"snaking" under acceleration

[nick9871]

so this is sort of hard to explain. On the freeway at cruising speed if i let off the gas completley and then put back on the gas the car sort of snakes or squirms. It is a very odd feeling it basically feels like the back end is trying to break loose (which its not obviously). Any ideas what could cause this? Bad u-joint? Bad alignment?

 

It is a 1998 Pathfinder with a OME lift and spacers up front. 31" tires, balanced properly. The alignment could be off, however.

Edited October 12, 2008 by nick9871

[Chriskaw440]

well on older ones like my 1990, that "snakeing" or unstable rear end was caused by the rear control arm bushings being shot or ruptured, allowing movement of the rear

axle back and forth, mostly when a load is applied (getting on and off the gas.....).

 

I replaced my bushings and been perfect ever since.....as has been the case with many others here.

[GrimGreg]

Yep, the rear arm bushings are a common cause of our trucks being squirrelly.