Front end shimmy

[bigblue93]

Hi All,

This is my first post to the forum. I've got a 93 Bronco 351W w/ 6" lift running 35x12.50s. The truck has run well over the years but recently I'm experiencing a bizzarre front end shimmy typically when I'm driving uphill at above 30 MPH and turn the steering wheel towards the left (turning right does not seem to initiate the problem). Suddenly the front end starts to shake until I de-accelerate. I've jacked the front end up and do not notice any linkage breaks or ball joint problems (doesn't mean they're not there I just can see or feel 'em). I recently put a new set of skyjackers on the truck hoping this would help but the shimmy continues. Tires were rotated and balanced last year. Anyone experience a similar issue and how did you correct it?

Thanks

BigBlue93

 

[BLADE262US]

Try tightening the bolts that hold the TTB drop brackets on mine came loose and did the same thing . A little movement there is a buch at the wheels . /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[bigblue93]

Thanks,

I'll take a look. One other thing I've noticed is that when the steering wheel is turned the from stablizer appears to be rotating a bit upward as the linkage moves from side to side. What would be causing this?

BB93

 

[bigblue93]

Try tightening the bolts that hold the TTB drop brackets on mine came loose and did the same thing . A little movement there is a buch at the wheels . /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Blade26US,

Thanks for the great tip. It did the trick. sure enough the bolts on the TTB Drop brackets were a bit loose. I'm amazed such a small loosening caused such as huge problem. I'm back up and running smooth again.

Hey, when you retorqued the bolts did you use any thread lock?

Thanks.

 

[Broncobeginner123]

I had the same problem when i put on my 4 in lift.. bolts got loose and the whole thing started to shake like crazy.. it is amazing how such a small thing causes such a huge problem.

 

[BLADE262US]

Hey glad it helped now heres what is going on now , I have tightened the shit out of mine twice now and this morning leaving work I have the death wobble again . I looked at it really close and the bolts actually appear to be right where they were when I tightened them last ( I paid close attention as to how many threads stuck past the nut ) So that tells me that somehow the bolts are stretching , THIS IS NOT GOOD . Can you imagine what would happen if those bolts broke going down the road at 60 MPH thats a ride Ill pass on . I am going to change the bolts later today just to be safe . The first lift I bought from superlift actually said that on early 80,s frames to bolt the brackets in place then weld them to the frame maybe they suggested this because they had this issue in the testing phase Im not sure but I do know that if they come loose one more time they will become a permanent fixture via miller hot melt . LOL So look your bolts over really close and if in doubt change them out . /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[bigblue93]

Blade26US

Good suggestion. I'm cruzin smoothly now but if it starts up again I'll just go ahead and replace the bolts too. Again, thanks for the great tip. BTW had to replace the fuel tank today. Sprung a pinhole in the bottom and it was dripping out from the skid plate. Not good.

GG

 

[wtfdissux]

just a quick thought you said that the tires were rotated and ballanced LAST YEAR a suggestion based on tire industry standard every other oil change or more for better wear

 

[bigblue93]

Hey,

Thanks. Thats a good recommendation. I usually rotate the tires annually, but will probably start on a 6 month cycle. I'm running Goodrich 35s and they are wearing really well. I'm really pleased with the tires. Had dunlops before and they were a bit too aggressive for asphalt and wore out after about 12k miles. Not good.

 

[Broncobeginner123]

Heres another suggestion about keeping your lifted suspension in place. Instead of welding it on, cause in the future you might want to go higher. Use liquid bolt lock. all you do is rub some on the bolts before you ***** the nut on. It makes a solid seal, but allows you to take the bolt off later if you wish. I just read about this yesterday in the new 4X4 mag. i had the same prob your having. i think im going to try it out.

 

[wtfdissux]

which dunlops did you have? there were a few that had recalls and you could have done what i did and upped them to another tire (not dunhop or dunhop) for les than i paid the first time

 

[bigblue93]

I believe they were RV Radial Rovers. Nice aggressive tread but did last very long.

 

[wtfdissux]

yep they are what i had they had about a 50k tread life warrenty but were a really crappy tire by all acounts also should not have been on a fullsize because of wieght any way got milage adjustment on mine and it cost me about 25 bucks to upgrade them into wrangler RTS same size in extra load

 

[bigblue93]

Wish I knew they were recalled and or defective. Spend the bucks on the Goodrich tires and couldn't be happier. They are wearing great and perform well both on pavement and off!!!