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Kahunadave

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Damm dude.. that suks!! You have a nice rig.. too bad you’ve gone thru all these issues.
I’ve just had mine for 6 weeks.. 2019 with 31k miles, and fingers X that i may be one of the lucky ones that nothing goes wrong.

Good luck whatever route you go.??
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Jared1956

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I giggle every time I read these. I’ve owned 3 TJ’s, 2 JK’s, a JL and half a dozen CJ’s, even owned a GPW. And even the leaf spring CJ’s had death wobble occasionally. Learn to deal with it, quick jerk of the steering wheel to the right and at the same time jam the brakes and release cured mine every single time. You get used to it, you learn what sections of roads and at what speeds it is going to occur and you be ready. Be quick and forceful and you’ll counteract that dribbling front axle. Then, you find the root cause and fix it. My CJ3B had it due to dry king pin bearings once. Packed the bearings and voila, gone. TJ’s are usually ball joints and track bars, same goes for the Jk and JL. It’s not magic, it’s just aggravating. Stick with it, after all, THIS is the true reason Jeepers wave at each other…..
 

Smoke Showing

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I'm sorry, Jeep&dogs, to hear about your plight. DW is a serious malady with many hard to diagnose contributing factors and, from the many stories that I've heard on DW that either was or wasn't fixed, I have come to believe that, sometimes, it's better to go for a serious comprehensive fix rather than keep fighting it with one partial solution after another.

So, I recently posted, in response to another thread about DW, that, to reliably fix it for the long run, you might need to spend the cash and 1) upgrade to these ball joints (https://www.dynatrac.com/rebuildable-ball-joints/jeep-wrangler-jl-and-gladiator-jt.html); 2) instead of trying to get a steering stabilizer to do the trick, upgrade to the correct one of these hydro-assist steering units for your Jeep (https://www.pscmotorsports.com); 3) have the shop advise you on this (https://steersmarts.com/collections/featured-products/products/yeti-xd-jl-jt-sector-shaft-brace) and the right nut to fit the larger PSC sector shaft and on any heavier track bar, drag link, or tie rod they might recommend; and 4) re-align and re-torque everything up front.

I got a lot of criticism for that advice, one post saying that it was overkill and another advising to just find whatever bolt or nut was loose and replace or retighten it, and perhaps you've already done everything I suggested and more. But, I honestly think that many jeepers struggling with DW may be trying to target a single problem component when it's actually caused by multiple contributing factors and a comprehensive solution is required. ...just a thought.
Do you think it’s more common on jeeps with Frankenstein suspension systems where different manufacturers may have slightly different tolerances that cause wear on each? combine that with larger tires? Just trying to figure out the common denominator.
 

Shibadog

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I feel the OP’s pain. If I’d had a fraction of the issues he’s described mine would have been long gone. Life is way to short to deal with constant avoidable aggravations-there are enoughal issues you HAVE to put up with. With that said I wonder what % of Jeeps that experience this issue are stock vs running modded suspension? I know some suspension kits are fine-I also know that some are el cheapo junk from the Worker’s Paradise. IF a Jeep with modded suspension has this issue I’d certainly be looking at the modified suspension components.
 

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Jeep&dogs

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A few of you should go back and read some old posts. I have probably built more high end Jeeps and drag cars than most of the people on here combined. I have literally cut Jl’s in half and rebuilt them from the ground up. Not to mention 4000+ HP twin turbo drag week cars from a pile of tube and carbon fiber. I didn’t just throw parts at the thing. I have been in this thing as far as measuring the exact over center adjustments on the gear box, most of the smart asses don’t even have a clue what an over center adjustment is let alone how to measure it. I have been on the phone with engineers form Stellentis for hours discussing this thing, they have sent me multiple gear boxes to try out. Anyone else have a direct contact with the steering and suspension engineers from Stellantis? I had three of the latest design gear boxes sitting in my shop to test before they were available. I picked which one I wanted and sent the others back.
 
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Jeep&dogs

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I'm sorry, Jeep&dogs, to hear about your plight. DW is a serious malady with many hard to diagnose contributing factors and, from the many stories that I've heard on DW that either was or wasn't fixed, I have come to believe that, sometimes, it's better to go for a serious comprehensive fix rather than keep fighting it with one partial solution after another.

So, I recently posted, in response to another thread about DW, that, to reliably fix it for the long run, you might need to spend the cash and 1) upgrade to these ball joints (https://www.dynatrac.com/rebuildable-ball-joints/jeep-wrangler-jl-and-gladiator-jt.html); 2) instead of trying to get a steering stabilizer to do the trick, upgrade to the correct one of these hydro-assist steering units for your Jeep (https://www.pscmotorsports.com); 3) have the shop advise you on this (https://steersmarts.com/collections/featured-products/products/yeti-xd-jl-jt-sector-shaft-brace) and the right nut to fit the larger PSC sector shaft and on any heavier track bar, drag link, or tie rod they might recommend; and 4) re-align and re-torque everything up front.

I got a lot of criticism for that advice, one post saying that it was overkill and another advising to just find whatever bolt or nut was loose and replace or retighten it, and perhaps you've already done everything I suggested and more. But, I honestly think that many jeepers struggling with DW may be trying to target a single problem component when it's actually caused by multiple contributing factors and a comprehensive solution is required. ...just a thought.
Just an FYI, the Jeep has all Clayton suspension, 2.5 ton steering, Dynatrac ball joints, Reid racing steering knuckles, Fox ATS dampener, Fox DSC racing shocks all tuned by Accutune for the the corner weight of the Jeep. Steersmarts brace, ApEX steering boost system. Welded and trussed axles, trussed axle c’s.

