2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Do I need shocks?

[MacMc]

Truck was bought used a few months ago. Still working on getting some issues taken care of before going for the upgrades. When I first got it, I noticed a lot of shudder at high freeway speeds, but I don't notice that anymore.



Just the other day, I hit a bump at an angle on the road (maybe 30 MPH - construction zone) and the truck started gyrating so badly I had to slow down to 5 MPH on my way to a full stop before it smoothed out.



Forgive my ignorance. I've never owned a vehicle long enough to see what needing shocks feels like.



Assuming I do, I don't plan on a lift or anything drastic, just a powerful daily-driver and occasional tower. What are some good choices?



I'm not a truck mechanic. But I have tools. Should be a decent DIY, eh?

 

[champspa]

Shaking violently is what is known as death wobble , never had it but look that up on this site and I think you'll find the reason for it.

 

[Jschafer]

usually if you have the death wobble you have some loose steering parts (not always) check that out real well, tie rod ends ball joints ect. I would be surprised if shocks were the problem unless your talking about the steering shock.

 

[MacMc]

Thanks! I found a lot of info on that search, causing this question:



Is it recreatable? Should I try (assuming my mechanic friend is in the truck?)

 

[Joe Mc]

Instead of scaring the living _ out of your mechanic friend ask him to take a big pair of side grip pliers and check the play at the rod ends, pitman arm and track bar. I'll bet you have something loose or sloppy in the front end. More than likely not the shocks. Which if it was the shocks being loose you'd here a "clunk rattle" when you hit bumps. This is cured by tightening the _ out of the bottom bolts. Check the tightness by slipping a small prybar in between the bottom of the spring and the bottom of the shock then try to wiggle. Good luck.