front end shake/shimmy

[lake]

Just replaced the stabilzer shock on the front end of my 1953 m38a1 jeep,thinking that would help correct the problem of my front end going into a real bad shaking when I hit a bump or railway crossing etc.I must pull over to stop the shaking ,it reminds of a speed wallble.Both wheels shake like crazy,its not a good feeling while driving my jeep.Has anyone have some idea what may cause this or how to correct my problem.thanks

[wesk]

If you search front wheel wobble here, on the G503, on the early CJ5 and the Willys Tech web sites you will find this question asked several hundred times in the last ten years. It is the most common front end issue on the 80 and 81" wheelbase jeeps. The summation of those hundreds of answers is:

1-Pull a complete front end diagnosis. Use the book! Everything you need to know is in the books. This inspection if done properly IAW the manual will cover the steering gear box, the drag link, the bellcrank, and all the rod ends in the steering system. You will then cover the wheel bearings, king pin (Pivot) bearings condition and their tension.

2- Any item that does not measure up in the list above can cause the death wobble. Often it is a combination of several of those items. Only a thorough,By The Book inspection will pin point the items that are not in good shape. The quality of that inspection is entirely up to you. The last step is a complete front end alignment check.

3-Note, I DID NOT mention any steering stabilizer! I left that item out because it's not needed on any jeep that has a properly maintained front steering, axle and suspension. The fact you have one means someone before you got lazy and instead of fixing the slop he installed the most infamous Band Aid known to jeepers, the Steering Stabilizer aka The hide the problem for awhile shock absorber kit!

The books that will help you the most are TM 9-804A or -8014, TM 9-8015-2 and the Kaiser civvy manual SM-1046.

If you are not a wrench bender by trade and you find the processes in those manuals overwhelming then it may be best to take the jeep to a front end specialty shop.

[lake]

Ok thanks,I will start there.the wheel bearings seem fine ,I am thinking maybe king pins .Looks like I maybe spending my day in the garage .thanks

[drkarlosi]

I recently had all the brake drums on my M38A1 replaced, now when I drive over very bumpy roads the vehicle shakes and I need to pull over for it to stop. Is it possible the drums were not installed correctly?
I saw an old post with similar symptoms but no resolution.