2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission '02 Wanders on Highway

[TTullio]

I'm a fairly new owner, about a month now, and am really happy with my '02. It's a 2500 LB, QC 4x. I have Rancho's and Airlifts as well as new Bridgestone Revo's. My only complaint is that the truck seems to wander a little, both on the hwy and side streets. It did this both before the shocks and new tires as well as after. Seems like it just drifts and drifts and you give a little oppisite steering and then a little more and a little more then it finally stops but then starts back the other way! It doesn't do it constantly but enough to really notice. I've had the alignment checked and I just brought it to the dealership and had them look at the front end and they can't find anything loose or wrong. They didn't think it drove bad at all for as big a trcuk as it is and said it drove like it was suppose to. I've had 3/4 ton trucks my whole life and have never had one drift like this. Is there something in particular to look for or check? Kingpins, steering box, etc? I have about 500 miles left on my 36000 mile warranty. Thanks. Tim

 

[dieselshu]

Tim, A few things for you to try, rotate tires, alignment, (ensuring they use current specs), steering dampner replace, install a DSS (Darin Steering Stabilizer) DSS, replace trac bar with either complete new one, aftermarket (DT trac bar)or aftermarket parts on factory bar(lukes Link kit).

Lukeslink

I have done all of them but the ones that made the most improvement was the replacing the factory steering dampner, installing a DSS and a lukes link kit on the trac bar. No more wander, gone, zero, ziltch. Total spent in parts and labor $300 and the best $300 I have ever spent. Keep in mind I had my steering box replaced three times and the trac bar twice by the dealer. I am out of the 36k warranty. Dont forget about the over the center adjustment you can do on the steering box. Goto Fritzs site to see the TSB on it.

Hope this helps



Dave

 

[TTullio]

That's a great help, thanks. I just wish I didn't have to out of pocket all this on a truck still in warranty, but I'm sure it's worth it.



Did you buy another factory steering dampner of was it an aftermarket piece?



Tim

 

[dieselshu]

Did you buy another factory steering dampner of was it an aftermarket piece?

I bought a MOOG at the local bumper auto parts tor eplace the factory dampner.



Dave

 

[cstone]

Track bar and ball joints should be where you should check. I went nuts figuring this one out because they really didn't look that bad. They were the culprits.

 

[fox]

Mine did it when new and of course, was told its normal.

I used a tape measure and the tow was out a 1/4 inch. Reset it to tow in about a 1/8. much better.

It still pulls right and is starting the death wabble.

Getting parts together to deal with that.

We need to find a dealer service writer who drives one.

He won't put up with it .

With out a doubt, worst driving vehicle I've had since a 55 chevy 1/2 ton that was shot.

 

[dan_gilson]

I have had the death wobble. I still do to some extent.



I had alighment checked, rebalenced all tires, installed Lukes Link on all ball joints, and installed a bottom steering bearing. I also checked wheel bearing. It was still there AND getting worse.



About a year ago I installed some Rancho 9000 adjustible shocks. I tested the corners and the RT front has a problem. That was not all of the problem though...

The Rancho's are adjustible. I played with the fronts but nothing. I thought for grins I would play with the backs and yahoo! At least for me the back shocks are a MAJOR contributor to the death wobble.



If I set them low (for when I am empty) I wobble. If I stiffen them up the wobble is reduced. If I set them max the wobble is just about gone BUT the truck rides like hell.



I talked with T-REX and got a Billstien set on order. I hope that will kill the death wobble for good.



I am majorly unhappy with the Rancho's. My tire guy warned me that he had had problems with them in the past.

 

[muchsnow]

I'm a fairly new owner, about a month now, and am really happy with my '02. It's a 2500 LB, QC 4x. I have Rancho's and Airlifts as well as new Bridgestone Revo's. My only complaint is that the truck seems to wander a little, both on the hwy and side streets. It did this both before the shocks and new tires as well as after. Seems like it just drifts and drifts and you give a little oppisite steering and then a little more and a little more then it finally stops but then starts back the other way! It doesn't do it constantly but enough to really notice. I've had the alignment checked and I just brought it to the dealership and had them look at the front end and they can't find anything loose or wrong. They didn't think it drove bad at all for as big a trcuk as it is and said it drove like it was suppose to. I've had 3/4 ton trucks my whole life and have never had one drift like this. Is there something in particular to look for or check? Kingpins, steering box, etc? I have about 500 miles left on my 36000 mile warranty. Thanks. Tim

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1066735



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1065543&postcount=13

 

[RTessier]

Solid Steel Industries LTD

Just a note, Solid Steel Industries LTD new website address is:



www.solidsteel. biz



Manufacturers of the DSS and TBK (track bar conversion kit)



Thanks,

Russell

 

[OTRPU]

I'm going nuts with steer tires wearing out, but not evenly. 2WD truck, Goodrich Commercial T/A's. Prolly been on there alittle over 10k and getting the high lows already. Have had the front end alligned and replaced bout everything under there. Varied the air pressure trying to find something that works. Don't seem to make much difference, still wearing in a weird pattern. I can't afford new tires every month or so. Seem to be balanced ok, but feels and acts different depending on road surface. Sometimes smooth as a baby's butt, other times bounces around. Any ideas?



Cheers,

Steve J