My first death wobble

[evldsl]

"Man" was that violent, while passing a car and changing from the right lane into the center lane on the 5 in california ( cars and trucks all around me) I hit some bumps on the freeway ( caltrans is reworking the freeway in that section ) and my truck went insane. I have never been through that and I don't think the people around me had been either because everyone saw and slowed down and man was I embarrased I took the first turn off. I believe I was in the 80 mph range and the vibration reverb of the shake wouldn't let up even as I slowed down to around 40 mph, freaking wild ride.

I think a set of Toyo 35x1250R17's are in store for my truck. I just checked the tire pressure's on my 315 bfg's this morning too and I set them at 39 lbs hot.

 

[Yo Hoot]

So often DW and BFG go together.

 

[Matt400]

So often DW and BFG go together.

That and lifted seems like.



bellyscraper- be sure you have maxed out your caster adjustment with that lift and have tight ball joints.

 

[JVolpe]

I know exactly what you mean. I had one violent DW at about 70 on a curve, same thing hit freeway bump and HOLY S$$$. Bounced the truck up and came down half a lane over and almost hit little mustang. Got almost stopped before it settled down. Bent both stabilizer bar link rods, the left one had 30* bend. This was the first time it ever happened.



Mine was a combination of things, I had set the Ranchos to 4(too soft for front), the 315s had 35lbs of air(I think the oil lube guys did this) and the Rancho stabilizer shock had play in the bushing connection. Had new link rods installed, aired up the 315s to 48psi, put the stock stabilizer shock back on. Had tire balance checked and front end alignment checked. It has never happened again. That was 20,000 miles ago.



But I kind of always have it in the back of my mind still. Especially at 100mph in 4wd on the race track.

Keep the front 315s aired up for sure.



These are the link rods used to be straight.

#ad

 

[IC Smoke]

I experienced it with my 95 1500 5. 9 V8, it had a 3" lift, and 33/12. 15-15's so Its not just BFG's Id say its the altercation of the front end. Thats another reason why I am leary of a leveling kit... .



Ian

 

[Doubleclutch]

Gets me puckered just reading about it! Glad you made it through okay. Rotate the toyos every ~5K miles for best life. Awsome tire!

Greg

 

[Heavyweight]

I have no idea why people put 315's on stock rims??? There is way to much sidewall flex... Secondly, the tires develop flat spots very easily... Do not purchase 315's for stock wheel dodge rams (2003 up). Lastly, they get worse MPG as well! More rolling resistance, and with the price of Diesel,, do the math... .

 

[LesStallings]

These stories make me love my stock suspension 2WD more and more!



No lift, no worries

No 4WD, no worries

No big tires, no worries



And some will say, no fun!!

 

[GCross]

I have a slightly modified suspension (Kore Pace) and also use I5 a lot between L. A. and Portland. Hopefully, will never experience what you went through. All of the DW posts I have seen here seem to be on trucks with modified suspension and/or big tires. I was just wondering, has anyone had the DW with a completely stock truck?



-George-

 

[PRusin]

I have a slightly modified suspension (Kore Pace) and also use I5 a lot between L. A. and Portland. Hopefully, will never experience what you went through. All of the DW posts I have seen here seem to be on trucks with modified suspension and/or big tires. I was just wondering, has anyone had the DW with a completely stock truck?



-George-

I'd blame a DW on poorly designed suspension kits, bad tire choice, and/or wheel choice, and worn suspension parts. Too often, a wheel is choosen for its looks rather than how it works, ie. most aftermarket wheels have more offset than an OEM wheel and that is asking for trouble when you install a tire that weights 25lbs more than stock.

 

[Patriot_RAM]

I've heard of stock trucks doing this. The Arkansas Forestry Commission had a problem with 2nd Gen Cummins trucks doing this -- several of them out of the fleet. They were all stock. I believe another state had this problem with a HUGE number of forestry service trucks. Somewhere in the northeast. I heard that they sued DC to buy them all back.

 

[PHeadings]

I've heard of stock trucks doing this. The Arkansas Forestry Commission had a problem with 2nd Gen Cummins trucks doing this -- several of them out of the fleet. They were all stock. I believe another state had this problem with a HUGE number of forestry service trucks. Somewhere in the northeast. I heard that they sued DC to buy them all back.

Yep,



DaimlerChrysler agrees to repurchase 35 2001 Dodge 3/4-ton state owned problem trucks after complaints about front-end problems.

 

[JVolpe]

Looks like the road conditions in Maine are the reason I had that dam DW incident and not my tires or stupidity.

 

[TexBamBam]

It's the BFG's

 

[PRusin]

I've heard of stock trucks doing this. The Arkansas Forestry Commission had a problem with 2nd Gen Cummins trucks doing this -- several of them out of the fleet. They were all stock. I believe another state had this problem with a HUGE number of forestry service trucks. Somewhere in the northeast. I heard that they sued DC to buy them all back.

