DW experts... ASSEMBLE!

[multicam]

I know, I know- I apologize in advance for another thread on the Wobble of Death but every situation is unique and it has been hard to find a thread that addresses my exact situation. I've been on these boards since 2019 so I've seen many a DW thread but I wanted to start this one to address my jeep's situation.

I started experiencing DW at over 50mph at about 49000 miles, or just a few months ago. It's not the worst DW I've experienced (that was in my old YJ) but it definitely is DW. It usually starts at 55-60mph and then doesn't go away until I significantly slow down.

The Jeep:
2019 Rubicon, two doors, 50,000 miles.
Mods:
-Mopar longer LCAs (installed a long time ago, they made a small but positive difference with steering wander)
Tires:
Stock KO2's still. They're getting long in the tooth and I plan to replace them with 35" KO2's in a few months.

What I've done:
-checked tire pressure; lowered to 32 PSI (they show uneven wear indicating overinflation).
-installed a Steer Smarts Yeti XD track bar (rubber bushings)

What I haven't done:
-ANYTHING ELSE from all the DW flow charts and algorithms

I know this is a terrible approach but here's the crazy part - installing the Yeti Track Bar actually appears to have worked. I took it for a test drive on the usual offending road and didn't get any DW (is this one of those classic "just masking the problem" situations?). But I guess my measurements were off because now I have to hold the wheel at like 11 o'clock to keep the jeep driving straight and the "Service Electronic Stability Control" alert came on. I can only assume this is because the jeep can tell that something is off by using the wheel speed sensors or something...? Coming from a YJ this is pretty wild to me.

Today I plan to rotate the tires, triple check that they're inflated at 32 PSI, and adjust the Track Bar to hopefully correct the steering.

Can anyone break it down for me Barney style - if I have to hold the steering wheel at 11 o'clock, in other words, at normal 12 o'clock it drifts to the right, should I shorten or lengthen the track bar?

I decided to buy and install the track bar somewhat on a whim. I intend to keep this jeep for a LONG time and want it to be overbuilt for the 35's I plan to throw on it. I don't plan on lifting it in the future at all. Just keeping it a basic Rubicon with slightly larger tires than normal.

Does anyone recommend any additional components to beef it up? Maybe a new tie rod and drag link? If so, what brand?

Pic because threads are better with pics:

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[Remorseless]

I always recommend ball joints for JKs and JLs. The OE ball joints are no bueno. Dynatrac ball joints are my favorites, but have heard good things about the Teraflex ball joints.

If your axle is centered and measuring as centered, I'd just adjust the drag link to center the steering wheel and call it a day.

 

[Jtphoto]

You already did the most important part. Replacing that flexy factory track bar which is 90% of the problem.
you can go through the rest of the suspension and torque all the bolts to make sure everything is tight.
Your worn tires are definitely attributing to the issue. Don’t be scared to run 28-30psi.

 

[Jeep Wick]

I know, I know- I apologize in advance for another thread on the Wobble of Death but every situation is unique and it has been hard to find a thread that addresses my exact situation. I've been on these boards since 2019 so I've seen many a DW thread but I wanted to start this one to address my jeep's situation.

I started experiencing DW at over 50mph at about 49000 miles, or just a few months ago. It's not the worst DW I've experienced (that was in my old YJ) but it definitely is DW. It usually starts at 55-60mph and then doesn't go away until I significantly slow down.

The Jeep:
2019 Rubicon, two doors, 50,000 miles.
Mods:
-Mopar longer LCAs (installed a long time ago, they made a small but positive difference with steering wander)
Tires:
Stock KO2's still. They're getting long in the tooth and I plan to replace them with 35" KO2's in a few months.

What I've done:
-checked tire pressure; lowered to 32 PSI (they show uneven wear indicating overinflation).
-installed a Steer Smarts Yeti XD track bar (rubber bushings)

What I haven't done:
-ANYTHING ELSE from all the DW flow charts and algorithms

I know this is a terrible approach but here's the crazy part - installing the Yeti Track Bar actually appears to have worked. I took it for a test drive on the usual offending road and didn't get any DW (is this one of those classic "just masking the problem" situations?). But I guess my measurements were off because now I have to hold the wheel at like 11 o'clock to keep the jeep driving straight and the "Service Electronic Stability Control" alert came on. I can only assume this is because the jeep can tell that something is off by using the wheel speed sensors or something...? Coming from a YJ this is pretty wild to me.

Today I plan to rotate the tires, triple check that they're inflated at 32 PSI, and adjust the Track Bar to hopefully correct the steering.

Can anyone break it down for me Barney style - if I have to hold the steering wheel at 11 o'clock, in other words, at normal 12 o'clock it drifts to the right, should I shorten or lengthen the track bar?

I decided to buy and install the track bar somewhat on a whim. I intend to keep this jeep for a LONG time and want it to be overbuilt for the 35's I plan to throw on it. I don't plan on lifting it in the future at all. Just keeping it a basic Rubicon with slightly larger tires than normal.

