Dangerous and violent chassis flex problem!!!

[triggerthetruck]

...and to continue my little saga...I have today also ordered some new tires for the front. My old Bridgestones had done well but were wearing out at the edges and getting thin in the middles...and anything new will help...fortunately the tire man knew a thing or two about death wobble and such, checked my vehicle and spotted a few things...so I will be busy. The question now is...having larger, fatter tires may alter the tracking adjustment I require....How do I find out what that different adjustment will be? The tires are I think 31"...and about 10" width... Please..!! I dont cope with long explanations of technical detail... Best wishes....

[68GMC_Dan]

Had the death wobble problem with my Cherokee turned out to be ball joints

[triggerthetruck]

...well with rather a red face, i have to tell you I found that my steering box needed a lot of adjustment...and the pitman arm needed tightening and I also reset both the wheel bearings which had a bit of loosness....and guess what? No death wobble! Well not yet. I have new tires ordered and the steering damper on its way...so I think Trigger and I are all set for further adventures... But I have to say, I have learned a hell of a lot in a short space of time, thanks to this site and all you kind folk that have given of your experience....so, a BIG thank you. Andrew

[OrrieG]

No need for the red face, sometimes the simple obvious things get overlooked because we all assume it has to be more complicated than it is. I'd bet there are half a dozen lurkers with the same problem some of the time that are now checking their front ends based on this thread.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by triggerthetruck

I found that my steering box needed a lot of adjustment...

Glad you found some problems and things are looking up! But be careful adjusting the steering box -- that often means the box is worn out and you are just buying a bit of time. I'd keep a close eye on it....

[triggerthetruck]

...well i think I may have gone a bit too far with the box...seems a bit stiff and doesnt quite self centre...so need to sort that. The box was reconditioned last year so should be good. The tires added nothing...in fact they seem to bounce very slightly at higher rotations,even though well balanced....mind you, our roads over here are dreadful...pot holes and undulations all over...so its rare to get a flat bit of road anyway. need to get the tracking done. Happy Halloween you people....

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by triggerthetruck

...well i think I may have gone a bit too far with the box...seems a bit stiff and doesnt quite self centre...so need to sort that. The box was reconditioned last year so should be good.

Yup, you probably overshot .... it doesn't take much adjustment to make a significant difference. Just back it off a smidge and try it again. Shouldn't take much to find the sweet spot.