Hi guys, my 2001 ram dually starting to get the death wobbles really bad. Both upper and lower ball joints are stuffed and I was thinking that would be smart to check and replace steering linkages along with track bar, upper and lower arm bushings when I still have my hands dirty 😉. I would consider to add a gearbox stabiliser but….my truck has been converted from left to right hand drive which is compulsory for all vehicles less than 30 old here in Australia. So that stuff up the gearbox stabiliser idea because there is no manufacturer who commercialise one for right hand drive. Is there anyone who can advise me on this matter ? That would be very appreciated.
Vince

 

I wouldn't worry about the steering box brace.... But, go thru and inspect EVERYTHING in the front suspension, and replace everything that is worn. May want to consider doing the third gen track bar mod, and eliminate the balljoint on one end. (a known failure point....)

 

Also check the where the track bar bolts to the axle, the holes can get worn out, I would also disregard the brace, I'm sure it does what they say, but i don't think its quite the problem they lead you to believe, I've never had one

 

Is your truck 4X4 or RWD?

 

I service a '97 dually 4x4 and it had two stabilizers: one on the tie rod and an upper on the drag link.

People say steering stabs are a bandaid but OEMs have a long history of relying on them to stop DW -- see also Wranglers and SuperDutys '99-16 (and probably '17+ also)

I'd replace only that which clearly needs service OR makes sense "while you're in there" and run at least one quality steering stab. You should be fine.

 

My Dodge Ram 4x4 truck developed a very bad case of death wobble not long after I had purchased it used. I ended up rebuilding the entire front suspension and replacing the track bar with an adjustable 3rd gen style track bar from Solid Steel in Canada (https://solidsteel.biz/product/adjus...2500-3500-4x4/), in addition to the conversion bracket. If you're on a budget, jack up the truck and check for any loose front end components and replace them. Be sure to check the front wheel bearings, front U-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. Good luck!

 

It’s a 4x4

 

Stabilizers are used to keep the the steering wheel from being ripped out of you hand when you hit a pot hole. It may help to keep the front end from oscillating but that's not it's main function. If there is slop in the front end that's what causes DW.

 

I had a 2001 Ram 2500 that had death wobble pop up suddenly. My track bar looked and felt fine. When I pulled it, I did find a bed end. The weight of the truck meant just grabbing it felt fine. Driving down the road was fine, as long as the road was smooth. One bump at 40 mph or more and the wobble was back big time.

 

Or lack of caster. For whatever reason OEMs run on the ragged edge of sufficient negative caster and rely on stabs to make up the difference.

My '19 Wrangler had DW when new. Was very common on the JLs. Google the V41 recall -- it was just a more aggressive stabilizer. Ironically, I simply installed a 2nd Gen Ram Monroe stab and my DW was GONE -- there was a particular dip in my town that would otherwise trigger it EVERY time.

When I purchased my '11 SuperDuty it had DW at a particular pothole and ANY bridge transitions. I got under it and checked, but EVERYTHING was tight. Installed a Bilstein stab and problem solved for the past ~8 years, even when towing heavy with the front end slightly unweighted