First, before the flaming starts, 
I've read through all the past posts and I'm just looking for some confirmation that I followed them correctly (Highway death vibe was great).
Second, as always, the search feature is great and the posts are fantastic (and usually pretty funny too).
Third, my issue: I haven't driven the beastie in a while other than quick trips (I've been letting my daughter drive it) but on a 6+ hour drive yesterday from St. Louis to Madison, WI I noticed that at 70-75mph the steering wheel was smooth as usual, but around 78-83 it developed a very pronounced vibration (seemed to be up/down direction if looking at the wheel). Oddly, I coudl completely let go of the wheel and the cruiser would track down the road perfectly (alignment seems good) - it just had a very visible up/down vibration. The steering column (from would I could see a feel) was fine. The remainder of the vehicle was fine (seat didn't seem to vibrate or floor). The only thing I could find outside the steering wheel when REALLY trying to find something (I had 6+ hours to look) was the DS door mirror had a slight vibration (I think this had been addressed in another thread and is unrelated) and my Milford cargo barrier squeeks like there is a heard of mice in the rear, but I also think that is unrelated).
Fourth - Possibly important "other" info: I'm riding factory wheels with 285/75/16 BFG - all terrrains. Less then 10k miles on them. All tires/wheels were balance and rotated just before the trip, new brakes and rotors turned about 5k miles ago, I have the OME medium lift in the front and heavy in the rear with OME steering dampener and caster correction bushings. Truck turned 90k miles during the drive yesterday (celebratory music here)
Finally, based on the extensive past threads on this issue, I'm thinking rod ends and hoping its not a bearing issue. Am I correct that these are the key issues I should look at? Or did I miss something in the earlier threads that might apply to me?
On the good side, the only repair the truck has ever required outside of routine maintenance is the starter rebuild and (tomorrow) replacement of the sunroof rails/cables. So overall, I've been pretty lucky. Perhaps its my time for bigger repair bills (perhaps complete overhaul of the front end?).
Thanks!
I've read through all the past posts and I'm just looking for some confirmation that I followed them correctly (Highway death vibe was great).Second, as always, the search feature is great and the posts are fantastic (and usually pretty funny too).
Third, my issue: I haven't driven the beastie in a while other than quick trips (I've been letting my daughter drive it) but on a 6+ hour drive yesterday from St. Louis to Madison, WI I noticed that at 70-75mph the steering wheel was smooth as usual, but around 78-83 it developed a very pronounced vibration (seemed to be up/down direction if looking at the wheel). Oddly, I coudl completely let go of the wheel and the cruiser would track down the road perfectly (alignment seems good) - it just had a very visible up/down vibration. The steering column (from would I could see a feel) was fine. The remainder of the vehicle was fine (seat didn't seem to vibrate or floor). The only thing I could find outside the steering wheel when REALLY trying to find something (I had 6+ hours to look) was the DS door mirror had a slight vibration (I think this had been addressed in another thread and is unrelated) and my Milford cargo barrier squeeks like there is a heard of mice in the rear, but I also think that is unrelated).
Fourth - Possibly important "other" info: I'm riding factory wheels with 285/75/16 BFG - all terrrains. Less then 10k miles on them. All tires/wheels were balance and rotated just before the trip, new brakes and rotors turned about 5k miles ago, I have the OME medium lift in the front and heavy in the rear with OME steering dampener and caster correction bushings. Truck turned 90k miles during the drive yesterday (celebratory music here)
Finally, based on the extensive past threads on this issue, I'm thinking rod ends and hoping its not a bearing issue. Am I correct that these are the key issues I should look at? Or did I miss something in the earlier threads that might apply to me?
On the good side, the only repair the truck has ever required outside of routine maintenance is the starter rebuild and (tomorrow) replacement of the sunroof rails/cables. So overall, I've been pretty lucky. Perhaps its my time for bigger repair bills (perhaps complete overhaul of the front end?).
Thanks!
