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DW caused by DIY or Shop?

595 views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Pressurized 
#1 ·
In the market for our first Jeep and have seen a lot of the posts related to the death wobble and I couldn't help but wonder for those that have experienced the DW if it came after a DIY lift (or other work) OR was it something you had done at a shop?

While I do not anticipate on doing anything significant, if at all, I am starting to get concerned about spending a lot of money on a Jeep only to have an issue like the DW - especially if my wife were to be driving it. We dont plan on doing any off roading (most likely) but could see putting larger tires on it or leveling.

Just curious how overstated it may be or if there is a difference between those that DIY vs taking it to a customs shop? BTW, this is not intended to bash any DIY guys....I am one of those and often spend more money fixing what I did rather than just taking it somewhere that has more experience than I do....its the principal! :happyyes:
 
#2 ·
Not sure really if there would be a difference between DIY and a shop.

A shop "might" alert you of minor fitment issues, but really I don't think you'd experience more luck at a shop as opposed to DIY.

The main issue arises from the track bar getting worn/not sized properly/etc. In my case, the stock one ran for quite some time after my lift, and it began to fail, very slowly. I replaced it with a heavy duty bar, and now I'm almost certain the bolt is the culprit (seeing as I didn't replace the hardware, and used the stock stuff).

Nothing against going to a shop myself (much prefer the hard work I put into it), but hopefully the shop would let you know of minor tolerances out of specification.
 
#3 ·
I trust myself more than most shops. DW can happen on stock Jeeps with no lift or any work done to them at all. If you are concerned, check around your area and find a quality 4x4 shop and have them check it out. Consider putting on a new track bar and adding the 9/16 Grade 8 bolts to finish the upgrade. You could do that for $150...

The vast majority of the time, it is related to the track bar. But occasionally it will be ball joints, control arm bushings, TRE's or a combination of all. They are either worn or loose.
 
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