my 98 grabd cherokee

[ernie]

I have a 98 grand cherokee, It has the death shake on the front end. Ive replaced the stabilizer shock and the steering gear box and had it realighned but the problem is still there. I recently put a two and a half inch lift and it seemed to make the problem worse. Ive had the front end checked out and everything else is good so Im looking for some insight into the problem, before I put my super swampers on. Plus it seems to bind up on the front end when turning and wants to bog down when backing up. It has the 318 motor in it, and is full time four wheel drive but it acts different from other jeeps Ive been in with a similar set up?

[OldSailor]

First of all, it is not unusual for a suspension lift to accentuate an existing steering problem. Same thing with stabilizer shocks -- new ones may help disguise a steering problem, but they won't cure it.

You said you "had the front end checked out" -- by whom? Was it a dealer? Some tire shops and others are notorious for missing problems caused by worn components. For steering problems, a dealer maintenance department is usually best, unless you personally are sure of the competence of the mechanic.

You said "Everything else is good". Not likely, since something must be bad in order to cause the problem. So you need to start checking for "bad" parts...

To check things yourself, I'd suggest the following:

(1) Temporarily disconnect or remove the steering stabilizer.

(2) Put the vehicle up on a hoist -- one that lifts the vehicle by the frame, not by the tires or the axles. If you don't have access to a hoist, you can jack it up and put the frame on jack stands, but I'd feel much more safe and comfortable with it on a hoist.

(3) Grab each front tire (one at a time) and try to move it from left to right and see if there is any play.

(4) Grab each front tire (one at a time) and try to move the top of the tire in and out and see if there is any play.

(5) Grab each steering component (tie rod, drag link, pitman arm) and see if any of the them are loose. Pay particular attention to the tie rod ends on each.

(6) Get a large crowbar or similar tool and pry on the steering knuckles to see if there is any play in the ball joints.

(7) Insure that none of the front lug nuts are loose.

(8) Insure that the front wheel bearings are not worn and are pre-loaded to the proper specs.

(9) Check the front shock absorbers - both for proper dampening and for looseness of attachment points.

(10) If your front axle is one of those in which at least half of the axle shaft rotates all of the time, then check the axle shaft u-joints as a last resort.

Provide some more information to us regarding when this "death shake" occurs. Is it all the time? Only during turns or when coming out of turns? Only at certain speeds? Only when on rough roads? How much does the steering wheel move when it occurs? etc.

Definitely do not put the Super Swampers on until you get the problem resolved. What size tires do you have on it now?

[ernie]

I did have the front end checked by a mechanic at a dealership(although it was a ford dealership this person is on my firedepartment). the death shake only seems to occur between 40 and 55 mph. and only if I hit big bumps or potholes. It has 235/70 16 on it know, the super swampers are on aftermarket black rims that are 15 in but will fit I checked and there is good clearance on the brake calipers( 4 wheel disc) and the tires would be equivalent to 31,s.

[300Grand]

Check the track barbushing and the bolt at the axle. this might not be torqued properly or the hole on the axle brackt is ovaled out. Wheel bearings also will cause this.