My first death wobble

[DDiMarco]

One DOES NOT need to have a modified suspension OR oversized tires to experience DW. My truck is box-stock and I have experienced DW on at least 8 occasions at speeds from 45 to 70 mph but only during cold winter months. It has not happened at all this summer (higher ambient temps in Connecticut), driving over the same places where I could count on it happening. I believe the problem is most related to poor spring rate vs. shock damping, as evidenced by no DW at all this summer. I also believe the weight of the CTD and factory ball joints, track bar ball joint etc. are too wimpy for their application; again, as evidenced by TDR members writing in about premature wear of suspension components.

 

[TexBamBam]

Which tires do you have on your truck DDiMarco?

 

[DPelletier]

One DOES NOT need to have a modified suspension OR oversized tires to experience DW. My truck is box-stock and I have experienced DW on at least 8 occasions at speeds from 45 to 70 mph but only during cold winter months. It has not happened at all this summer (higher ambient temps in Connecticut), driving over the same places where I could count on it happening. I believe the problem is most related to poor spring rate vs. shock damping, as evidenced by no DW at all this summer. I also believe the weight of the CTD and factory ball joints, track bar ball joint etc. are too wimpy for their application; again, as evidenced by TDR members writing in about premature wear of suspension components.

Close. Some observations;



- Stock trucks can (and have) experienced DW, however the VAST majority of complaints are on trucks that have either changed front end geometry (lift kits) or spongy, large, load range D tires (the most popular being the BFG 315)



- Changing shocks, track bars, steering dampers and other front end components WILL NOT fix DW. They are all band aid solutions. Changing worn components make make DW go in to "remission", but they won't fix the underlying problem which is the design of the suspension geometry, usually coupled with incorrect suspension settings (usually not enough positive caster) and aggravated by modifications as mentioned above. The factory recommended settings have too much range to be of use. Most dealerships are not qualified to perform proper alignment adjustments. There have been at least a hundred posts on this site for DW. If you do a search for caster settings, you will find the proper specs. I don't remember what they are off the top of my head.



- CTD's are not the only vehicle that has DW issues. DW is common on Jeep TJ's (which are also often lifted with big tires). I've experienced the phenomenon on Ford pick-ups as well and there appears to be info suggesting that the new coil-sprung Fords may be more susceptable than before.





As always, this is just my opinion based on my experiences and reading 100's of posts and other information on the subject.



Cheers,

Dave