheaper.

This is why I don't get the support for Heim joints. I hope somebody weighs-in on this subject definatively. The Heim joints look good to me...but I'm not convinced they're the right move.

 

thanks for the info, im leaning towards my track bar is worn out, or at least that joint. I do have some play in the steering. i have not lifted the front end yet to see if there is play in the joints. but im assuming so. driving my whee is tilted to about 10 o'clock to go straight. I have not noticed any unusual wear on the tires so i think its just off in the steering.

I think late next week or most likely the week after im swapping axles and steering components. For those of you wondering why im switching axles, its because the front axle stil has the 3.07 gears while my rear has 3.55s. So I do not have 4wd at the moment and i dont want to try it because i really dont feel like replacing the transfer case.

thanks for all the input!

 

Hi, Caemi.
I never heard anything negative about Heim joints before, but I suppose someone must have had a bad experience with one unless it's just an ugly rumor by the OEM companies.
I'm a 25+ years veteran of 4-wheeling but I'm fairly new to jeep products (I've had a '93 XJ for about 3 years). For whatever it's worth, although there may be some problems with Heim joints, I can't help noticing that (as far as I know) all the aftermarket offroad part companies use Heim joints in their track bars, so they can't be all that bad. Anyway, I've had mine for about 2 years now and no problems whatsoever.

 

I had the lift in my Cherokee for the longest time before I got the death wobble. I thought my front end was going to fall off it was so bad. I took it home and checked over everything and the only thing I noticed was the bolt that holds to shock in at the shock tower was loose. I tightened it up and I have yet to experience death wobble. Could a loose shock cause that sort of oscillation in the front end? My ball joints, tie rods, front wheel bearings, and front end alignment are all good.

 

Boy if I was swapping axles I would want to rebuild the one thats gonna go in before it does get put in, just my bit of common sense.

 

Just wondering did u ever jack up ur front end and check. By that I mean shake the tiers side to side and up and down. Or did u just jump on ur computer? My guess would be a hub assembly. But before u try anything check. Even have a buddy help look for the odd movement while u shake the tier. Were u find the odd movement is ur problem. If u don't know what it is then post with a pick. No one can tell u much of anything but a guess. Unless u give more info. Or just give up and take it to a shop like most people who can't turn a wrench said.

 

i didnt read anything about heims i just did it and i love it. no more wobble or steering wheel play.

i had an 86 xj all stock that had death wobble and it was because i had too much toe in so the tires would literally hop and "fight" over which one was going to go strait.

 

Mine came from the u-joints in the front end trying to seize up and BAD bushings on my track bar.

 

I replaced the whole front end myself (it needed it anyway) before I took it in to get an alignment, which was the problem to begin with, whats wrong with taking it to an alignment shop ?

 

OK, I don't know Cherokees, however I know wranglers and chevy's. Basically I know straight axles inside and out and backwards. You most definately have a ball joint problem. The last time I had DW it was on my 88 suburban. I pulled off the hydro assist because I blew a line. Come to find out the lower ball joint was literally wobbling inside hole where it press fits in. I had all the same symptoms. I couldn't get over 40 mph or hit a bump without losing control of the wheel.

 

When I first joined this site, I was reading/learning of the infamous jeep DEATH WOBBLE, and had to chuckle to myself because of some of the descriptions given. AND then one day as I was cruising down the Cross Valley (local, in-town expressway) it happened. First, I nearly stained my shorts, then once I harnessed her back under control I imagined what that must have looked like to the cars following (now at a much greater distance, LOL) and then I started laughing my butt off. However, I knew exactly what part to look at because no matter what company makes the vehicle, with this set-up (radius arms, coil spring, track bar,...) it's always the same issue.... Track Bar. There is just something about the way it feels, like your riding a bucking bull trying to through you off?, you just never forget what causes that feeling. Back when I was running my '78 Bronco with 44" Boggers the track bar bushings went and it felt exactly the same way and sure enough on this Jeep that's where my play is, (up the top end of the bar). So far, I've just dealt with it as i am hoping to lift just a few more inches higher and don't want to waste the money on the shorter bar, but thats where my DW is coming from.

 

Thats not happening. Actually the only reason for this post was to see any ideas i might have overlooked. I plan on doing all the work myself as i did with the rest of my build. The only thing i will take it in for is the alignment, but im taking it to a jeep shop near me who knows how to do it right.

I would on any other used axle, But this is is rebuilt, i already opened the diff, the fluid is still clear and everything inside is extra clean. the bearings are tight there is even new dust shields on the outer shafts. There is no guarantee its perfect but i did drive the truck it came out of and its fine.


As far as the death wobble issue, i did find out that my alignment is way out. my wheels are pointed inwards about 1/2. i used a tape measure and the info from the self alignment. im not saying thats the only thing wrong but im sure that does not help. New axle is going in soon, my other project is almost done.

thanks for the help thus far

 

UPDATE!


I narrowed it down to my track bar. The stock one was too short so my axle was 2' to the left and it was messing with my alignment. so i bought an adjustable one and no more death wobble