1988 jeep wrangler 2.5 4wd

Good guess, but also tie rod ends should me checked for free play.

yes. if the axle is bad and binding it can cause the front end to vibrate because it gets out of balance.

Jeeps are one of those vehicles that has some PROs and CONs. One big con is the front-end. Its never just one thing, LOL. You need to check out the front-end, thoroughly. Check all the components, check out the ball joints, tie-rod ends, u-joints, shocks, wheel bearings, and brake components. You can also inspect the wheel lug-nuts.

I have a 2003 wrangler with this condition known a "death wobble".usually caused by worn front end joints,and or worn steering damper.i solved mine with new damper,an end link and tie rod ends

could be a bent rim ? have you changed the universal joints? how about the tie rods and stabilizer bar

Get front end checked out a.s.a.p. as this could be a part ready to go, and steering could go with it. Steering link, tie rod end, idler arm all come to mind. Personally I wouldn't drive it too far if at all, and not at a high speed until I'm sure what it is.

You should check your front end, ball joints and tie rod ends for play. To do that jack the car up and set in on blocks so the front wheel hangs free. Grab the tire at 12 o'clock and 6 and try to move it in and out. If the wheel moves you have a bad ball joint, a helper to watch while you move the wheel will tell you upper or lower. Do the same at 9 and 3 to check tie rod ends. Again movement will indicate a bad tie rod. Check for inner or outer. Look at your shocks for signs of leakage. Aleaky shock could also make a clunk.
If everything appears to be tight then remove a wheel and look at your brakes, A loose caliper, pads flopping. Pads should only move in and out to the rotor and the caliper shouldn't move by hand. Hope this helps.

When you say shakes i am guessing the steering wheel. If it is the steering wheel shaking, it's know as the death wobble. Check the front steering components, look for worn or broken parts. Most common for death wobble are the tie rod ends, idler arm and pitmen arm. look for play along the track bars and check the ball joints. The other thing too that will cause a death wobble is a bad alignment. there may be negative or no caster at all which would give you a death wobble. Check all of the above and keep me posted. Good luck and be safe

The noise you hear could be the tie rod ends or several other front end items. Can you jack up the front end? If so then turn the wheels from side to side with your hands griping the wheel at the 9 and 3 oclock positions. if you feel freeplay or looseness you have to reach arround and place your hand on the outter tie rod end and see if the play is there or the inner tie rod end at the rack. I worked for saturn for a few yaears and we had ALOT of front struts that made a clunking sound over bumps. Don't forget the lower ball joints could be bad also. Check these by placing your hand on the bottom of the wheel and pushing and pulling on the wheel with it off the ground while checking the tie rod ends. Good Luck, Scott

What was said about the wear of the front end part when the alignment was given? I could be wrong but, I would say, Not likely for the tie rod ends and definately not the shocks for knocking sounds.. It sounds more like bad ball joints poping, although the idler arm and tye rod ends could be worn also .