Death Wobble after Mopar LCA install

[coukos34]

You only need to remove the bolt on one end of the damper to roll it over. You might just wait til you have a trackbar and either have someone do it all at once or do it yourself when installing the trackbar. I don't like going to the dealer if avoidable.

Is that true, only one side is directional?

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[roaniecowpony]

Is that true, only one side is directional?

My understanding of the issue is that there is a valve that they want oriented either up or down to prevent air from being circulated in the oil, especially important when the direction of the damper reverses. Theres a smal amount of air in the oil reservoirs to allow for thermal expansion.

The other end of the damper is just a rod and anchor point.

 

[Jeepileptic]

Thanks, sounds like I should have the dealership correct the steering dampener orientation (still looking to have someone confirm for me that it is in fact upside down), and while they are there check any loose connections, or loose bushings. I can then get an adjustable front track bar to re-align the suspension.

Anyone able to check their OEM dampener, and confirm which way that sticker should go? Mine looks wrong, but I want to be sure if I go to the dealer and demand them to fix.

Yes, upside down

 

[Jeepileptic]

Any recommendations on an adjustable track bar? Should I do a steering stabilizer at the same time?

I like my Teraflex trackbar. It was immediately (noticeably) more rigid than the factory TB.

 

[Jeepileptic]

When you say “all of the frame side and axle side bolts”, are you referring to the LCA bolts, or more than that?

I am referring to the upper control arm bolts (4), lower control arm bolts (4), and the trackbar bolts (2). May seem like a pain, but at least you would know those are settled and torqued to the proper specs.

 

[coukos34]

Thank you all. I was a bit lost on where to start, but now feel like I have a proper path to correction. Appreciate all this info!

 

[blnewt]

Also if it was installed upside down it can be damaged from what I've read in one of the large "dealer mounted my SS upside down" threads. So if you've had it that way for a bit, you may want it replaced w/ a new one, and correctly installed from the start

 

[coukos34]

Also if it was installed upside down it can be damaged from what I've read in one of the large "dealer mounted my SS upside down" threads. So if you've had it that way for a bit, you may want it replaced w/ a new one, and correctly installed from the start

Good thought. I was just perusing this post: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-recall-notice-today-on-my-jeep.35786/page-15

I did see it mentioned that the nuts/bolts were one-time use. Prob makes sense to make the dealer fix/replace, vs me getting under there and grunting to fix their mistake.

 

[sweet88gt]

Good thought. I was just perusing this post: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-recall-notice-today-on-my-jeep.35786/page-15

I did see it mentioned that the nuts/bolts were one-time use. Prob makes sense to make the dealer fix/replace, vs me getting under there and grunting to fix their mistake.

Which dealership are you using in Boston ?

 

[coukos34]

Which dealership are you using in Boston ?

Station in Mansfield, only because I bought it there, and have extended oil changes. Otherwise would go to a bigger/closer dealer.

 

[joshnichols84]

After reading the last posts, I'm a little nervous, but I did quickly go out and check mine. Sure enough, that thing was upside down! I went ahead and got an 18MM and flipped it, but if I don't notice a difference, I may flip it back and complain to the dealer.

What bothers me the most, I took my wrangler back to the dealer because I noticed a death wobble after the recall was performed. They said they found no issues but did notice I had installed a lift. I guess they stopped listening when I explained the wobble wasn't there until after the recall.

 

[coukos34]

I just got frustrated and flipped mine, but after a quick road test, same shake. Problematic for me since it started after I had them install the LCA’s so they are going to point blame there, and I’ll have nothing to stand on, other than they really are OEM parts, and appropriate for my 2.5” lift. Sigh

 

[sweet88gt]

Station in Mansfield, only because I bought it there, and have extended oil changes. Otherwise would go to a bigger/closer dealer.

My son is in college up that way. He used one just outside in Cambridge I think. Left the lug nuts loose on his way back home to FL. Just wondered if it was the same one.

 

[mgroeger]

I would check your track bar if it’s stock. You’ve been on a 2.5 “ lift and 35s, for over a year, that means your front axle has been off center about a 1/2” for that long, I’m guessing that the change in caster might have put more strain on the axle side bushing. It’s just a theory, but sometimes, not all of the time, DW is do to worn track bar bushings. If you’re gonna stay on the 2.5” lift, I recommend getting an adjustable front track bar, and a rear track bar relocation bracket. Just my .02.

Winner winner chicken dinner, I second this. After running the same RC 2.5" spacer lift and Rubi take off 33s for over a year I had some wicked DW at 80mph... not fun, darn near pooped myself.
When I finally joined the big boy's club and went to a full on lift and replaced the TB and all other steering components I found the stock TB was shot after only 40k miles. What I didn't deduce (but Roky pionted out) is that my front axle being off center for that long could have such a negative impact.

 

[mgroeger]

I like my Teraflex trackbar. It was immediately (noticeably) more rigid than the factory TB.

Second this, same experience.
Also running the Yeti TB on my Jeep and it's beefy as heck.

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