Guys,

About 6 months ago, I hit some RR Tracks going about 60mph. The front end began to shake so violently I could not control the truck.

Thought I broke a ball joint or the wheel came loose.

Pulled over. Looked fine. Drove it home. No problems.

Mechanic said all the linkage was loose. Replaced drag link, link ends, tie rod ends...all that stuff. Ball joints were ok. Had the front end aligned. Even did the sway bar links in the rear. Replaced front axle left u-joint. Also replaced steering gear box and pump (because they were leaking).

Well, this afternoon, hit a bump going about 60 and it happened again. Threw me in the other lane. You can't control the truck when this happens. Got lucky this time.

Details: 1996 Dodge Ram extended cab full size box. Cummins diesel. 4500# Dana 60 Front end. 8800# GVW. 4-WD. Stock tires & rims. Michelin LTX Tires in good shape.

What could be causing this???

 

Did you not get your steering stabilizer replaced with all that? And was an alignment done after all these new parts installed?

 

This is commonly known as "Death Wobble." There are still some loose/worn parts somewhere causing this to happen... Do some googling with that name and you will find lots of info.

 

I did not replace the stabilizer when I did all the above mentioned repairs, but I did replace it several years ago. I'm guessing 50k miles ago. Truck has 221,000.

 

That would be the Trac Bar. To the OP, Was it replaced?

 

Yup. I agree.

 

My truck had a bad death wobble all the time around 50mph and I replaced the trac bar and there is no more wobble at any speeds.

 

It was replaced six months ago with el crappo Auto Zone part. Never again! Went under there and it's loose! And I haven't put 5,000 miles on it.

Who makes a good trac bar? BD is stupid expensive. Any other decent ones?

Also, control arm bushings are shot. Will replace.

 

Take the autozone one back, with receipt. They should give you a warranty refund.

 

First...a belated THANKS for all the replies.

Yeah...Autozone will give me another bar. I already talked to them. Whoopee!!!

If it weren't a safety issue, I might do it. Like a battery or something.

Found a Moog Bar. It's a hundred bucks.

I'm also replacing the control arms. Bushings are shot.

Should I just replace the bushings or the whole arm? Is it really hard to just do the bushings?

Anyone know how to mark the cam adjuster?