Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I continue to be amazed at the number of suggestions and great advice on this subject from TDR members. For the most part, I’ve done, checked or tried everything that’s been suggested without changing my original problem so I’ve come to the conclusion that I do have something weird that probably can’t be fixed. The tip off came when my brother called and told me about the numerous frame alignment checks as well as engine/drive train angle checks done at the factory on a random basis. (They pulled his truck and he claims it’s perfect). Seems that DC will pick a truck and thoroughly check everything to see if the assembly line is putting things together correctly for instance, frame jigs, tool-torque settings and fit and finish. If they find something wrong with the test truck, they go to that part of the line and fix it.
Now, if you’re unlucky enough to have a truck come off before a test truck is used to make sure the assembly line is well, in line, it’s not a stretch to think you could get an out of whack truck that will cause all sorts of un-fixable problems.
Nathan, my truck is a 2WD and I sure wouldn’t mind talking to the member who found his truck was assembled improperly if you know who it was. Another thing is with my truck only having 20,000 miles, it’s probably not an egg shaped hole (but you never know) however the problem has gotten progressively worse since new. It’s so bad now that I can't use it to pull my trailer and even without the trailer, it shudders and shakes and makes for one miserable ride.
The TSB that Eric mentions I actually showed both dealers and they scolded me for trying to get them to use a TSB that wasn’t for my exact truck. Actually, I knew that but thought that it not only explained my problem but also demonstrated the fact that DC has been aware of a shudder problem for a long time. Unfortunately, it is for a short box truck so the fix couldn’t be used for mine anyway. Now when you think about it, if a short box truck has a shudder problem due to drive shaft misalignment, wouldn’t the problem only get worse as the shaft gets longer like in my truck? (Not necessarily the angle, but the extra length being more susceptible to shudder/vibration. )
If DC continues to stonewall, I probably will take Michael Brolin’s advice and take it to a frame and alignment shop.
Anyway, the saga continues. Thanks.
Now, if you’re unlucky enough to have a truck come off before a test truck is used to make sure the assembly line is well, in line, it’s not a stretch to think you could get an out of whack truck that will cause all sorts of un-fixable problems.
Nathan, my truck is a 2WD and I sure wouldn’t mind talking to the member who found his truck was assembled improperly if you know who it was. Another thing is with my truck only having 20,000 miles, it’s probably not an egg shaped hole (but you never know) however the problem has gotten progressively worse since new. It’s so bad now that I can't use it to pull my trailer and even without the trailer, it shudders and shakes and makes for one miserable ride.
The TSB that Eric mentions I actually showed both dealers and they scolded me for trying to get them to use a TSB that wasn’t for my exact truck. Actually, I knew that but thought that it not only explained my problem but also demonstrated the fact that DC has been aware of a shudder problem for a long time. Unfortunately, it is for a short box truck so the fix couldn’t be used for mine anyway. Now when you think about it, if a short box truck has a shudder problem due to drive shaft misalignment, wouldn’t the problem only get worse as the shaft gets longer like in my truck? (Not necessarily the angle, but the extra length being more susceptible to shudder/vibration. )
If DC continues to stonewall, I probably will take Michael Brolin’s advice and take it to a frame and alignment shop.
Anyway, the saga continues. Thanks.
