Just in case somebody is having the same issue.
It started by having a very slight wobble while hitting the brakes to slow down on mountain road downhill turns.
A couple of trips later the wobble started getting scary and every once in awhile even while going straight and hitting the brakes on somewhat uneven asphalt roads or on the reflective pavement marking bumps.
So I had the knuckles rebuilt because they were due and 100 series brakepads and drilled rotors installed by Yotamasters; the best local shop for these trucks in my opinion.
I figured the brakes were the problem but it continued to wobble. I checked the bushings and all steering components for signs of damage or play and everything looked good. I also rechecked the brake pads and brake rotors in case they got warped and inspected the wheel bearing for play, everything seemed fine.
I then had my fleet service department at work check it out and "all looks fine" they said. Next I had the guys at yotamasters take a look and couldn't find the culprit either.
I thought to check the alignment and had big-o tires take a look. After waiting for 30 minutes, the service guy gives me the keys back and says they had three techs drive it and they all had different opinions and couldn't agree on what was causing the issue. One said is the brakes, the other said bad tires and the third had no idea. Since they couldn't agree they said sorry but can't help.
Finally, a week later I decided to check the steering stabilizer even though it looks brand new and it is only a couple years old like all my OEM bushings and the 80 is a non-daily driver vehicle that sees few miles a year.
When I removed it and pushed it closed, noticed a few inches in the middle had no resistance. Whaaat?!! The thing looks brand new and no signs of leakage. The soft spot didn't show itself every time I compressed it but it was there often enough.
So I replaced the TJM stabilizer with an OME piece and it was an immediate change. It drove perfectly straight like it just got an alignment and after a long trip to the sierras, camping in monache meadows and doing the Sherman pass trail. Im happy to report that there are no more shakes or wobbles.
Maybe it is one of the first things to check and everybodyelse knows that but I never thought it would make such a difference.
I know I could have said long story short ....... but wha the heck.
It started by having a very slight wobble while hitting the brakes to slow down on mountain road downhill turns.
A couple of trips later the wobble started getting scary and every once in awhile even while going straight and hitting the brakes on somewhat uneven asphalt roads or on the reflective pavement marking bumps.
So I had the knuckles rebuilt because they were due and 100 series brakepads and drilled rotors installed by Yotamasters; the best local shop for these trucks in my opinion.
I figured the brakes were the problem but it continued to wobble. I checked the bushings and all steering components for signs of damage or play and everything looked good. I also rechecked the brake pads and brake rotors in case they got warped and inspected the wheel bearing for play, everything seemed fine.
I then had my fleet service department at work check it out and "all looks fine" they said. Next I had the guys at yotamasters take a look and couldn't find the culprit either.
I thought to check the alignment and had big-o tires take a look. After waiting for 30 minutes, the service guy gives me the keys back and says they had three techs drive it and they all had different opinions and couldn't agree on what was causing the issue. One said is the brakes, the other said bad tires and the third had no idea. Since they couldn't agree they said sorry but can't help.
Finally, a week later I decided to check the steering stabilizer even though it looks brand new and it is only a couple years old like all my OEM bushings and the 80 is a non-daily driver vehicle that sees few miles a year.
When I removed it and pushed it closed, noticed a few inches in the middle had no resistance. Whaaat?!! The thing looks brand new and no signs of leakage. The soft spot didn't show itself every time I compressed it but it was there often enough.
So I replaced the TJM stabilizer with an OME piece and it was an immediate change. It drove perfectly straight like it just got an alignment and after a long trip to the sierras, camping in monache meadows and doing the Sherman pass trail. Im happy to report that there are no more shakes or wobbles.
Maybe it is one of the first things to check and everybodyelse knows that but I never thought it would make such a difference.
I know I could have said long story short ....... but wha the heck.
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