front end rebuild

[ranger 393]

I had the death wobble twice , which was 2 times to many. So I bit the bullet and rebuilt the front end with Carli ball joints, track bar, and steering stabilizer, and synergy steering linkages. While I was in there I replaced the hubs and bearings and the universals in the axle shafts. I took it for a drive and it drives like a new truck I will be taking it Friday to get the alingment done. If anyone has thoughts about doing theirs, I would say that it is worth it.

 

[Wayne M.]

I had death wobble and did everything you did. Didn't fix it. I found it the old fashioned way- by going under and having someone shake the steering wheel. What I call the drag link- the rod from the box to the tie rods, the lower joint wasn't real loose, but it was rotating when ever steering direction changed. I changed that and I haven't had wobble since, and the mystery clunk was gone that I chased forever.
Before your alignment, have someone shake the wheel for ya. Have a look.

 

[ranger 393]

I had my son rotate the steering wheel while I was under it and I didn't see anything. I sure hope this fixes it I sure will be disappointed if it doesn't.

 

[DaveHess]

Hey Wayne! The mystery clunk you were hearing. When was that? I get a clunk sound whenever I change directions with the steering wheel. It is not always with the steering wheel in the same position. I can tell most prominently when I turn the wheel lock to lock. I usually only hear it in my driveway due to no other noises can be heard.

 

[lpennock]

Hey Wayne! The mystery clunk you were hearing. When was that? I get a clunk sound whenever I change directions with the steering wheel. It is not always with the steering wheel in the same position. I can tell most prominently when I turn the wheel lock to lock. I usually only hear it in my driveway due to no other noises can be heard.

Check the ends of your track bar and the frame bracket.

 

[DaveHess]

Did that this past weekend both with the truck off and running. All joints were solid. I still have the "Y" type steering linkage. I most prominently felt it while holding the linkage that connects the Pitman arm to the right end of the "drag link". But I can also feel it out by the left tie rod end. It is a very subtle "pop". Very subtle. The pickup does not seem to drive any different and this "pop" has been going on for over a year now. It has become one of those things I monitor and inspect regularly hoping to find the failing part.

 

[Wayne M.]

Hey Wayne! The mystery clunk you were hearing. When was that? I get a clunk sound whenever I change directions with the steering wheel. It is not always with the steering wheel in the same position. I can tell most prominently when I turn the wheel lock to lock. I usually only hear it in my driveway due to no other noises can be heard.

Sorry Dave, I didn't see this till now.

I heard it and kinda felt it only under unique conditions. Holding the wheel straight. Slow, about 20 mph, and uneven pavement, not really potholes more like ruts and joints. I would get a real dull thud. Like a 1-2-1-2. A slow death wobble. I guess it was the wheels toeing in/out and push/pulling the drag link. When I finally found it, it really tightened things up.

 

[Wayne M.]

Did that this past weekend both with the truck off and running. All joints were solid. I still have the "Y" type steering linkage. I most prominently felt it while holding the linkage that connects the Pitman arm to the right end of the "drag link". But I can also feel it out by the left tie rod end. It is a very subtle "pop". Very subtle. The pickup does not seem to drive any different and this "pop" has been going on for over a year now. It has become one of those things I monitor and inspect regularly hoping to find the failing part.

That link. It will rotate as you have someone turn the wheel. Some people offset the joints so that won't happen. Twist one to one limit and the other the other way. I'm not ok with that.

 

[TGVET]

Hey Wayne! The mystery clunk you were hearing. When was that? I get a clunk sound whenever I change directions with the steering wheel. It is not always with the steering wheel in the same position. I can tell most prominently when I turn the wheel lock to lock. I usually only hear it in my driveway due to no other noises can be heard.

I only turn my wheels when the vehicle is moving even if, ever so slowly. I just don't like to add unnecessary work to the steering system. I did the 08 steering upgrade and added a steering box brace w/greasable zerc,drag link bushings (causing the clunk) all at 300K. I never experienced the "Death Wobble" like so many, only the worn out drag link bushing clunk.

 

[DaveHess]

I do have a steering box stabilizer on the pickup. Been there for many years.