Best tire balance/alignment shop needed for jeep

[dschifan]

I just bought a new jeep and finished the lift. I am getting a steering wheel shake from 40ish to 50mph. Its not death wobble or bump steer symptoms. I have been back to the shop once already who did wheels and tires and they are a joke. Anyone know the best place around whittier or in area that has a real road force balancer and do alignment as well? I am running the toyo open country r/t in 35x12.5x17. Thanks!

 

[tunnel vision]

I had the same problem with mine, turned out to be the track bar bolts being too small for the frame and axle mounts from the factory. Take them out and change them to 9/16" dia.

 

[dschifan]

I had the same problem with mine, turned out to be the track bar bolts being too small for the frame and axle mounts from the factory. Take them out and change them to 9/16" dia.

Interesting as i just yesterday put on a heavy duty adjustable trac bar and didnt help the wheel shake. I will stop by depot and grab some grade 8 and switch them out.. I would think that would not matter if its torque down tight they wouldn't move but worth a shot. Thanks for tip.

 

[Gramps]

subscribed I have a friend in LaHabra with the same problem

 

[FreeBird236]

It's not exactly in your area, but you might give Pruett's in Redlands a call 909 798 6797.

 

[Singleton]

Cole T to the white curtesy phone

 

[Fabhouse]

The best fix for this issue, that is fairly common on the JK jeeps, is to add a second steering stabilizer. The factory stabilizer is from the diff to the drag link. Add one from the frame to the drag link. Custom Truck Shop in San Dimas does this regularly and it solves the issue every time.
L&G/CTS 909-599-2203

 

[dschifan]

The best fix for this issue, that is fairly common on the JK jeeps, is to add a second steering stabilizer. The factory stabilizer is from the diff to the drag link. Add one from the frame to the drag link. Custom Truck Shop in San Dimas does this regularly and it solves the issue every time.
L&G/CTS 909-599-2203

I just changed out the stabalizer to a bilstein and a relocation bracket it helped a tad bit i was thinking the same thing about duals but also was thinking it should track fine without it. I want to start with a good balance and alignment first. Just want to find a decent shop

 

[Singleton]

No need for duals. I am running the same size tires with a 3.5 lift and have no shake

 

[BAS]

Clark's House of Suspension, off Vista Terrace in Lake Forest. He's kind of a dick but he's the best. Even call Connor over at outlaw and ask him.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Clark's House of Suspension, off Vista Terrace in Lake Forest. He's kind of a dick but he's the best. Even call Connor over at outlaw and ask him.

That's who I use...does a great job but a little different..lol

All the bolts need to be loose until the jeep hits the ground then you can tighten.

Whenever my jeep gets weird handling wise it's typically the front trac bar or something in the steering loose.

 

[Groper]

Hmmm you said you finished a Lift, how much of a lift ?
Did you raise the Track Bar on the Axle ?

 

[dschifan]

Hmmm you said you finished a Lift, how much of a lift ?
Did you raise the Track Bar on the Axle ?

Only 3" and have a adjustable trackbar.

 

[tunnel vision]

Only 3" and have a adjustable trackbar.

Did you get a chance to change out the bolts?

 

[dschifan]

Did you get a chance to change out the bolts?

Im going today to pick them up . Hopefully have time to change them out tomorrow . I would be so stoked if that did it. If not im gonnna move the resr tires to the front and see if that makes a difference and if so maybe its a bad tire/wheel

 

[tunnel vision]

Im going today to pick them up . Hopefully have time to change them out tomorrow . I would be so stoked if that did it. If not im gonnna move the resr tires to the front and see if that makes a difference and if so maybe its a bad tire/wheel

I tried that too, but no luck. What I did find was the bolt issue, the factory uses a 14mm (.55) and the hole in the mounting brackets is like .59-/+ if my memory is right, any way a 9/16" GR8 fits and torque to 154 ft-lb dry or 115 ft-lb lubricated, completely solved the problem. The track bar holes are fine, its the mounting brackets. I too had the road force balancing done and was a waste of money.

