1995 Jeep Laredo Violent shaking when hitting bumps...

1995 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
230,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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MATSONIAN
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The jeep was sitting for about 6 months before I bought it just a couple weeks ago. It has a Skyjacker lift kit and larger tires. . Since having it, there have been about 6 times when I would hit a bump that would spark a rash of violent shaking from the front end. I need to slow down to a almost a stop in order to stop the shaking. This doesn't happen most of the times I hit bumps. I can go on the freeway with no problem, or go down a bumpy road without problems. But out of nowhere, at about 30 mph, I can hit a particular bump and the shaking will start. Once it happens it generally doesn't happen again, except a couple days ago where it happened three times in a row.
There are no obvious problems with the front end. Yesterday I lubed the front end because all the points were dry, but it seems like it is a bigger problem then that. Any direction or suggestions are appreciated.
Oct 25, 2008 at 10:44 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi matsonian

Thank you for the donation.

Just want to confirm a few details.
1. Is the shaking only felt by the steering or body?
2. Is it more to the right or left?
3. Does your steering feel as if it is loose or light during normal driving?
4. How much larger is the tire/wheel compared to original?

If the tires are too large, they would have a heavy unladen weight and coupled with bad struts, loose ball joints or steering joints, it can bump out of balance causing the vibration.
Oct 26, 2008 at 3:14 AM
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MATSONIAN
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Thank you for your reply. To answer your questions: 1. The shaking feels like an earthquake is going on in both the steering and the full vehicle. 2. It is back and forth, up and down. As if the wheels were about to fall off. 3. During normal driving, the steering feels fine. There is about a three inch play in the steering wheel, but I can go down the road, hit bumps most of the time and nothing happens... until I hit at just the right moment and wammo. 4. I've attached a picture with the tires. They are bigger but not huge.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/260702_1f61ga142ZZZZZZZZZ8a53aaf036e85a417c0_1.jpg

Oct 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi matsonian,

You have me wondering what is happening. The phenomenom is something I can't relate to.

Have you have a check of the arms bushes and ball joints? 3 inches of free for the steering wheel no doubt is a little more than normal, it is not that badly out of specs.

I would suggest checking/adjusting the steering box free play.
Oct 26, 2008 at 11:47 AM
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MATSONIAN
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Further research I am finding that this is a common occurrence in Jeeps know as the "Death Wobble"
Oct 26, 2008 at 9:15 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi Hi matsonian,

Thank you for the input.

I suspected something to do with the suspensions but I just could not pinpoint and offer a good explanation.

The link shows one and I am surprised of the extend it could go.

Thank you.
Oct 27, 2008 at 12:50 AM