Front End Osillation

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Last evening I was traveling home on I-30, doing about 75mph, I hit a sharp depression in the highway with the left wheels. This set up an oscillation in the front end as if I had a tire way out of round. The front of the truck was shaking violently up and down, side to side (still traveling straight) and would not settle out until I slowed to approximately 30mph. After that, all was fine. I took the next exit to check for anything obvious, but couldn’t find anything. Luckily, traffic was very light or this could have been a much bigger problem. My truck is a 2001 3500, Quad Cab 4x4. It is my second Turbo Diesel. I never observed this condition with my first, a 2500, Quad Cab 4x4. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

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Mark, Mine used to do the same thing. I ended up replacing the track bar and tie rods, tires, and had it aligned at a reputable shop. One mechanic told me that all the tie rods were loose enough that a bump-shock would rebound back and forth throughout the front-end, causing the shaking. Another told me that the tires were out-of-round and that compounded the problem. I think it was mainly the track bar and tie rods, but I went ahead and replaced everything because the tires were done anyway. Steers fine now.
Also, you might try a little more toe-in and see if that helps.

 

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Mark,it sounds like your steering damper might not be up to snuff. The only way I know to check it is to remove it,but someone else may have a trick. You can also look for damage,if you had the truck aligned and the drag link clamps(right behind the damper) were left in the forward position it can punture the outside of the damper in a hard turn. I replaced mine with a Heckethorn from JC Whitney($37)

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Mark:
Last evening I was traveling home on I-30, doing about 75mph, I hit a sharp depression in the highway with the left wheels. This set up an oscillation in the front end as if I had a tire way out of round. The front of the truck was shaking violently up and down, side to side (still traveling straight) and would not settle out until I slowed to approximately 30mph. After that, all was fine. I took the next exit to check for anything obvious, but couldn’t find anything. Luckily, traffic was very light or this could have been a much bigger problem. My truck is a 2001 3500, Quad Cab 4x4. It is my second Turbo Diesel. I never observed this condition with my first, a 2500, Quad Cab 4x4. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mark I have the same problem. I got alot of feed back on it but havent done anything yet i just watch out for pot holes. I brought it in to be looked at but after waiting 2 days for the dealer to even look at it I just picked it up.

 

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Sounds like the famous "DEATH WOBBLE" #ad
I had it, replaced the trac bar, now I dont have it. I don't know what year model you all have but there is a TSB out on the _hity stock trac bar.

If you do the trac bar, do a search and I am sure you will find the words DT in there some where. It's awesome. #ad


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1997 Dodge Ram 2500 HD / Club Cab, Cummins Turbo Diesel (silencer ring removed), 4. 5" Skyjacker Double Flex suspension lift, 36x14. 5"x16. 5" Ground Hawg radial tires on 16. 5x9. 75 Weld Super Singles, dual steering stabilizer, 4. 10 precision gears, 33-tooth Speedo gear, Rhino liner, Grizzly double bent nerf bars, Bushwhacker flares, Kanduco grill insert, Confer super skid axle truss, DT Trac-bar, Moog tie rod system, Fabritech Traction bars, Energy sway bar bushings and end links. Truck Pic's

 

[Archive]

Try replacing the steering damper before spending money on track bars and such...

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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Check the front caster & set it to the numbers shown on the post from 'Brett'. Increasing the caster is what solved the problem on my '96 after the track bar, steering stabilizer, ball joints, hubs/rotors & control arms were replaced and a second stabilizer added. In fact, reinstalling the 'bad' track bar did not make the problem any worse than with the new track bar.

Brian

 

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First off, thanks to all who replied. I've done a little "testing" trying to figure this thing out. Seems that I am only able to produce this condition when hitting the "bump" with the left front wheel. I reckon I may try and speak to an alignment shop before attempting warranty service. Thanks again!

 

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A frined of mine has the same problem with his 2001 dually 4x4. The dealer has replaced the track bar twice (duh?) and it hasn't helped a bit.

 

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Mark,
If you haven't done it - increase the caster and do your test drive. I increased the caster on my truck by one 'hash mark' - don't have any idea how many degrees this is - and it solved the problem. You can do this yourself and if helps, great - if it doesn't then put it back to the original setting. Took me about 45 mins to make the change.

Brian

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Mark:
First off, thanks to all who replied. I've done a little "testing" trying to figure this thing out. Seems that I am only able to produce this condition when hitting the "bump" with the left front wheel. I reckon I may try and speak to an alignment shop before attempting warranty service. Thanks again!

I betcha either side will do it it just takes longer to het it at the right speed




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2001 ETH/DEE ST 4X4 SPACE SHUTTLE