35 trucks is not a HUGE number. :-laf



Still, it could very well be a design/engineering issue, but unlikely considering how many trucks are out there. My guess it had to do with the roads and how are they were driven, causing premature wear. Things like this smack of misplaced responsibility, such as blaming Firestone for tires failing when the real cause is owners don't maintain tire pressure.



As to bellyscraper's problem, still sounds like a tire/wheel/suspension wear/damage issue to me.

 

[TexBamBam]

If it was 35 out of 35 it's still 100%... :{

 

[PHeadings]

35 trucks is not a HUGE number. :-laf



Still, it could very well be a design/engineering issue, but unlikely considering how many trucks are out there. My guess it had to do with the roads and how are they were driven, causing premature wear. Things like this smack of misplaced responsibility, such as blaming Firestone for tires failing when the real cause is owners don't maintain tire pressure.



As to bellyscraper's problem, still sounds like a tire/wheel/suspension wear/damage issue to me.

From: John Shukle [John. Shukle@ashgrove.com]



2003 Dodge Ram 2500 - excessive vibration when hit bumps while driving over 45 mph



I bought a 2003 dodge ram 2500 in may of 03.



There is a problem with the front suspension on this pickup. When driving 45 mph or higher and after hitting a bump in the road, the front tires start bouncing off of the ground in such a violent way that it will vibrate the pickup off of the road until the pickup is stopped.



I have taken the truck to three different dealerships four times and none of them can tell what is wrong with it. I have called Chrysler in Detroit and have told them that I do not want the truck anymore and they keep brushing me off. I have expressed many times to them and to the dealerships the seriousness of the problem. The last time it went to the dealer for repairs they said that I had a bad steering damper and bad front shocks. If this is the case, then there is a serious design flaw on the front ends of the trucks.



Some one is going to be seriously hurt or killed if nothing is done. I have paid a lot of money for this pickup, and now I am scared to drive it.



My next step is to pursue the Oregon Lemon Law Statutes, But I feel that Chrysler will try to give me another unsafe pickup. I have lost all faith in their product.



Gary John Shukle II







2003 dodge ram 2500



I TO HAVE NOTICED EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AFTER HITTING A BUMP OVER 45 M. P. H

. NOT TO THE EXTENT THAT I'M SCARED OF IT THOUGH.



MY COMPLAINTS ARE IN ORDER OF OCCURRENCE ARE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 3 TIMES O2 SENSOR-POWER CONTROL MODULE- O2 SENSOR WIRE. FRONT DRIVE SHAFT 4 WHEEL DRIVE LEAK TWICE. FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAK TOP LEFT CORNER. SO MUCH FOR HEAVY DUTY TRUCK OF THE YEAR.







username=Earl Smith

email=earl. smith@valley.net

guestbook=I have a 1995 Dodge Ra m 1500 4WD Extended cab pickup. Since I

bought it I have experienced an unusual ride between the speed of 35 to

48mph. The truck has been in the garage many times since I bought it.

They don't seem to be able to solve the problem. It feels like riding on

a washboard road. It doesn't matter if the road is new or not. CC has put

new drive shafts on, extra heavy duty shocks, new wheels... which by the way

have a real problem holding a balance. No matter what they do I always have

this rough ride at those speeds. With new tires and wheels it's better, but

not gone. I would like to know if anyone else has noticed this problem.

Since I have this problem in my truck I have tried other new Dodge Ram

trucks with no milage on them and they to have the same problem. If anyone

has solved this problem I would really like to know







Dodge RAM trucks, even new Dodge RAM trucks also have common premature front end problems that can lead to loss of Steering control. Symptoms usually include excessive wandering, play in the Steering, vibration and wheel shimmy. DaimlerChrysler repurchased 35 state owned trucks due to front end problems. Although the Dodge RAM is marketed as a durable truck, a DaimlerChrysler spokesman blamed the road conditions in Maine. The founder of the Dodge Truck Steering Problems website had an accident while towing a trailer due to a failed Suspension component that was found "not durable enough". An aftermarket company even recognized the problem and has been manufacturing a better quality replacement for 1994-2001 Dodge RAM trucks. The founder of another website had a 2001 Dodge RAM 1500, which was eventually lemoned back and a 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 Lone Star Edition that also had serious front end problems. With potential loss of control, this issue could lead to an accident turning a RAM truck into a potential death trap.

 

[PHeadings]

Problem Description

We bought our 2003 Dodge 2500 Diesel Ram Pickup on January 25, 2003 with 10 miles on it. We noticed it pulled to the right and once in awhile would shake a little, we thought it was out of alignment.