Does anyone recommend any additional components to beef it up? Maybe a new tie rod and drag link? If so, what brand?

Pic because threads are better with pics:

If you haven't changed springs, the new track bar should match the length of the old one. I used JKS on my 2 door. As posted above, adjust only the drag link from the steering box. I used a paint pen to mark the collar and bolts so I knew where I started. It will probably take a couple test drives but you'll get it. I also bought a Fox 2.0 stabilizer, it was rock solid and I even had the old aluminum steering box.

 

[multicam]

I always recommend ball joints for JKs and JLs. The OE ball joints are no bueno. Dynatrac ball joints are my favorites, but have heard good things about the Teraflex ball joints.

If your axle is centered and measuring as centered, I'd just adjust the drag link to center the steering wheel and call it a day.

Ball joints!!! Of course. I can't believe I didn't think of that; shows how new I am to actually modifying my jeep (it has been stock since 2019 besides the LCAs).

I measured the axle and it appears centered; I'll re-measure today. And yeah, I'll definitely adjust the drag link. Makes sense.

You already did the most important part. Replacing that flexy factory track bar which is 90% of the problem.
you can go through the rest of the suspension and torque all the bolts to make sure everything is tight.
Your worn tires are definitely attributing to the issue. Don’t be scared to run 28-30psi.

Yeah even if it didn't help the DW I had a feeling that I should replace that track bar. I know how important they are on coil-sprung, solid axle vehicles like these. Glad I did!

I'll also try lowering the PSI a bit. I don't like how overinflated they are.

If you haven't changed springs, the new track bar should match the length of the old one. I used JKS on my 2 door. As posted above, adjust only the drag link from the steering box. I used a paint pen to mark the collar and bolts so I knew where I started. It will probably take a couple test drives but you'll get it. I also bought a Fox 2.0 stabilizer, it was rock solid and I even had the old aluminum steering box.

Yeah, I did carefully measure and compare the two track bars to make sure they were as close as possible before installing. Thanks for the tips!

 

[mtbjeep]

With regards to ball joints my shop has been having success treating JL death wobble with Yukon ball joints. Apparently they come with a new "sleeve" (I have no fuc**ng idea what that is or even means) while many other brands re-use the stock "sleeves". They are seeing at least 1 JL a week with DW which is kind of disgusting.

After trying everything in the book my DW was finally resolved by replacing the tires. Apparently my Maxiss Rzr ATs were defective in some capacity. Changing the tires to Nitto Ridge Grapplers eliminated the problem. Chasing DW is an unbelievable black art. I'm fortunate to have a solid shop that cares enough to chase down every possibility.

 

[Roky]

I know, I know- I apologize in advance for another thread on the Wobble of Death but every situation is unique and it has been hard to find a thread that addresses my exact situation. I've been on these boards since 2019 so I've seen many a DW thread but I wanted to start this one to address my jeep's situation.

I started experiencing DW at over 50mph at about 49000 miles, or just a few months ago. It's not the worst DW I've experienced (that was in my old YJ) but it definitely is DW. It usually starts at 55-60mph and then doesn't go away until I significantly slow down.

The Jeep:
2019 Rubicon, two doors, 50,000 miles.
Mods:
-Mopar longer LCAs (installed a long time ago, they made a small but positive difference with steering wander)
Tires:
Stock KO2's still. They're getting long in the tooth and I plan to replace them with 35" KO2's in a few months.

What I've done:
-checked tire pressure; lowered to 32 PSI (they show uneven wear indicating overinflation).
-installed a Steer Smarts Yeti XD track bar (rubber bushings)

What I haven't done:
-ANYTHING ELSE from all the DW flow charts and algorithms

I know this is a terrible approach but here's the crazy part - installing the Yeti Track Bar actually appears to have worked. I took it for a test drive on the usual offending road and didn't get any DW (is this one of those classic "just masking the problem" situations?). But I guess my measurements were off because now I have to hold the wheel at like 11 o'clock to keep the jeep driving straight and the "Service Electronic Stability Control" alert came on. I can only assume this is because the jeep can tell that something is off by using the wheel speed sensors or something...? Coming from a YJ this is pretty wild to me.

Today I plan to rotate the tires, triple check that they're inflated at 32 PSI, and adjust the Track Bar to hopefully correct the steering.

Can anyone break it down for me Barney style - if I have to hold the steering wheel at 11 o'clock, in other words, at normal 12 o'clock it drifts to the right, should I shorten or lengthen the track bar?

I decided to buy and install the track bar somewhat on a whim. I intend to keep this jeep for a LONG time and want it to be overbuilt for the 35's I plan to throw on it. I don't plan on lifting it in the future at all. Just keeping it a basic Rubicon with slightly larger tires than normal.

Does anyone recommend any additional components to beef it up? Maybe a new tie rod and drag link? If so, what brand?

