it seems to happen when coming to a stop and accelerating from a stop... could this be the track bar? really need to get this fixed its getting annoying and worse.

-thanks

 

Sounds like maybe balljoints, jack the passenger side wheel off the ground and pull on it see if it's got play to it. I just had a similar shake and it turned out my balljoints were the problem.

 

Check ALL the front end parts. See what ya got.

 

theres a little play when i jack it up but it doesn't seem like much at all.
and when you say check ALL the front end parts? what am i looking for? im not too familiar with suspension parts.

 

Grab a friend. Stick 'em in the drivers seat. With the truck on the ground, turn the key to unlock the steering, but, do NOT start the engine.

Have your friend rock the steering wheel back and forth just to the point of resistance. (NOT moving the tires) While said friend is doing that, look at all the tie rod ends, and anywhere there is a 'joint' on the steering gear. Any movement is bad.

You also want to pay attention to the shaft going into the steering box, and see how much it moves before the output shaft starts moving. (there is a DIY in the FAQ section for tightening that up a bit, not quite complete, but, it sure helps.)

Next, have your friend CRANK on the steering wheel, and watch the track bar. (goes from the frame on the drivers side, to the axle on the passenger side.) Once again, any movement is bad.

Now, jack up the front of the truck. Grab the wheels at the 12, and 6 O'clock positions, and see if there is any movement. (you might have your friend do the shaking, while you look and see where the movement is.) Pay special attention to the ball joints. (that is what this test is for.... mostly the upper.)

Stick a board/pipe/somethingstiffandlong UNDER the tire, Pry UP. see if the lower balljoint has any slop to it.

Grab the tire at 9, and 3, give it a shake. Check for movement of the hub/bearing, as usual, any movement is bad.

Where ever you see slop, those parts need to be replaced, after which, you should also get an alignment. And rotate your tires. And have a beer. And howl at the moon. I might have the order wrong there.... align, howl, beer? Whatever.

 

What HeyYou said except his order is wrong!

It's Grab a friend, Grab a beer(or more), Turn the key to unlock wheel,But do not start the engine!

Oh yea, one more thing. After the beer and before you look underneath, set the parking brake.

 

all that, but also - a knot or broken belt or other defect in a tire can cause the steering wheel to wobble like hell.

i'd also check the wheel bearings by grabbing the top of the tire with the truck on the ground and shake it in/out with all your might. there should be zero play. a little play can cause roaring and a lot of play can cause wobbling. any play needs further investigation as it could be wheel bearings or ball joints.

 

thanks for the great info! im gonna tear into it this weekend