Death Wobble Solved

[jray]

I’ve had many Dodge Cummins trucks over the years ranging from 2003 to 2018. About a year ago I found a nice 2004 with the 305/555 that I’m particularly fond of.

The truck came with a leveling kit, which I immediately removed. While in the process of removing the leveling kit, I fired a parts cannon at the front-end as I plan to keep the truck.

I replaced the following:
Mopar ball-joints, SKF hubs, Mopar steering update kit, Carlie track bar with 16mm bolts, Spicer axle ujoints, KYB shocks and a steering box brace.

After having a front end alignment done the truck it soon developed a high speed death wobble when hitting potholes.

I subsequently searched the various posts relating to death wobble here on TDR. Soon I came across a few postings that suggested setting frontend alignment TOE-IN to 0* ( zero degrees toe-in). Well, I have to say, I’m impressed, in my case it actually worked.

Yesterday, I took a 600 mile road-trip, hitting numerous potholes along the way. During this time I experienced no death wobble at all.

Thank you to all who recommended this alignment setting.

 

[Yo Hoot]

My answer was a stronger steering box.

 

[petersonj]

Soon I came across a few postings that suggested setting frontend alignment TOE-IN to 0* ( zero degrees toe-in). Well, I have to say, I’m impressed, in my case it actually worked.

Just curious - what was the previous toe setting?

- John

 

[Ozymandias]

Probably factory tune, which is just plain wrong for a live axle.
I've no clue what they were thinking in Detroit back then doing does numbers that actually fit perfectly for an IFS Vehicle.

 

[SnoKing]

More caster also helps.

 

[jray]

Just curious - what was the previous toe setting?

- John

According to the alignment shops paperwork it had only 1/8” positive toe-in prior to them working on it. Doesn’t seem like much of a change, but it worked.

 

[jray]

More caster also helps.

That’s good to know. Thank You

 

[jray]

Probably factory tune, which is just plain wrong for a live axle.
I've no clue what they were thinking in Detroit back then doing does numbers that actually fit perfectly for an IFS Vehicle.

One of your posts caught my attention regarding the Zero toe-in. Thanks for posting good solid info that actually worked.

 

[jray]

My answer was a stronger steering box.

When I bought the truck I found that the previous owner had already replaced the steering box with a Red Head. I just hope he got a good one.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

My answer was a stronger steering box.

Even cheaper, tightening the steering box. Still have my factory unit with 250K+