Dan

 

[HitIt]

Assume with the new lift came new tires. Tires can be in balance but out of round, have messed up reinforcement plies, etc. From the sound of it, what you are experiencing seems to be common with your Jeep but dont waste a bunch of time chasing the problem until you know the tires are good.

 

[dschifan]

I tried that too, but no luck. What I did find was the bolt issue, the factory uses a 14mm (.55) and the hole in the mounting brackets is like .59-/+ if my memory is right, any way a 9/16" GR8 fits and torque to 154 ft-lb dry or 115 ft-lb lubricated, completely solved the problem. The track bar holes are fine, its the mounting brackets. I too had the road force balancing done and was a waste of money.

Dan

Sounds great Dan thanks for the help will post results when i get them swapped.

Assume with the new lift came new tires. Tires can be in balance but out of round, have messed up reinforcement plies, etc. From the sound of it, what you are experiencing seems to be common with your Jeep but dont waste a bunch of time chasing the problem until you know the tires are good.

I totallly agree and want to make sure the tires and alignment are good

 

[LHC30]

The America Tire shop here in Montclair does a fine job balancing my 35" Toyo M/T's every few months - I tend to chew them up on the trails and the balance "shifts." :rolleyes On a JK the tire balance shows itself a little different than any other vehicle I've driven.

What other have said about the track bar bolts is a biggie. Get the full shouldered 9/16" G-8 and make sure its torqued after all weight is on the rig on the ground as CT said. My stock bolt was tight to specs and it still had play in it. changed the bolt - play on the inside of the trackbar bushing was gone and so was the flighty steering.

NEVER fool yourself that a second steering stabilizer "fixed" the problem. It only masked it and you have thrown good $$ after bad. FIND THE CAUSE.

 

[dschifan]

The America Tire shop here in Montclair does a fine job balancing my 35" Toyo M/T's every few months - I tend to chew them up on the trails and the balance "shifts." :rolleyes On a JK the tire balance shows itself a little different than any other vehicle I've driven.

What other have said about the track bar bolts is a biggie. Get the full shouldered 9/16" G-8 and make sure its torqued after all weight is on the rig on the ground as CT said. My stock bolt was tight to specs and it still had play in it. changed the bolt - play on the inside of the trackbar bushing was gone and so was the flighty steering.

NEVER fool yourself that a second steering stabilizer "fixed" the problem. It only masked it and you have thrown good $$ after bad. FIND THE CAUSE.

Thanks alot for reply. How long of bolts should i get? The wife has jeep today and didnt get a chance to measure

 

[tunnel vision]

Thanks alot for reply. How long of bolts should i get? The wife has jeep today and didnt get a chance to measure

My Wife has the Jeep today or I could meashure them for you

 

[Singleton]

Thanks alot for reply. How long of bolts should i get? The wife has jeep today and didnt get a chance to measure

If my wife did not take the Jeep I will check once home (around 3).
You might be able to pull up installation guide on web and see what they have listed

 

[LHC30]

Going by memory the track bar bolts are 9/16" X 3".... you can always order the kits through Northridge 4X4 or other off road parts vendors...

 

[dschifan]

Going by memory the track bar bolts are 9/16" X 3".... you can always order the kits through Northridge 4X4 or other off road parts vendors...

Based on a quick search online i see 3" as the length. Thanks!

 

[Cole Trickle]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018Q6FIQ0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A10Q79TDW0YHYK

I just ordered this kit.... I have had problems with death wobble and the bolts coming loose after a hard day on the trail. I have looked before but for some reason just never fixed the issue...lol

northridge and synergy also have kits.

Has anyone done the full arm kit as well? Could you tell a difference?

