Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

UPDATE!!
Ok, got it fixed. I am now a smarter jeep owner and learned a lot
through this experience. I took it to a specialty 4WD shop and here's
what they found. Apparently, when the lift was put on, it was done half
ass and kind of jury rigged, notice I say kind of. The rear arms top
bushings were completely gone, and after they came off, the other ends
were frozen up, so replaced those. It turns out that the front uppers
were stock, i.e. not adjustable, so you can imagine how assed up that
was. needless to say, those got replaced by adjustable uppers. All of
that to the tune of a little over $500. Also found that on my front
springs, there are spacers at the top, where there are none on the
back. Apparently this was done to level the vehicle off. It looks level
now, I left the spacers alone. At any rate, it drives like a champ now,
and I appreciate all the help and feedback I got from all of you.
Thanks!!!


silberj wrote:
> I'll try the the alignment next, and then do my best to work the rest
> of it out. I'll follow up soon Thanks!
>
>
> twaldron wrote:
> > I can't tell you how many times I took my tires in to get balanced,
> > probably somewhere around 8-10 times at various NTBs in Texas.
> >
> > Each time, I thought I HAD to have a front end problem (they WERE just
> > balanced, ya know). I tore everything apart, put it back together...same
> > problem. Had to be the tires...went back to NTB to get balanced.
> > (re-read paragraph #2 eight times).
> >
> > Finally found a SEARS in Sante Fe that balanced them correctly. Rode
> > like a speedboat on a glassy lake. So, what I'm saying is, just because
> > you had your tires balanced, does not mean they are. Also, with a tire
> > that big, if there is ANY uneven wear or balance problem, it will ride
> > like a mofo.
> >
> > Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
> > drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
> > front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
> > steering wheel back and forth, hard. Look for what gives under there.
> > Put your Jeep on jackstands. Grab each component of the front end and
> > yank on it for looseness.
> >
> > tw
> >
> > silberj wrote:
> > > Well, I tried the rotate and balance all of the tires, they were all
> > > done by a computer. 3 were a little off and one was still on. Didn't do
> > > a damn thing for the problem. I guess I could refine the description of
> > > the problem as more of a steering thing. The vehicle will at times try
> > > to change course on me without notice. It's currently manageable, but
> > > becoming unsafe. My next step is to check the steering rods underneath,
> > > can anyone be specific on what I need to look at first? I sure
> > > appreciate all the help.
> > >
> > >
> > > mike wrote:
> > >
> > >>i'm a real novice who owns a TJ, but...
> > >>this sounds a lot like when my old jimmy
> > >>had damaged cv joint...
> > >>it would try to yank me into next lane !!!
> > >>
> > >>"silberj" <silberj@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > >>news:1165410484.428900.59330@79g2000cws.googlegr oups.com...
> > >>
> > >>>I'm a first time jeep owner, having bought a 99 TJ 4x4 just under a
> > >>>year ago. My jeep came with 33" Trxus tires, and has I believe a 4"
> > >>>lift. Driving the vehicle I realized it would take some getting used
> > >>>too, and I have. Lately (last 4 mos or so) I have developed what I
> > >>>classify as a severe "shimmy". The vehicle sometimes will steer a
> > >>>little on me and requires a fair amount of extra concentration and
> > >>>handling to keep it on the road. It is enhanced when I'm at speeds of
> > >>>around 50 to 60 mph and either push on the accelerator or even worse
> > >>>let off the gas (most reaction) It does have a steering stabilizer
> > >>>which I have recently replaced and hasn't helped the problem. I really
> > >>>love my jeep and love driving it, but it is becoming a safety hazard
> > >>>and a chore to drive sometimes. I will be happy to provide as much more
> > >>>info as I can to any of y'all that would like to try to help me out.
> > >>>
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > __________________________________________________ ___________________
> > 2003 TJ Rubicon * 2001 XJ Sport * 1971 Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco
> >
> > "There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'."
> >
> > Pronunciation: 'jEp Function: noun Date: 1940
> >
> > Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
> > A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80" wheelbase, 1/4-ton
> > capacity and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in World War II.
> > __________________________________________________ ___________________

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

UPDATE!!
Ok, got it fixed. I am now a smarter jeep owner and learned a lot
through this experience. I took it to a specialty 4WD shop and here's
what they found. Apparently, when the lift was put on, it was done half
ass and kind of jury rigged, notice I say kind of. The rear arms top
bushings were completely gone, and after they came off, the other ends
were frozen up, so replaced those. It turns out that the front uppers
were stock, i.e. not adjustable, so you can imagine how assed up that
was. needless to say, those got replaced by adjustable uppers. All of
that to the tune of a little over $500. Also found that on my front
springs, there are spacers at the top, where there are none on the
back. Apparently this was done to level the vehicle off. It looks level
now, I left the spacers alone. At any rate, it drives like a champ now,
and I appreciate all the help and feedback I got from all of you.
Thanks!!!