On April 27, 2003 we where driving on the freeway at about 80 m. p. h when all of a sudden the truck was VIOLENTLY shaking back and forth. It took everything my husband had to keep us on the road. After what seemed like an eternity he was able to pull onto the shoulder and get it stopped. We decided to try to get to the next town that was 20 miles away. Travelling at 40 m. p. h. with our flashers on, it happened again. My husband called the tow truck, and we haven't seen our truck since! The mechanic said a bolt on the Track Bar Mount had come loose and fell out and they would need to replace the entire front axle. We thought this remedy was a little strange, but have no knowledge of the mechanics of a pickup truck. Spoke to the Mechanic today, 5/8, they received the Front Axle today. Now they need to replace the Ball Joints, they have been ordered and will take another couple of days. I have spoken to a couple of mechanics today and none of them can figure out why the Front Axle along with the Ball Joints would need to be replace because of the loose Track Bar Mount. Not sure what is really going on with our truck, I do not believe the Service Manager is telling us the truth.

It has been in the shop now a total of 13 days. By the time it is all over with it could be a total of 16 days in the shop.



I have found the following information on the website of the NHTSA. If you or anyone else has any information that would help us please email us or call 435-574-2892! Thanks!!



You can find this on www.nhtsa.com



Once in the website go to:

Complaint

Search



Search Criteria:

Vehicle

2003

Dodge

Dodge Truck





Make : DODGE Model : DODGE TRUCK Year : 2003

Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0

ODI ID Number : 10007842 Date of Failure: December 30, 2002

Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Summary:

I AM A TOOL & PROCESS ENGINEER WORKING FOR DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION'S DETROIT AXLE PLANT, 6700 LYNCH ROAD, DETROIT, MI AND WISH TO ABSOLVE MYSELF OF ANY GUILTY KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING THE INCORRECT MANUFACTURE OF AXLE SHAFTS AND SUBSEQUENT DILATORY AND EVASIVE TACICS OF MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN HIDING THE ACTIONS. THE AXLES ARE IN THE FIELD AND THE FEATURES INVOLVED ARE A SAFETY ITEM ON THE BLUEPRINTS. ONE KNOWN FAILURE HAPPENED RECENTLY IN NEW JERSEY. THE SPLINED END OF THE AXLE SHAFT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT TREATED CORRECTLY. FIELD FAILURES SHOULD BE EXPECTED. SERIOUS INJURY INCLUDING DEATH POSSIBLE. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING IN MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IN A LIKE AND SIMILIAR CASE, ANOTHER SAFETY ITEM OCCURRING APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME FRAME (LAST FALL AND THROUGHOUT THIS WINTER) HAS ARISEN. THE FLANGE WHICH IS WELDED ON THE TUBE HAS FIELD FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURING FACILITY CHANGED ITS PROCESSING FROM A FLUX CORE WELDING PROCESS TO A GAS-ASSISTED PROCESS. PRODUCT WAS MADE INCORRECTLY, SHIPPED TO ASSEMBLY PLANTS, AND DELIVERED TO DEALERSHIPS WITHOUT A SYSTEM INSPECT OR PURGE. THIS IS ANOTHER SAFETY FEATURE ON THE BLUEPRINT. AGAIN, SUCH FILED FAILURE OF THIS ITEM MAED TO SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH. NO ACTION FROM MANUFACTURER FOR PUBILC INJURY PREVENTION OR MANUFACTURING PROCESSING REMEDY OCCURRING. THREAT OF RETAILATORY ACTIONS FOR REPORTING THIS INFORMATION TO THE NHTSA IS HIGHKY LIKELY. I HAVE NO INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES WHICH MAY HARM THE PUBLIC AND FEEL I HAVE THE LEGAL OBLIGATION TO DIVULGE ANY SUCH ACTIVITIES TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER DOCUMENTATION.

We bought our 2003 Dodge 2500 Diesel Ram Pickup on January 25, 2003 with 10 miles on it. We noticed it pulled to the right and once in awhile would shake a little, we thought it was out of alignment.



On April 27, 2003 we where driving on the freeway at about 80 m. p. h when all of a sudden the truck was VIOLENTLY shaking back and forth. It took everything my husband had to keep us on the road. After what seemed like an eternity he was able to pull onto the shoulder and get it stopped. We decided to try to get to the next town that was 20 miles away. Travelling at 40 m. p. h. with our flashers on, it happened again. My husband called the tow truck, and we haven't seen our truck since! The mechanic said a bolt on the Track Bar Mount had come loose and fell out and they would need to replace the entire front axle. We thought this remedy was a little strange, but have no knowledge of the mechanics of a pickup truck. We are stuck with this dreaded machine and want to get the word out to others, "BUYER BEWARE"! Chrysler Daimler Customer Service is a joke along with their Roadside Assistance!



However, I have found the following information on the website of the NHTSA. I thought some of your readers might find it helpful. If you or anyone else has any information that would help us please email us! Thanks!!



You can find this on the NHTSA website, sorry I don't have the exact website address.

www.NHTSA.dot.gov

Once in the website go to:

Complaint

Search



Search Criteria:

Vehicle

2003

Dodge

Dodge Truck

 

[PHeadings]

Got more? :-laf

 

[AndyMan]

Link to the aformentioned NHTSA complaint.

http://www-odi. nhtsa. dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/results. cfm

EDIT... well, that doesn't work... click on search, and put in this number: 10007842