Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

2000 TJ death wobble

Marsh_M

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Oct 31, 2025
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3
Location
El Paso
Hey guys, I've got a 2000 TJ that gets pretty bad death wobble. I've been trying to figure out what should be replaced/corrected first. It was purchased with a 6in lift already installed and 35in tires, so I'm not too sure what all modifications have been made to it. I'm not very knowledgeable on mechanic work, but from what I've seen a drop pitman arm and drop trac bar should be used together. Its got a drop pitman arm, but I dont know if the trac bar has a drop mount or if it's a stock mount on here.
Im already planning on replacing the trac bar and tierod as the ball joints all seem pretty cooked. The pitman arm seems to have some slop in it when turning the wheel, so I'm expecting that'll need replacement too. I did just replace the steering stabilizer and it seems like its temporary bandaid for the death wobble.
I've also seen an adjustable trac bar is favorable, but I'm not too sure. I am also planning to lower to a 4in lift at some point, to hopefully reduce overall wear and tear. If yall got any reccomendations for parts or what should get replaced first I'd really appreciate it.

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If you can shake the front end and find loose parts you have to do those first. Jack the tires up at the Diff and have someone help you. Grab tire at 6 and 12 and shake while you watch with a flashlite. Grab at 3 and 9 and shake and watch the tie rods. Drop the tires down and have a friend wiggle the steering wheel and watch the track bar move at both ends. Finally get rid of that Rancho stabilizer. They're made by Monroe and over the last 20 years they are junk. Find something made by Gabriel.
 
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If you can shake the front end and find loose parts you have to do those first. Jack the tires up at the Diff and have someone help you. Grab tire at 6 and 12 and shake while you watch with a flashlite. Grab at 3 and 9 and shake and watch the tie rods. Drop the tires down and have a friend wiggle the steering wheel and watch the track bar move at both ends. Finally get rid of that Rancho stabilizer. They're made by Monroe and over the last 20 years they are junk. Find something made by Gabriel.

Okay, I'll give that a try. Unfortunately I just replaced the stabilizer with another rancho... but I'll keep in mind to avoid rancho in the future.
 
I should mention that 6 and 12 is for checking the ball joints. Youve got some big heavy tires so use all your strength top and bottom. Replace everything loose and then you have to get it Aligned. Give 'er hell.
 
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Okay, I'll give that a try. Unfortunately I just replaced the stabilizer with another rancho... but I'll keep in mind to avoid rancho in the future.

Leave the Rancho stabilizer, balance your tires, check your wheel (unit) bearings for play, and do a dry steering steering test (need two people).
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts