It happened to me: Death Wobble after spacer lift. Help!

[Sigz]

After 2 years with my JT Sport S - I finally pulled the trigger on a 2.5 lift.

Specifically - Teraflex 2.5 spacer lift. I also got the Teraflex front/rear adjustable track bar AND Teraflex front lower control arms. Also Bilstein 5100s front and back.

The lift was installed at a reputable 4x4 shop who I used before when I had a front level installed (also Teraflex).

The lift was installed last Friday and I never had any issues or complaints except today - I was on the interstate for a quick trip and roughly traveling 75mph I hit a small bump in the road and the front end and the steering wheel started shaking violently like it had extreme shivering/rigors.

I slowed down to around 55mph and it went away. Wondering if it was a random event, I drove over that same stretch and replicated the shaking/wobble which again went away when I slowed up.

I called the shop and they are going to take it back in Monday for an inspection.

What do y’all think? Something not torqued down right? I’ve never had this issue before in the 21k miles I’ve put on it.

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[LouisvEarlleJT]

I’d guess control arm bushings. Either loose or shot.

 

[yoda13]

My guess is something isn’t torqued properly, or bushings are shot…please let us know.

 

[Sigz]

The new front lower control arms… the bushings could be shot??

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

The new front lower control arms… the bushings could be shot??

Sorry, I missed where you said you got new control arms. Probably something just needs to be tightened.

 

[Scott0700]

I assume the new front lower control arms are adjustable. You want to get the front pinion angle back to stock. This will correct your caster. That is often the culprit if all of your bushings and hardware are tight.

 

[Lunentucker]

The issue was likely already there, and the new geometry just made it come to light.
Ball joints, steering gearbox bolts, alignment, Pitman arm nut, and more.
Just check everything. No shortcuts.

And don't let anyone tell you it's the steering dampener. It's not.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-wobble-shimmy-wander-drift-bump-steer.68302/

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

The issue was likely already there, and the new geometry just made it come to light.
Ball joints, steering gearbox bolts, alignment, Pitman arm nut, and more.
Just check everything. No shortcuts.

And don't let anyone tell you it's the steering dampener. It's not.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-wobble-shimmy-wander-drift-bump-steer.68302/

It could have already been there, but on the other hand, it could be something they touched.

Front lowers and front track bar are high on my suspect list.

 

[Lunentucker]

It could have already been there, but on the other hand, it could be something they touched.

Front lowers and front track bar are high on my suspect list.

It's a good time to check everything.

 

[Sigz]

It could have already been there, but on the other hand, it could be something they touched.

Front lowers and front track bar are high on my suspect list.

I assume I could buy a torque wrench and check at home? This is something that can be done in my garage on the ground?

Thanks.

 

[Jteakus]

When was the last time you had your tires balanced?

 

[smlobx]

I assume I could buy a torque wrench and check at home? This is something that can be done in my garage on the ground?

Thanks.

Never pass up an opportunity to buy some tools, particularly a 1/2” torque wrench.

 

[Sigz]

https://teraflex.com/amfile/file/download/file/703/product/22671/

Teraflex says to torque the front adjustable track bar to 52Ft Lbs + 155° (REF: 200 Ft Lbs).

I found the MOPAR lift torque specs and the track bar is to only 110Lbs.

Confused.

 

[Sigz]

When was the last time you had your tires balanced?

It has been a while - like since I bought the Jeep and put on my 33s.... But the stretch of road that I went on today that caused that "death wobble" I've been on hundreds of times going over that same stretch of bump with no issues...... this has only occured after my lift was installed.

Could a spacer lift cause my tires to become unbalanced?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I assume I could buy a torque wrench and check at home? This is something that can be done in my garage on the ground?

Thanks.

I have a lot of tools I don’t use. I didn’t install my last lift like you. I’d just let the installing shop check it out and go from there.

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