Hi all,
Just joined the forum. Can't believe I hadn't thought of or found this forum before. Great site! Okay, enough butt kissing.
I searched a few of the threads but didn't really find any help, so I thought I'd ask. Seems like there are numerous causes to my problem. If any other links and info can be supplied it would be greatly appreciated.
97 Ram 1500/Laramie SLT...stock for the most part. My problem is a front end vibration. It happens most notably around 63mph to about 71mph. Thins I have done thus far...
5 sets of tires over the years - numerous balances/rotations/alignments
2 new wheels
steering dampener
shocks
driveshaft
transmission mounts
engine mounts
ball joints
front end checks by dealer
None of these measures seems to have identified or eliminated this vibration. I know, why worry now after 12yrs. Well, I'd like to keep this vehicle for as long as I can and I just want to be rid of this vibration issue. It is still in very good shape. Of course, with my luck, as soon as I get it fixed the vehicle will get totaled or something like that.

 

Since all we know is that it's a 97 and that you like hunting and fishing! LOL If it's a 4WD check the ujoints and hub/bearing assemblies. If it's 2wd check the front bearings also. You also mention nothing about brakes, a badly warped rotor from a stuck caliper can also cause vibration.

 

Thanks zman for the info. Still scouring threads for info and getting a checklist together. I guess I didn't add that I have had the brakes checked several times for any sticking and such also. Although I don't think the rotors were ever really checked thoroughly. I did have one replaced when a wheel came off on the highway before. Of course the vib was there before that ever happened. Not sure I have ever had the hubs/bearings checked real good. Guess that should be the next place to start. Other then what I have already had looked atreplaced and what you have mentioned, I am pretty much at a lose other then maybe a wheel or wheels causing the problem.
But I'll check the bearings/hubs/rotors/calipers/u-joints for any problems and go from there.
BTW, I like hunting and fishing

 

I too have had vibration in the front of my truck for quite a while. I have a 2000 Ram 1500 Sport 4x4, and I notice it more when i am at speeds of 60 MPH or more.

I have changed tires, rims, brakes, rotors, many alignments, many balances but have not replaced the bearings, or front U-Joints, calipers. I have inspected the U-joints and calipers, but there is not any noticable damage.

Wondering if it may be the bearing or hub?

Oh - By the way - OUCH!!!!! about the tire falling off on the highway....

 

Which side did the wheel fall off?

 

+1 on the wheel bearings. I recently changed my rotors and pads on the front of my 2wd. While replacing the rotors I swapped out the bearings too. Because I also had the vibration upfront. It's 2 weeks later and still the vibration is gone. Just make sure to torque down the hub nuts properly and do not use too much grease on the bearings or else it will leak out and get on the rotors. That's quite a mess to clean up.

 

Track bar or hub bearings.

 

since it has been a 12 year problem
spend the time to read the following weblinks
then come back
and ask more questions because
new things & previously un-noticed symptoms
will 'pop into your head'
while reading the weblinks.

How a well trainned Chrysler dealer tech would go about finding the cause on your vehicle:
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-49-98.htm

Steve Garrett on Vibration Diagnosis in Underhood Service Magazine, parts 1 and 2

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us20040.htm

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us50014.htm

the best balancer by far..... accept no other.... but 5 Star Chrysler dealerships are supposed to have one, plus a trained tech to run it:

http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/features/how.cfm

for the worst cases, a self adjusting balancing method that just yesterday my brother said had noticeably helped on the front tires of his 18 wheel trucks

http://www.parksoffroad.com/johnsjee...entramatic.htm

for even worse cases, expensive mercury liquid metal balancers

http://www.balancemasters.com/

the special case of gear vibration,
which is usually beyond most techs to correctly diagnose and find

http://www.vibanalysis.co.uk/vibanal...ars/gears.html

 

SCAVENGERJ - (And Others)

I was reading through a post about an issue I have with my truck, and there is a Member named ZMAN17 that replied to posting of mine, while reading it... a Light bulb turned on and may have answered you and my vibration issue. The Subject of my posting is "Left front Axle Shaft Seal".

Brent