Front wheel wobble in 4wd.

[one4fun]

86 K10, 4" lift (I think), 33x1250x15 BF Goodrich.

When off road and in 4L or 4H, when accelerating with the wheels turned, the front wheels wobble. Does not do this in 2WD on the pavement; at least nothing that I can tell when turning.

I have read a little about "Death Wobble" but not sure if that is what I am experiencing.

I am going to put the front end on JACKSTANDS (always have and always will) and check for loose bearings. Is it worth checking for bad ball joints at the same time? If so, how do I check to see if the joints are bad? Anything else I should check for that might be the cause of the wobble?

Thanks.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Sounds like bad ball joints accentuated by torque steer. When you get it on stands just have the tires a couple inches off the ground so you can have a friend put a pry bar under the tire and pry up. If they're worn you'll see the pin move up into the socket of the ball joint, or more like the whole steering knuckle move but looking at the ball joint you can see the pin move into out of the socket of the ball joint.

 

[one4fun]

I will check that as well. Is that a miserable job if they need replacing? I have done tie rods, tie rod ends and drag links on other trucks. Is this more complex?

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[crazy4offroad]

This is actually simpler than newer trucks but factor nearly 30 years if they're originals and they can be quite difficult to change. A propane torch and 2# hammer may be necessary to persuade them out.

 

[one4fun]

Ah good to know. I will post updates of what my inspections find and what the outcome is.

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[MrMarty51]

And that special four pronged socket.
My 4wds all sort of BUMP when I am turning, in four wheel drive, on the more solid surfaces.

 

[Jims86]

Sounds like bad ball joints accentuated by torque steer. When you get it on stands just have the tires a couple inches off the ground so you can have a friend put a pry bar under the tire and pry up. If they're worn you'll see the pin move up into the socket of the ball joint, or more like the whole steering knuckle move but looking at the ball joint you can see the pin move into out of the socket of the ball joint.

Check the front wheel bearings too, they have been known to loosen if they have not been serviced.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Check the front wheel bearings too, they have been known to loosen if they have not been serviced.

Right, if it looks like the rotor is moving but the knuckle is not it would be wheel bearings.

 

[one4fun]

Bearings would be the more desirable issue of the two.

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[one4fun]

Update: lifted the front wheels, put a pry bar under each tire and tried to pry up. There was no movement. Grabbed the wheel and wiggled it side to side, slight movement. Going to replace wheel bearings and check steering linkage. Was glad there was no play in the ball joints.

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[MrMarty51]

If the wheel bearings are good just clean them up and repack with grease.