silberj wrote:
> I'll try the the alignment next, and then do my best to work the rest
> of it out. I'll follow up soon Thanks!
>
>
> twaldron wrote:
> > I can't tell you how many times I took my tires in to get balanced,
> > probably somewhere around 8-10 times at various NTBs in Texas.
> >
> > Each time, I thought I HAD to have a front end problem (they WERE just
> > balanced, ya know). I tore everything apart, put it back together...same
> > problem. Had to be the tires...went back to NTB to get balanced.
> > (re-read paragraph #2 eight times).
> >
> > Finally found a SEARS in Sante Fe that balanced them correctly. Rode
> > like a speedboat on a glassy lake. So, what I'm saying is, just because
> > you had your tires balanced, does not mean they are. Also, with a tire
> > that big, if there is ANY uneven wear or balance problem, it will ride
> > like a mofo.
> >
> > Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
> > drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
> > front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
> > steering wheel back and forth, hard. Look for what gives under there.
> > Put your Jeep on jackstands. Grab each component of the front end and
> > yank on it for looseness.
> >
> > tw
> >
> > silberj wrote:
> > > Well, I tried the rotate and balance all of the tires, they were all
> > > done by a computer. 3 were a little off and one was still on. Didn't do
> > > a damn thing for the problem. I guess I could refine the description of
> > > the problem as more of a steering thing. The vehicle will at times try
> > > to change course on me without notice. It's currently manageable, but
> > > becoming unsafe. My next step is to check the steering rods underneath,
> > > can anyone be specific on what I need to look at first? I sure
> > > appreciate all the help.
> > >
> > >
> > > mike wrote:
> > >
> > >>i'm a real novice who owns a TJ, but...
> > >>this sounds a lot like when my old jimmy
> > >>had damaged cv joint...
> > >>it would try to yank me into next lane !!!
> > >>
> > >>"silberj" <silberj@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > >>news:1165410484.428900.59330@79g2000cws.googlegr oups.com...
> > >>
> > >>>I'm a first time jeep owner, having bought a 99 TJ 4x4 just under a
> > >>>year ago. My jeep came with 33" Trxus tires, and has I believe a 4"
> > >>>lift. Driving the vehicle I realized it would take some getting used
> > >>>too, and I have. Lately (last 4 mos or so) I have developed what I
> > >>>classify as a severe "shimmy". The vehicle sometimes will steer a
> > >>>little on me and requires a fair amount of extra concentration and
> > >>>handling to keep it on the road. It is enhanced when I'm at speeds of
> > >>>around 50 to 60 mph and either push on the accelerator or even worse
> > >>>let off the gas (most reaction) It does have a steering stabilizer
> > >>>which I have recently replaced and hasn't helped the problem. I really
> > >>>love my jeep and love driving it, but it is becoming a safety hazard
> > >>>and a chore to drive sometimes. I will be happy to provide as much more
> > >>>info as I can to any of y'all that would like to try to help me out.
> > >>>
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > __________________________________________________ ___________________
> > 2003 TJ Rubicon * 2001 XJ Sport * 1971 Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco
> >
> > "There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'."
> >
> > Pronunciation: 'jEp Function: noun Date: 1940
> >
> > Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
> > A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80" wheelbase, 1/4-ton
> > capacity and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in World War II.
> > __________________________________________________ ___________________

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

Twaldron, I just want to say thank you for this very descriptive
terminology to describe my experience. My jeep did "drive like a
drunken nun", and is now a part of my vocabulary. I love it. I've
sobered my nun up and am much happier now, much appreciated.


twaldron wrote:
> Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
> drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
> front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
> steering wheel back and forth, hard.

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

Twaldron, I just want to say thank you for this very descriptive
terminology to describe my experience. My jeep did "drive like a
drunken nun", and is now a part of my vocabulary. I love it. I've
sobered my nun up and am much happier now, much appreciated.


twaldron wrote:
> Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
> drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
> front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
> steering wheel back and forth, hard.

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

Twaldron, I just want to say thank you for this very descriptive
terminology to describe my experience. My jeep did "drive like a
drunken nun", and is now a part of my vocabulary. I love it. I've
sobered my nun up and am much happier now, much appreciated.


twaldron wrote:
> Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
> drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
> front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
> steering wheel back and forth, hard.

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

silberj wrote:
> Twaldron, I just want to say thank you for this very descriptive
> terminology to describe my experience. My jeep did "drive like a
> drunken nun", and is now a part of my vocabulary. I love it. I've
> sobered my nun up and am much happier now, much appreciated.
>
>
> twaldron wrote:
>
>>Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
>>drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
>>front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
>>steering wheel back and forth, hard.
>
>

:) Glad you're OK after having no upper control arm bushings. I'm
surprised it was such an extreme solution. Wow! That's really scary and
dangerous. No wonder you were swaying. It makes me wonder what was going
through the previous owner's mind...usually these problems are much less
dramatic!

Also, thanks for updating us on your solution.!

tw
--
__________________________________________________ ___________________
2003 TJ Rubicon * 2001 XJ Sport * 1971 Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco

"There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'."

Pronunciation: 'jEp Function: noun Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80" wheelbase, 1/4-ton
capacity and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in World War II.
__________________________________________________ ___________________

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

silberj wrote:
> Twaldron, I just want to say thank you for this very descriptive
> terminology to describe my experience. My jeep did "drive like a
> drunken nun", and is now a part of my vocabulary. I love it. I've
> sobered my nun up and am much happier now, much appreciated.
>
>
> twaldron wrote:
>
>>Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
>>drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
>>front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
>>steering wheel back and forth, hard.
>
>

:) Glad you're OK after having no upper control arm bushings. I'm
surprised it was such an extreme solution. Wow! That's really scary and
dangerous. No wonder you were swaying. It makes me wonder what was going
through the previous owner's mind...usually these problems are much less
dramatic!

Also, thanks for updating us on your solution.!

tw
--
__________________________________________________ ___________________
2003 TJ Rubicon * 2001 XJ Sport * 1971 Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco

"There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'."

Pronunciation: 'jEp Function: noun Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80" wheelbase, 1/4-ton
capacity and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in World War II.
__________________________________________________ ___________________

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

silberj wrote:
> Twaldron, I just want to say thank you for this very descriptive
> terminology to describe my experience. My jeep did "drive like a
> drunken nun", and is now a part of my vocabulary. I love it. I've
> sobered my nun up and am much happier now, much appreciated.
>
>
> twaldron wrote:
>
>>Did you get an alignment? A toed out front end will wander like a
>>drunken nun. It will also follow every dip in the road. Lay under the
>>front of your Jeep and have a husky beer drinking buddy rock the
>>steering wheel back and forth, hard.
>
>

:) Glad you're OK after having no upper control arm bushings. I'm
surprised it was such an extreme solution. Wow! That's really scary and
dangerous. No wonder you were swaying. It makes me wonder what was going
through the previous owner's mind...usually these problems are much less
dramatic!

Also, thanks for updating us on your solution.!

tw
--
__________________________________________________ ___________________
2003 TJ Rubicon * 2001 XJ Sport * 1971 Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco

"There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'."

Pronunciation: 'jEp Function: noun Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80" wheelbase, 1/4-ton
capacity and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in World War II.
__________________________________________________ ___________________

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

Thanks.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

silberj wrote:
>
> UPDATE!!
> Ok, got it fixed. I am now a smarter jeep owner and learned a lot
> through this experience. I took it to a specialty 4WD shop and here's
> what they found. Apparently, when the lift was put on, it was done half
> ass and kind of jury rigged, notice I say kind of. The rear arms top
> bushings were completely gone, and after they came off, the other ends
> were frozen up, so replaced those. It turns out that the front uppers
> were stock, i.e. not adjustable, so you can imagine how assed up that
> was. needless to say, those got replaced by adjustable uppers. All of
> that to the tune of a little over $500. Also found that on my front
> springs, there are spacers at the top, where there are none on the
> back. Apparently this was done to level the vehicle off. It looks level
> now, I left the spacers alone. At any rate, it drives like a champ now,
> and I appreciate all the help and feedback I got from all of you.
> Thanks!!!

Re: TJ having a worsening "shimmy" problem
 

Thanks.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

silberj wrote:
>
> UPDATE!!
> Ok, got it fixed. I am now a smarter jeep owner and learned a lot
> through this experience. I took it to a specialty 4WD shop and here's
> what they found. Apparently, when the lift was put on, it was done half
> ass and kind of jury rigged, notice I say kind of. The rear arms top
> bushings were completely gone, and after they came off, the other ends
> were frozen up, so replaced those. It turns out that the front uppers
> were stock, i.e. not adjustable, so you can imagine how assed up that
> was. needless to say, those got replaced by adjustable uppers. All of
> that to the tune of a little over $500. Also found that on my front
> springs, there are spacers at the top, where there are none on the
> back. Apparently this was done to level the vehicle off. It looks level
> now, I left the spacers alone. At any rate, it drives like a champ now,
> and I appreciate all the help and feedback I got from all of you.
> Thanks!!!