I need to do the synergy ball joints too....lol

 

[dschifan]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018Q6FIQ0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A10Q79TDW0YHYK

I just ordered this kit.... I have had problems with death wobble and the bolts coming loose after a hard day on the trail. I have looked before but for some reason just never fixed the issue...lol

northridge and synergy also have kits.

Has anyone done the full arm kit as well? Could you tell a difference?

I need to do the synergy ball joints too....lol

Thanks for the link i just ordered that instead of going to hardware store

 

[Cole Trickle]

Thanks for the link i just ordered that instead of going to hardware store

yeah...seemed like a much easier ordeal vs. hunting in the plastic bins at home depot and then finding out they only have 3...lol

 

[Kailuaboy89]

ORW has been good to me, and my friends that have jeeps take them there. its pricey but they do good work, expect about $135

 

[LHC30]

get the sizes off the kits advertised, then head over to a local fastener shop...save $$ DONT buy anything like suspension bolts at HD! :eek

CT - your problems with DW are due to much more than a few loose bolts! LOL

And, after going through two sets of Synergy BJ's in 1 1/2 years,,,,well either stay stock and get good at R&R or go dynatrack...

 

[Cole Trickle]

get the sizes off the kits advertised, then head over to a local fastener shop...save $$ DONT buy anything like suspension bolts at HD! :eek

CT - your problems with DW are due to much more than a few loose bolts! LOL

And, after going through two sets of Synergy BJ's in 1 1/2 years,,,,well either stay stock and get good at R&R or go dynatrack...

loose trac bar bolts and a destroyed stabilizer definetley makes the ride exciting...lol:skull

I hadn't heard of that many problems with the synergy BJ's...hmm

 

[28skater]

McMaster Car has any bolt size pitch ect.

 

[DaBank]

The best fix for this issue, that is fairly common on the JK jeeps, is to add a second steering stabilizer. The factory stabilizer is from the diff to the drag link. Add one from the frame to the drag link. Custom Truck Shop in San Dimas does this regularly and it solves the issue every time.
L&G/CTS 909-599-2203

That is the worst thing to do. It is a bandaid covering a problem. A Jeep set up right does not even need a stabilizer. Correct the problem and don't throw good money away.

 

[tunnel vision]

Thanks for the link i just ordered that instead of going to hardware store

You will have the same problem with these bolts, there still 14mm dia., too small.

 

[Cole Trickle]

You will have the same problem with these bolts, there still 14mm dia., too small.

The 14 is just the extra bolt for the newer Jks for the frame bracket.

 

[dschifan]

You will have the same problem with these bolts, there still 14mm dia., too small.

Its worded weird in description but the 4 bolts it comes with are 9/16 well atleast it seems it does. The 14mm it says is for a front frame side track bar bracket.

"This kit will fix the design flaw caused by the stock bolts.The problem arises because the holes for the tracks bars (TB) are 9/16? while the factory bolts are 14mm. This creates a small clearance issue. The other issue is the factory bolts are completely threaded to the head. The threads come into contact with the metal sleeve in the bushing. Both of these factors will cause the bushing sleeve to wear down and become loose over a fairly short period of time causing damage and eventually death wobble. Our upgrade kit provides everything you need to replace the bolts for the Front Track Bar, and Rear Track Bar. New bolts will match factory 9/16? holes and new bolts have shoulder to prevent threads from coming into contact with bushing. Kit contains high strength Grade 8 hardware. Includes hardened extra thick washers (2 per bolt) that will not deform like standard washers and hex locking nuts. All hardware is yellow zinc to prevent rust. We also include (1) M14 Bolt for the Front Frame Side Track Bar Bracket for newer 2012+ Jeep JKs JKUs."

 

[dschifan]

On another note got my spare tire delete on for around town. Love not having the spare on back and seeing all the way through back window. MERICA!!!

 

[dschifan]

Changed out the trac bar bolts and same thing. Has to be tire balance trying to find someome closer to do a good tire Balance