Death Wobble and Geometry Correction Brackets.

[KGritz]

First, I can't believe I haven't posted on here before! I have built and repaired my entire truck because of posts I have found on here, so thanks. Anyway, I have only experienced the death wobble in one of my Jeeps ever. It was a 4" lifted TJ. I have always gotten an alignment done after I installed a lift, but it sounds like some are experiencing it regardless. I realize it can happen for a number of different reasons. Has anyone experienced the death wobble after installing a lift with geometry brackets and getting it aligned? I am doing a few overlanding trips (with a new AEV lift) soon, and I don't have time to chase down a self-induced issue. Should I just do the steering stabilized while I'm under there?

Sponsored

 

[RoamingGladiator]

I've only experienced death wobble once... and it was when I was first getting into Jeeps and didn't know better, I put a shitty budget lift on a JKU. That thing had some serious scares.

An alignment does not guarantee you will fix a death wobble, in most cases it's not even related. I think the most common reason for a death wobble I have seen is loose/wallowed-out bolts, especially on the track bar. The factory bolts are known to just wallow themselves out and then you're in for a fun time. That being said, if you're lifted and not within recommended alignment specs than yeah... you're also in for a fun time. Learn how to do 4x4 alignments yourself, they're easy and can be done at home with a couple of tape measures and a digital angle finder.

Jeep Death Wobble: Explanations & Fixes (extremeterrain.com)

Above is a great article on the steps to take in order to help diagnose it. If you're getting an actual death wobble, a steering stabilizer is just going to dampen it and cover up the root cause of the issue. You'll end up causing yourself more of a headache in the long run. AEV stuff is pretty good, the factory stabilizer on a JT is actually pretty decent. I personally upgraded it once I went up to 37s, it did help a lot with driving nicer on the highway.

 

[KGritz]

I've only experienced death wobble once... and it was when I was first getting into Jeeps and didn't know better, I put a shitty budget lift on a JKU. That thing had some serious scares.

An alignment does not guarantee you will fix a death wobble, in most cases it's not even related. I think the most common reason for a death wobble I have seen is loose/wallowed-out bolts, especially on the track bar. The factory bolts are known to just wallow themselves out and then you're in for a fun time. That being said, if you're lifted and not within recommended alignment specs than yeah... you're also in for a fun time. Learn how to do 4x4 alignments yourself, they're easy and can be done at home with a couple of tape measures and a digital angle finder.

Jeep Death Wobble: Explanations & Fixes (extremeterrain.com)

Above is a great article on the steps to take in order to help diagnose it. If you're getting an actual death wobble, a steering stabilizer is just going to dampen it and cover up the root cause of the issue. You'll end up causing yourself more of a headache in the long run. AEV stuff is pretty good, the factory stabilizer on a JT is actually pretty decent. I personally upgraded it once I went up to 37s, it did help a lot with driving nicer on the highway.

That's exactly what I was looking for, thanks. I most likely won't be doing my own alignments; I'm not sure if I can still install a lift (I'm pretty banged up). Plus, now I am more of an engineer than a mechanic, understanding that mechanics apply their skills and knowledge to prevent and correct problems while engineers just find cool ways to make more. Anyway, you confirmed my suspicions and the additional info is much appreciated!

 

[mpboxer]

I definitely recommend an upgraded steering stabilizer. I went with AEVs Bilstein option. I actually installed this before my AEV Dualsport lift with the 8100s. Much tighter steering and handles the bumps better. All you can really adjust is toe. I did put my geometry correction brackets on the tallest lift height setting and 6.5* of Caster is amazing. No front pinion bind or vibration either.

Didn’t really answer your question, but wallowed out bolts, in my experience, are usually the culprit. Keep things torqued and you should be good.

 

[Lunentucker]

It certainly could occur in a Jeep with geometry correction brackets. All the brackets do is to bring the suspension back into its original position and regain caster lost from lifting.
Since some stock Jeeps have wobble, ones with correction brackets are not immune at all.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Did you install the lift or a shop?

If a shop did, I'd go back and ask them to check torque on the geometry correction bracket bolts and the control arm bolts. If you installed it, I guess you should be the one who checks.

Did you up the tire size with the lift?

