Wobbling in Steering Wheel. Time for New Tie Rod/Drag Link?

[BringTheLightnin]

Before anything I want to mention I've already installed the Steersmarts track bar and sector shaft brace due to some wobble when I bought the Jeep.

But..

I took my Sport out for the first time off road this weekend to Windrock and on the way back the Jeep started wobbling when I'd hit a bridge on the highway. Had to even pull over a few times.

I torqued down everything again and it seemed better but not how it was. Today on my way to work it started wobbling around 35/40 MPH without hitting any bumps. The steering wheel just started jerking back and forth. I'm assuming I need a new tie rod and/or drag link. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with different manufacturers?

I was leaning towards the Steersmarts drag link with the griffon actuator and their tie rod as well. Might go ahead and get a new steering stabilizer while I'm at it and Steersmarts stabilizer has the same actuator as the drag link. Anyone here using any of this? Should I go a different way? Do anything else before throwing parts at it?

Thanks

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[mdyucca]

I went with mostly steer-smart products. All of the Steersmart products are beefy and well made. I didn’t get the actuator for the drag link. I also had adjustable lower control arms and geometry correction brackets installed. Steering is tight with no shimmies, shakes, bump steer or woobles.

 

[BringTheLightnin]

I went with mostly steer-smart products. All of the Steersmart products are beefy and well made. I didn’t get the actuator for the drag link. I also had adjustable lower control arms and geometry correction brackets installed. Steering is tight with no shimmies, shakes, bump steer or woobles.

I have the control arms that came with the Mopar lift but was thinking of getting adjustable upper and lower eventually. Was trying to figure out the rest for now. Do you think they make that big of a difference?

 

[mdyucca]

I have the control arms that came with the Mopar lift but was thinking of getting adjustable upper and lower eventually. Was trying to figure out the rest for now. Do you think they make that big of a difference?

I have the Mopar lift also. With the adjustable control arms the caster can be dialed in. I’m using MetalCloak set to 6.5 caster.

 

[BringTheLightnin]

I have the Mopar lift also. With the adjustable control arms the caster can be dialed in. I’m using MetalCloak set to 6.5 caster.

Are you still using the stock uppers?

 

[Medical_Bartender]

Another possibility is tire balance. If you hit a big enough bump off-road you might have thrown a weight. I had a weird shimmy that would come on around 50-55 mph after a tire rotation (35” KO2s hadn’t been balanced in 4 or so years) and a fresh balance fixed it up nicely.

 

[mx5red]

Another possibility is tire balance. If you hit a big enough bump off-road you might have thrown a weight. I had a weird shimmy that would come on around 50-55 mph after a tire rotation (35” KO2s hadn’t been balanced in 4 or so years) and a fresh balance fixed it up nicely.

^this.
I switch between OEM Falkens and some 37" Goodyear MT/Rs I bought used. Those are very chewed up and wobble like crazy above 50.
OEM Falkens are smooth as butter. If I didn't know better I'd tell people I had death wobble or at least some suspension gremlin. I believe it's just the tires.

Having said that, the tires are much heavier and are on wheels with more backspacing, so it's possible the added mass/leverage is throwing off the suspension enough to add to it. I just don't think it would vanish as soon as I put stock tires on.

EDIT: So in other words, I'd check tires, I'd retighten every single suspension bolt, and if still nothing then think about tie rods and stuff.

 

[Lunentucker]

What's your current toe setting?
SteerSmarts recommends a slight toe OUT. About a degree or a millimeter or two at the rim width.

 

[BringTheLightnin]

^this.
I switch between OEM Falkens and some 37" Goodyear MT/Rs I bought used. Those are very chewed up and wobble like crazy above 50.
OEM Falkens are smooth as butter. If I didn't know better I'd tell people I had death wobble or at least some suspension gremlin. I believe it's just the tires.

Having said that, the tires are much heavier and are on wheels with more backspacing, so it's possible the added mass/leverage is throwing off the suspension enough to add to it. I just don't think it would vanish as soon as I put stock tires on.

I will definitely have my tires checked. Didn't even think about it honestly.

What's your current toe setting?
SteerSmarts recommends a slight toe OUT. About a degree or a millimeter or two at the rim width.

I have it towed in just a bit. I was under the impression tow in for RWD. I had just adjusted it before leaving and it was fine on the way there but on the way back it was a bit rough driving

 

[Lunentucker]

I will definitely have my tires checked. Didn't even think about it honestly.



I have it towed in just a bit. I was under the impression tow in for RWD. I had just adjusted it before leaving and it was fine on the way there but on the way back it was a bit rough driving

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/toe-in-vs-toe-out.66290/

 

[BringTheLightnin]

^this.
I switch between OEM Falkens and some 37" Goodyear MT/Rs I bought used. Those are very chewed up and wobble like crazy above 50.
OEM Falkens are smooth as butter. If I didn't know better I'd tell people I had death wobble or at least some suspension gremlin. I believe it's just the tires.

Having said that, the tires are much heavier and are on wheels with more backspacing, so it's possible the added mass/leverage is throwing off the suspension enough to add to it. I just don't think it would vanish as soon as I put stock tires on.

EDIT: So in other words, I'd check tires, I'd retighten every single suspension bolt, and if still nothing then think about tie rods and stuff.

Probably a stupid question but I went out and looked at the wheels. The driver side has no weights, the passenger does. Did they fly off or possible they were never there?

 

[THE SANDALORIAN]

Are you wobbling after a new tie rod and drag link were installed, or are you asking if a new tie rod and drag link will help solve your problem?

I have right at 6500 miles on mine and just installed an Apex Chassis 2.5 ton HD tie rod and drag link. With the stock tie rod and drag link, no wobble whatsoever, after the Apex install, massive death wobble as soon as I neared 45 mph. True death wobble where you have to slow and pull to the side of the road for it to stop. I've dialed in the alignment to right at 1/8" toe in and it is nearly vibration free. I've seen recommendations all over the map. Anywhere from 1/16" toe in to 1/8" toe out. I'm guessing mine will be just about right at 1/16" toe in.

With stock tie rod and drag link:

With Apex Chassis tie rod and drag link installed:

 

[Tech Tim]

Probably a stupid question but I went out and looked at the wheels. The driver side has no weights, the passenger does. Did they fly off or possible they were never there?

Every wheel should have a few weights on it, if yours are missing, get it into a tire place and have them do a rebalance. That may be your problem.

 

[BringTheLightnin]

Are you wobbling after a new tie rod and drag link were installed, or are you asking if a new tie rod and drag link will help solve your problem?

I have right at 6500 miles on mine and just installed an Apex Chassis 2.5 ton HD tie rod and drag link. With the stock tie rod and drag link, no wobble whatsoever, after the Apex install, massive death wobble as soon as I neared 45 mph. True death wobble where you have to slow and pull to the side of the road for it to stop. I've dialed in the alignment to right at 1/8" toe in and it is nearly vibration free. I've seen recommendations all over the map. Anywhere from 1/16" toe in to 1/8" toe out. I'm guessing mine will be just about right at 1/16" toe in.

With stock tie rod and drag link:

With Apex Chassis tie rod and drag link installed:

Was wondering if getting a new one will help. Do you have to drill holes for the apex?

 

[BringTheLightnin]

Every wheel should have a few weights on it, if yours are missing, get it into a tire place and have them do a rebalance. That may be your problem.

Will definitely take to a tire shop when I can. Won't have a chance until Monday unfortunately

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