The PSC system is way too over driven and there is zero road feel to it, with a 35” tire there is absolutely no reason to have a hydro system. If you have ever actually seen the frames on these Jl’s and how they flex near the steering box I would guarantee that is the cause of the the problem on these things.
 

Astro Jeep

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A few of you should go back and read some old posts. I have probably built more high end Jeeps and drag cars than most of the people on here combined. I have literally cut Jl’s in half and rebuilt them from the ground up. Not to mention 4000+ HP twin turbo drag week cars from a pile of tube and carbon fiber. I didn’t just throw parts at the thing. I have been in this thing as far as measuring the exact over center adjustments on the gear box, most of the smart asses don’t even have a clue what an over center adjustment is let alone how to measure it. I have been on the phone with engineers form Stellentis for hours discussing this thing, they have sent me multiple gear boxes to try out. Anyone else have a direct direct contact with the steering and suspension engineers from Stellantis? I had three of the latest design gear boxes sitting in my shop to test before they were available. I picked which one I wanted and sent the others back.
Before I write the snarky part of my post, I want to say I feel for you. I have been down a similar path with a CNC mill before, which is not fun. So I can see why it is frustrating, considering your experience.

Now for the snarky part. You cannot come on to a forum, especially this one, and say that you are out of the game because of "X" without expecting these kinds of comments. But, unfortunately, multiple times a month on this forum, someone is saying they are leaving the Jeep community for "X" reason. It happens enough that I do an eye roll before I even begin reading.

It is like suicide, where a person is reaching out for help. But if you are intent on doing it, why tell everyone unless you want to be talked out of it? Unlike suicide, no one cares if you walk away from Jeep. Many folks care enough to help you, though, if you want it if you're going to stick with Jeep.

I haven't had any issues yet with my Jeep, and I feel thankful for it, but when I do, I can promise you I won't be walking away from it, even if it is a Death Wobble from hell. I am too poor and too heavily invested to start over. I would have to make that bitch submit!

Do what makes you happy; life is too short.
 

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old mike

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Just an FYI, the Jeep has all Clayton suspension, 2.5 ton steering, Dynatrac ball joints, Reid racing steering knuckles, Fox ATS dampener, Fox DSC racing shocks all tuned by Accutune for the the corner weight of the Jeep. Steersmarts brace, ApEX steering boost system. Welded and trussed axles, trussed axle c’s.

The PSC system is way too over driven and there is zero road feel to it, with a 35” tire there is absolutely no reason to have a hydro system. If you have ever actually seen the frames on these Jl’s and how they flex near the steering box I would guarantee that is the cause of the the problem on these things.
Well, good grief, you certainly have everything covered as well as possible on your JL ...except, as you already know, the flex in the frame around the steering box, which is stabilized to a degree by your Smartsteer sector shaft brace, but might also be helped by the beefier PSC replacement steering box. But, again, you certainly have everything else completely covered and good luck to you.
 

Astro Jeep

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Just an FYI, the Jeep has all Clayton suspension, 2.5 ton steering, Dynatrac ball joints, Reid racing steering knuckles, Fox ATS dampener, Fox DSC racing shocks all tuned by Accutune for the the corner weight of the Jeep. Steersmarts brace, ApEX steering boost system. Welded and trussed axles, trussed axle c’s.

The PSC system is way too over driven and there is zero road feel to it, with a 35” tire there is absolutely no reason to have a hydro system. If you have ever actually seen the frames on these Jl’s and how they flex near the steering box I would guarantee that is the cause of the the problem on these things.
You have a nice setup. Mine is going into the shop on Monday for an almost similar setup.
 

Hucke_250

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@Jeep&dogs Ive read the majority of threads and posts you’ve made regarding all the steering, bump steer, and death wobble you’ve had as well as all of the time, effort and parts you’ve installed in an attempt to fix it.
I always hoped you’d find the culprit. Good luck in your next off-road build, whatever it may be.
 
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Jeep&dogs

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Before I write the snarky part of my post, I want to say I feel for you. I have been down a similar path with a CNC mill before, which is not fun. So I can see why it is frustrating, considering your experience.

Now for the snarky part. You cannot come on to a forum, especially this one, and say that you are out of the game because of "X" without expecting these kinds of comments. But, unfortunately, multiple times a month on this forum, someone is saying they are leaving the Jeep community for "X" reason. It happens enough that I do an eye roll before I even begin reading.

It is like suicide, where a person is reaching out for help. But if you are intent on doing it, why tell everyone unless you want to be talked out of it? Unlike suicide, no one cares if you walk away from Jeep. Many folks care enough to help you, though, if you want it if you're going to stick with Jeep.

I haven't had any issues yet with my Jeep, and I feel thankful for it, but when I do, I can promise you I won't be walking away from it, even if it is a Death Wobble from hell. I am too poor and too heavily invested to start over. I would have to make that bitch submit!

Do what makes you happy; life is too short.
Well I wasn’t really coming on here to announce my departure. I really don’t even come on here much anymore because the forum has really turned into a place where most of the people really don’t have any idea what they are talking about. Several years back when the Jl first came out and the forum was started I was actually pretty heavily active along with a few others. Unfortunately only a handful of the people still even bother to come on here that really know what they are talking about.

That handful that do know what I have done to the Jeep and everything that was done to correct it over the last few years and have also been involved in many conversations on what to try to fix it. Those are the people I was actually explaining I have officially had enough of this thing, not the majority of what this forum has turned into.
 
 







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