~4 weeks ago I had our LC lifted by pros with a Kings kit from Filthy motorsports, and had the installer use the Dr KDSS bracket to fix the rear panhard bar angle as part of the install. Spidertrax spacers were installed as well to prevent the front wheels from rubbing. The installer marked all bolts they touched with bolt marking compound after torquing correctly, and I’d like to say up front I don’t think they caused this issue. I think if I were guess on who to blame, it’s either a mistake by the alignment shop, or the nut on the bolt came loose due to a wobble issue, or the bolt/nut somehow failed.
We were driving on the highway earlier today, when I noticed the LC started rocking back and forth as we drove. Not too hard, but enough that it was becoming uncomfortable. I pulled over, aired the tires up a bit (maybe 4 PSI, thought it might help), and visually checked for any issues. I also double checked the bolts on all the tires, but all were tight. I did not, however, look at where the panhard bar attached to the vehicle.
We resumed driving on the highway, and a few miles later the rocking became more severe, and then suddenly the vehicle started swerving uncontrollably and I think traction control was attempting to selective brake, but either way it was an incredible dangerous situation. The semi behind us in the other lane thankfully slowed down; I think we probably came very close to getting hit.
I pulled over, checked the car out quickly, and then called the installer since I figured they could help quickly triage. We discussed it, and after crawling under the vehicle I saw that the bolt connecting the rear panhard to the frame was gone. The installer suggested using a tow hitch pin to jury rig it, which I had on hand. We resumed driving down the highway at a reduced speed & checked the pin every 30-50 miles. Due to our location between major cities, it was do this or risk being stuck on the side of the highway in the middle of the desert for hours waiting for a tow.
When we resumed driving, I thought if the rocking was caused by a loose panhard, it would be minimized with the tow hitch pin in place. It was not - it’s a relatively gentle side to side rocking motion that feels like we are on a boat. This only happens on a straight section of road, not on corners.
I am going to try and get a replacement bolt/nut from a dealership tomorrow, but that won’t likely solve the rocking/wobble issue. I plan on jacking up each tire and seeing if there is any give, which might indicate a spacer is loose, but after that I am not sure what to look at.
Any thoughts on what else to look at?
We were driving on the highway earlier today, when I noticed the LC started rocking back and forth as we drove. Not too hard, but enough that it was becoming uncomfortable. I pulled over, aired the tires up a bit (maybe 4 PSI, thought it might help), and visually checked for any issues. I also double checked the bolts on all the tires, but all were tight. I did not, however, look at where the panhard bar attached to the vehicle.
We resumed driving on the highway, and a few miles later the rocking became more severe, and then suddenly the vehicle started swerving uncontrollably and I think traction control was attempting to selective brake, but either way it was an incredible dangerous situation. The semi behind us in the other lane thankfully slowed down; I think we probably came very close to getting hit.
I pulled over, checked the car out quickly, and then called the installer since I figured they could help quickly triage. We discussed it, and after crawling under the vehicle I saw that the bolt connecting the rear panhard to the frame was gone. The installer suggested using a tow hitch pin to jury rig it, which I had on hand. We resumed driving down the highway at a reduced speed & checked the pin every 30-50 miles. Due to our location between major cities, it was do this or risk being stuck on the side of the highway in the middle of the desert for hours waiting for a tow.
When we resumed driving, I thought if the rocking was caused by a loose panhard, it would be minimized with the tow hitch pin in place. It was not - it’s a relatively gentle side to side rocking motion that feels like we are on a boat. This only happens on a straight section of road, not on corners.
I am going to try and get a replacement bolt/nut from a dealership tomorrow, but that won’t likely solve the rocking/wobble issue. I plan on jacking up each tire and seeing if there is any give, which might indicate a spacer is loose, but after that I am not sure what to look at.
Any thoughts on what else to look at?
