Progress! Now some questions...

[Eric_FJ40]

With the help of a local 4x4 shop we were able to locate the source of my 'death-wobble'. The front lower mount of the panhard rod (trackbar) was loose and had quite a bit of movement when the steering wheel was shaken.

I went to tighten this bolt, but found that I could not get a tool on the nut on the backside against the axle. I suspect that this may have been a captive nut, but mine just spins now. I was able to tighten it some and the wobble appears to be gone for now.

Is that nut supposed to be captive or free? How can I get in there and fix it for good? The boxed-in area that it's in is against the axle and under the spring perch - I can barely get my fingertip in there to feel the nut spinning.

Next...

I lengthened my drag link a few turns to get the steering wheel aligned properly (previous-previous owner lifted it and didn't do this). A mechanic neighbor of mine says I will need an alignment now. I disagree - I only changed the relationship of the steering box to the passenger wheel. I didn't touch the tie rod and therefore the toe-in should be the same. Do we agreee that no further alignment is necessary?

Also...

I noticed the tags on the rear OME springs. On the drivers side the spring says R/H and passenger side has L/H. I searched. This was probably done backwards by the P-PO. I do have a slight lean to the left. I'm going to have to swap the springs aren't I!

Thanks for listening - comments appreciated!

Eric

 

[cruiserdan]

The nut on the axle-end of the panhard is indeed captive. You may be able to re-weld it with the axle housing in the vehicle. It would be easier to fix if the housing is out of the vehicle.

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Crap.





I knew that was coming. Oh, well - at least I was able to identify and correct the source of my 'death-wobble'. I'll check with some local shops and see what can be done.

Thanks, C-Dan!

 

[Rookie2]

Not real familiar with the pieces and parts/access you're dealing with , but if you could drill a hole or slot through to the captive nut.., with a little skill you might be able to plug weld it.


Rookie2

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Thanks, Rookie2:

I'll have to look into it and see what I can do. That may be an option.

 

[Waggoner5]

Yep, springs are backwards.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I lengthened my drag link a few turns to get the steering wheel aligned properly (previous-previous owner lifted it and didn't do this). A mechanic neighbor of mine says I will need an alignment now. I disagree - I only changed the relationship of the steering box to the passenger wheel. I didn't touch the tie rod and therefore the toe-in should be the same. Do we agreee that no further alignment is necessary?

Eric

Agreed... adjusting the drag link will not change your alignment.