New Tires, New Wheels, Old vibration- any ideas

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I just replaced my factory wheels and Badyear tires with M/T challengers and BFG 285's and still have that annoying bounce or vibration around 40 mph. I have had my rear drums turned but it makes no difference. I can only guess my drums or front discs are out of balance. This problem has been with me since the truck was new. Anyone had this problem and solved it? Dealership just says they can't find any problem.

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98 2500 SLT, QC 12V, 4X4, Auto, 4:10's, SB, LSD, Alpine alarm, Tekonsha brake controller, 5th wheel hitch, DeeZee stainless boards, Stull billet grille, MTX Thunder sub enclosure, Kenwood amp, Trans. temp gauge, CB radio, White/Driftwood, Camel interior. BINFORD TOOLS decal on rear window

 

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All I can think of is breaks (like you said) and MAYBE a universal joint ??

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98 Quad cab 4X4 2500 12 valve,5 speed,3. 54 rears, 8' bed. Boost and egt gauges but basicly stock except for a "properly adjusted" AFC. Uniden HR 2510, Texas Star 1200 amp. 55,000 Mi as of 8/21/00.
NRA life member. High power/IDPA.

 

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Is this vibration felt while accelerating, coasting or braking?

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1997 4x4 CC 5spd, CPL1553 engine, Horton fan, Sport headlamps, Optima RedTops, 98 shift levers and console... looking for a NV5600.

 

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I would describe it more like a bounce and it occurs when I am travelling at about 40 mph coasting or accelerating. It's just like an out of balance tire. This is the third set of tires and second set of wheels I've had on the truck and it makes no difference so I don't believe it has anything to do with tires. I've made many trips to the most sophisticated balancing machines in different locations and still no difference.

[This message has been edited by Brian (edited 10-17-2000). ]

 

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Brian,

Have you been able to isolate which wheel is causing the problem. You might have a bad shock in that location. Another thing to check is your driveline. It may be bent/defective from factory.

Just thought of another thing you might try. While going down the road at the speed you get the vibration, you might have one of your friends drive beside you and see if he can determine which wheel is causing the vibration. Usually if you can feel it in the truck, it would definately be noticable from the outside.

Hope this helps, good luck. Bob

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WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's LSD, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Pro-flap mud flaps with Stainless Cummins "C" add to rear flaps, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, Power Edge, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines, 4" Jardine Exhaust (Love the deep throaty sound), 285/75R16 Cooper A/T's.

My 99 Dodge Cummins

Things to come;
Pyro, Boost and Fuel Pressure gauges, PE timing module and injectors.

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)

[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 10-17-2000). ]

 

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Do not discount a bad brake drum. I had a rear wheel brake drum replaced on my Grand Am during a brake job about 2 years ago. I drove it with a pretty bad vibration for about 20K. Tried different tires, wheels, balancing, etc. Everyone, myself included was not convinced it was a bad drum. Felt just like a tire out of round or out of balance. I finally out of desperation insisted that the chain that installed the brake drum replace both rear drums at no cost. Problem instantly went away.
Shelby

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2001 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH, DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Took delivery on 10-06-00. Coming soon: E-Brake and a custom aluminum work body / flat bed.

 

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I think if his is like my 98 it is more of a bounce than a vibration. Mine would also do it at 78. I was on a trip to Tampa and stopped at a tire shop there. The technician put the rear wheels on the machine and hand spun them. He found one of the rims was slighlty out of round. I mean slightly. He said that was the problem. The tires were balanced just fine. That truck had the steel rims. I haven't had any problem with my 01 with the aluminum rims. If you take it back to a tire shop have them check the rim.

 

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I agree with Big Bob. There is a chance that the drive shaft itself is tweeked. The resonanat bounce should be felt at 40, and then again at a much higher speed. I had a problem with my stock wheels/tires, new Alcoas and Michilin tires fixed that. Either have them CHANGE the rear drums (not grind) and also try a dive shaft shop. Good luck!

 

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i have the same deal. mine has been going on for 3 months. done everything that is named above no help. have it narrowed down to the right rear axle and hub, it will be going out to the machine shop to check trues this week. the only thing i did found was the wheel bearing was a little lose. have 21000 miles on truck now.

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MARK 99 2500 QC 4X4 5-SPEED SHORTBED BLACK (THE ONLY COLOR) DYNO SOURCES POWER BOX TURNOVER BALL GOOSENECK HITCH

 

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I would think a bad driveshaft as mentioned above. Mount a dial indicator to something and check both ends and the middle. They should be small if not perfect (. 010 max). If it is alot more (. 020) you will feel it. Happy hunting.

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'94 3500 4x4, 201,000 miles, Never had a cat, Auto w/shift kit (currently under remodification), 3. 54 Gears, TST #5 plate, 235-85-16s, Rancho 9000s w/remote, Isspro gauges inplace of cupholder & Amsoil Bumper to Bumper. NRA member.
"Warrantee? We don't need no stinking warrantee!"

 

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What about the center support bearing on the 2 piece drive shaft? Could a worn one cause these symptoms?

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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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Brian - my 98's been doing it pretty much since I got it. They've turned the front rotors and ground the rear drums. They said the rear drums were warped and that did seem to solve it for a while. Now it's back again and I'm not sure where to go. Just put on AT/KOs and there's another resonance at about 62 or so. I'm going to get the tires rebalanced and see what happens. I'm guessing it's a drive shaft just slightly out of true, but it's just a "WAG". If you find out something, let me know!

 

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Dane,

Good point on the center support bearing, I forgot about that. I would definately look at that!