 

[RoamingGladiator]

That's exactly what I was looking for, thanks. I most likely won't be doing my own alignments; I'm not sure if I can still install a lift (I'm pretty banged up). Plus, now I am more of an engineer than a mechanic, understanding that mechanics apply their skills and knowledge to prevent and correct problems while engineers just find cool ways to make more. Anyway, you confirmed my suspicions and the additional info is much appreciated!

I definitely would recommend doing your research and going to a reputable shop that deals with lifted Jeeps if paying someone to install. Your average mechanic will have little experience with the little tips and tricks that can make a huge difference between your lifted Jeep driving like a dream, or death wobble on every pot hole.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Much tighter steering and handles the bumps better.

That's because the dampener is for bump steer. The steering feels tighter because you are pushing against the resistance of that sideways mounted shock. It's increasing steering effort and masking any play.

 

[mpboxer]

Correct, and a properly setup straight axle shouldn’t need any!

 

[GI Grandpa]

First, I can't believe I haven't posted on here before! I have built and repaired my entire truck because of posts I have found on here, so thanks. Anyway, I have only experienced the death wobble in one of my Jeeps ever. It was a 4" lifted TJ. I have always gotten an alignment done after I installed a lift, but it sounds like some are experiencing it regardless. I realize it can happen for a number of different reasons. Has anyone experienced the death wobble after installing a lift with geometry brackets and getting it aligned? I am doing a few overlanding trips (with a new AEV lift) soon, and I don't have time to chase down a self-induced issue. Should I just do the steering stabilized while I'm under there?

I have the AEV Mojave spacer lift with the correction brackets and now running 35" tires and still the OEM steering stabilizer with zero issues. I didn't do the install, Predator 4-Wheel Drive did and the alignment was spot on and needed no corrections.

 

[Stan H]

I have the AEV Mojave spacer lift with the correction brackets and now running 35" tires and still the OEM steering stabilizer with zero issues. I didn't do the install, Predator 4-Wheel Drive did and the alignment was spot on and needed no corrections.

I also am running the same stock steering stabilizer. I have mentioned it before did it myself but we did it right. I may get one but it wasn't needed. Running 35" and 2.5" lift

 

[KGritz]

I definitely recommend an upgraded steering stabilizer. I went with AEVs Bilstein option. I actually installed this before my AEV Dualsport lift with the 8100s. Much tighter steering and handles the bumps better. All you can really adjust is toe. I did put my geometry correction brackets on the tallest lift height setting and 6.5* of Caster is amazing. No front pinion bind or vibration either.

Didn’t really answer your question, but wallowed out bolts, in my experience, are usually the culprit. Keep things torqued, and you should be good.

You kind of did answer it in a way. The question didn't really come out the way I meant. I am very aware of the various reasons for death wobble. My question was related/geared toward geometry issues. I guess my issue was trusting stamped brackets to apply the same geometry to both sides. If one is tracking differently... possible wobble. I have dealt with that in the past, and it took me a minute to track down the source of the issue. If a wallowed bolt were an issue, it would have been there right before I installed the lift as well. Anyway, after doing more research, I ended up getting all the same stuff you did. I also got the steering stabilizer, but more so because it provides better control with large tires in bumpier conditions. ShadowsPapa hit the nail on the head. However, my immediate need might be that if I do have some issues and don't have time to chase them down, the new stab would mitigate the wobble until I got back.

Anyway, thanks for all the good input on here. The confidence y'all have in AEV helped me decide. I usually do a more complete kit, but I think this is a more efficient and sensible install for my purposes.

 

[Shopshirt]

I have the Mopar lift Bilstein shocks gave me 2.5 inches of lift and 4.9 caster with an RC track bar and it started wobbling. I added steer smarts brace for good measure and a metal cloak track bar. No longer wobbled. I also added geo correction brackets for ride quality and ended up with 6.5 caster. Night and Day difference in ride quality.

I may swap springs later to something like AEV or MetalCloak

 

[Gizmo]

I switched from an adj RC track bar to a Core and that made an improvement in tracking and the RC bar only had about 2,000 miles on it . RC bushings are too soft for a track bar . Core has Johnny Joints in both ends and you will feel a difference , much less steering corection requred. You may not realize how much steering correction you are doing until ya use a bar with better bushing?joints

Sponsored