2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Death wobble

[stownsend]

I've had my truck for over 5 years and 91000 miles and I have never experienced the death wobble until after I recently installed Bilsteins. Why? I see in other threads that the fix is usually a new track bar; however, I would think that the new shocks would also help to prevent it. Is the wobble not a function of the shocks?



Steve

 

[monkeyman]

Installing the New shocks made your front end firmer which made all the parts that are going bad more noticeable. I cahnged all my front end factory parts, you can steer with one finger.

Rick

 

[Yo Hoot]

I used to get it over 60 mph on the right bumps.



Getting rid of the BFG's is almost a sure cure.



I recently switched and can not make it DW no matter how hard I try.



Now running Toyo Open Country 35/12. 5/17's



It's the jelly roll tires you got to unload. Don't get me wrong, they are good tires but they don't work well with Dodge straight axle suspension.

 

[CochranD]

I finally wore-off my BFG KO`s and put a set of Coopers on, not a bad tire.

Running those BFG`s was like having cement blocks for tires w/ the corners knocked off ! My Outfit rides allot smoother now .

 

[Joe Mc]

What he said

Installing the New shocks made your front end firmer which made all the parts that are going bad more noticeable. I cahnged all my front end factory parts, you can steer with one finger.
Rick

I'm with Monkeyman (great handle by the way), Also agree with the others that tires play a role in how your truck rides/handles. But, it appears that all you did was install new shocks, so assuming the front tires were fine before they may not be the culpret. I'd look at the track bar and other joints in the front end. Is your stabilizer shock good?

Get a big set of slide lock pliers and squeez the top (where the mounting nut is) to the bottom of the joint. Note the amount of slack in each joint component and compare. Make sure you check everything; track bar to frame joint, track bar to housing bushing (using a pry bar to see if the bushing is shot or maybe just the bolt isn't tight enough to "pinch" the steel bushing insert and there's play?), rod end joints, pitman arm joints. Then your upper and lower ball joints - lift tire enough to put a bar underneath and pry up as you try to move top of tire. Another idea - set axel on stands and with the steering wheel unlocked grab a tire and try to wiggle side to side. Turn (at the tire) the steering system one way and as it's moving - make it go back the other way abruptly - if theres any play you will feel it. Another thing to do (and especially if there's play) - have someone move the steering for you as you lay under looking at everything to pinpoint what the sloppy items is. Hope this helps becasue the death wobble ain't no fun.

Joe Mc

 

[stownsend]

Thanks for all of your replies. I love the TDR!



It sounds like I've got a bit of work ahead of me. I know that the joints in the front end have got to be getting weak from age but I thought it was strange that I didn't notice problem until I replaced the shocks.



I will be either replacing the track bar or doing something with the joint (such as Luke's Link) as well as the other components. I will update all of you when I get it all done.



Steve

 

[Regcabguy]

Trackbar

Thanks for all of your replies. I love the TDR!



It sounds like I've got a bit of work ahead of me. I know that the joints in the front end have got to be getting weak from age but I thought it was strange that I didn't notice problem until I replaced the shocks.



I will be either replacing the track bar or doing something with the joint (such as Luke's Link) as well as the other components. I will update all of you when I get it all done.



Steve

You have a p. m.