Pic because threads are better with pics:

Plus one on BJs….. you will deal with them sooner or later, probably sooner…..

 

[multicam]

Plus one on BJs….. you will deal with them sooner or later, probably sooner…..

Thanks Roky, I just ordered a set of Dynatrac ball joints. Looking forward to the install. The more I looked into it, the more I'm convinced that at 50k miles, mine absolutely could stand to be replaced with more robust ones.

 

[Roky]

Thanks Roky, I just ordered a set of Dynatrac ball joints. Looking forward to the install. The more I looked into it, the more I'm convinced that at 50k miles, mine absolutely could stand to be replaced with more robust ones.

Absolutely….. dynatracs are my fav. A little pricey, but worth it imo…. You’ll only put them in once, if/when they need rebuilt you don’t have to press them out, rebuild in place…. This is a bonus for the aluminum knuckles…

 

[Jtphoto]

So far we’ve not had issues with factory JL balljoints up to about 120,000klm. Lots of wheeling but no rock crawling.

 

[jellis4148]

You need to adjust your steering wheel with the drag link. The light is on cause you have the wheel turned to the left and you're driving straight. So the Jeep thinks you are having a serious case of understeer. Definitely get the Dynatrac HD Ball joints. I just installed them, and they are awesome.

 

[multicam]

You need to adjust your steering wheel with the drag link. The light is on cause you have the wheel turned to the left and you're driving straight. So the Jeep thinks you are having a serious case of understeer. Definitely get the Dynatrac HD Ball joints. I just installed them, and they are awesome.

Thanks for the reply! I did exactly that, it took maybe 20 minutes total including two test drives and sure enough, the steering is perfect again! (well, perfect for a jeep. tracking straight and with a minimal dead spot).

I did actually purchase the Dynatracs. I'll install them in the next few weeks.

 

[jellis4148]

Thanks for the reply! I did exactly that, it took maybe 20 minutes total including two test drives and sure enough, the steering is perfect again! (well, perfect for a jeep. tracking straight and with a minimal dead spot).

I did actually purchase the Dynatracs. I'll install them in the next few weeks.

Good job. Advice on the Ball Joints. Take your time, and make sure everything lines up and is straight. Took me about 4 hours total, but I went slow.

 

[rohdawg]

You’ll only put them in once, if/when they need rebuilt you don’t have to press them out, rebuild in place….

Have you had to rebuild yours yet? Just curious what kind of wear you’re getting out of them. My ‘21 is due for a fresh set.

 

[grandsrus]

I know, I know- I apologize in advance for another thread on the Wobble of Death but every situation is unique and it has been hard to find a thread that addresses my exact situation. I've been on these boards since 2019 so I've seen many a DW thread but I wanted to start this one to address my jeep's situation.

I started experiencing DW at over 50mph at about 49000 miles, or just a few months ago. It's not the worst DW I've experienced (that was in my old YJ) but it definitely is DW. It usually starts at 55-60mph and then doesn't go away until I significantly slow down.

The Jeep:
2019 Rubicon, two doors, 50,000 miles.
Mods:
-Mopar longer LCAs (installed a long time ago, they made a small but positive difference with steering wander)
Tires:
Stock KO2's still. They're getting long in the tooth and I plan to replace them with 35" KO2's in a few months.

What I've done:
-checked tire pressure; lowered to 32 PSI (they show uneven wear indicating overinflation).
-installed a Steer Smarts Yeti XD track bar (rubber bushings)

What I haven't done:
-ANYTHING ELSE from all the DW flow charts and algorithms

I know this is a terrible approach but here's the crazy part - installing the Yeti Track Bar actually appears to have worked. I took it for a test drive on the usual offending road and didn't get any DW (is this one of those classic "just masking the problem" situations?). But I guess my measurements were off because now I have to hold the wheel at like 11 o'clock to keep the jeep driving straight and the "Service Electronic Stability Control" alert came on. I can only assume this is because the jeep can tell that something is off by using the wheel speed sensors or something...? Coming from a YJ this is pretty wild to me.

Today I plan to rotate the tires, triple check that they're inflated at 32 PSI, and adjust the Track Bar to hopefully correct the steering.

Can anyone break it down for me Barney style - if I have to hold the steering wheel at 11 o'clock, in other words, at normal 12 o'clock it drifts to the right, should I shorten or lengthen the track bar?

I decided to buy and install the track bar somewhat on a whim. I intend to keep this jeep for a LONG time and want it to be overbuilt for the 35's I plan to throw on it. I don't plan on lifting it in the future at all. Just keeping it a basic Rubicon with slightly larger tires than normal.

Does anyone recommend any additional components to beef it up? Maybe a new tie rod and drag link? If so, what brand?

Pic because threads are better with pics:

First balance your tires if you have not.
Adjust drag link and check its joints? No movement?
Then maybe you need ball joints. Get teraflex and save your money.

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