Wobble in front end...

[Cannon88]

I have a 1985 4Runner. It has a wobble in the front end between 50-60mph. Tires are good and balanced. What are the usual suspects of this wobble? Tie rod ends, bushings? I am sure all of this needs updating, where would be the best place to make a purchase for new/replacement parts? TIA

 

[4WheelUnderground]

TRE's, Truinion bearings, leaf/shackle bushings, tires and sometimes wheel bearings.

 

[KLF]

Need more info. Stock suspension? Lifted? How?

Have you had the alignment checked? You can do the toe-in with a tape measure.

How is your steering stabilizer?

 

[Cannon88]

At some point the PO put rancho shocks on it, other wise it is bone stock suspension. Alignment is fine. I will be replacing the springs, shocks and stabilizer with an OME kit in the near future, then re-aligning everything. Just received my knuckle rebuild kit and figured I would do most of the front end while I am in there. Do we have a vendor here on MUD that has TREs, bushings, etc?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

At some point the PO put rancho shocks on it, other wise it is bone stock suspension. Alignment is fine. I will be replacing the springs, shocks and stabilizer with an OME kit in the near future, then re-aligning everything. Just received my knuckle rebuild kit and figured I would do most of the front end while I am in there. Do we have a vendor here on MUD that has TREs, bushings, etc?

Both Budbuilt and Marlin Crawler can fix you up with a larger Tie-Rod and ends.

Here's a link to the Budbuilt one: Marlink | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

 

[Kris]

On my 87 I had a similar problem. I lifted the front up and could take my front tire and rock it up and down 1/8-1/4 in. Turns out the nuts holding my front bearings on were coming loose.

 

[NorCalBorn]

No offense here, but are you absolutely sure the tires/wheels balance is spot on b/c I've seen people get new tires or a rebalance done at a tire rotation to find out the tire tech didn't properly cone up the wheels. It's more so if they're hub-centric rims, you gotta do it right b/c just a few ounces above 45mph can make stuff get goofy.

Just a thought b/c I have had someone claim that wasn't the issue only to throw them on the machine myself and find out differently.

 

[Cannon88]

NorCal, I know what you mean, but yes, they are properly balanced.

 

[4rnr]

Assuming this is "death wobble", that is a higher than normal speed for it to occur in... usually 35 to 45mph....

DW is sometimes an easy fix, TRE, bushings, wheel bearing, tire balance, stabilizer, etc... But sometimes it can be a bastard that hides in one (or more) locations. Often times it is a few small things that build on each other, harmonically, into an uncontrollable, scary wobble.

Ive chased it several times on my 4runner. The best thing is to get the front off the ground and wiggle wheels, and have someone work the steering wheel. Look for the obvious things. Some things Ive had happen that arent so obvious: Caster angle. The larger the tire, the more you usually need. A good rule of thumb for 35- 37" tires is about 4-7*. I had play in a steering box once as well, caused by a bad input bearing. Like I said, many times it is more than one thing and more often than not offroad tires aggravate even the smallest flaws....

good luck.