Lately my steering wheel has had a case of the shakes. It shakes or shimmies, like tires are not balanced. I've only had my tires on since August. I read on XOC that this can happen when it get colder out. Something about tires getting flat spots.

Any advice? My friend suggested I rotate the tires and see if that helps.

Do you need any front end work?

Actually if you knew the answer to my question you would not be asking yours.

I would have the front end checked out -- ball joints etc. Also -- do you still have the stock shocks? They may be shot.

Micah, got to a place that works on truck tires and get some Equal. It will cost around $25, you'll only need two bags for your tires and the special valves. The stuff works great. I have it in all my tires.

More agressive tires are hard to keep balanced. I've had no problems since I put in the Equal.

i'm pretty sure the stock shocks are shot. my ride has been very rough as well.

Micah, You can assume the stock shocks are shot. They were shot after 15,000 miles.

ok...you think that will help with this problem?

i've been looking at the Bilstein 5100 Series. any thoughts? [url=http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/shop/index.php3?page=shop/browse&offset=20&category_id=d7c0354a01b835c878bcd44c47871c8d&keyword=&ps_session=b37d9ba351df0c44c1d5cc71fbb00159]4x4parts[/url] sells them for $59 a piece. that's more then i have to spend right now, but i guess if i'm gonna upgrade, then do it right.

The Bilstiens are the way to go. I need a new set for my yellow X and have been putting it off. The worn out shocks may have helped to cause your steering problem, and new ones may make it better, but won't eliminate your shake entirely. Your tires got out of wack, hence out of balance from the shocks.
I would put the Equal in your tires. It's easy and inexpensive and you won't have to balance them again. If you pick some up, I can help you put it in this weekend. Then when you get the shocks, you'll be all set.

ok thanks scott. sounds good. i'll try and find someone selling it around here. are you saying i'll only need 2 bags total or for each tire?

You can check here: http://www.imiproducts.com/distributor- ... x?state=NY

ahh cool..theres a place 2 blocks from my work.

Gee Dagger -- I had never heard of that product -- Equal. Sounds like an excellent mod.

But in addition to new shocks and putting the equal in, shouldn't he get his front end checked out? Ties rods, ball joints etc....Couldn't they contribute to the shimmy/shake thing he got going on?

Check for dried mud (aka dirt) on the rims, inside where the brakes are. It can cake up in spots causing an out of balance situation.

[quote][i]Originally posted by musher[/i]
Gee Dagger -- I had never heard of that product -- Equal. Sounds like an excellent mod.

But in addition to new shocks and putting the equal in, shouldn't he get his front end checked out? Ties rods, ball joints etc....Couldn't they contribute to the shimmy/shake thing he got going on? [/quote]

They could, but I would start with the cheap and easy first.

Jim has a good suggestion about the mud. I've had that happen many times after a trail run.

ok..i picked up a 12oz bag and the valve stems. can't go wrong for $12!!