front end problem
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
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front end problem
i have a 98 ram diesel
the problem is that when you hill a good size bump,pothole the front end shakes vilently untill you come to a complete stop
everything was replaced on the front suspension the only thing that helped was a set of good shocks
but the problem is still there
has anybody heard of or has had this problem and how can it be fixed
it is down right dangeruos to drive
thanks
the problem is that when you hill a good size bump,pothole the front end shakes vilently untill you come to a complete stop
everything was replaced on the front suspension the only thing that helped was a set of good shocks
but the problem is still there
has anybody heard of or has had this problem and how can it be fixed
it is down right dangeruos to drive
thanks
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
RE: front end problem
The steering dampner may help stop this, but it's not fixing the cause of the problem. "Death Wobble" is what you're experiencing. It can be caused by quite a few different things. Worn or loose trackbar, worn tie rod ends, and worn control arm bushings are all usual suspects.
I'd start by checking the torque of the trackbar bolts. I can't remember the exact torque setting for them, but it's very high. Even if it feels tight to you, it may not be tight enough. Next would be tie rod ends. If those are all good and have NO play whatsoever, then I'd suspect control arm bushings.
Like I said, a steering dampner may mask the problem, but it's not going to fix the root cause.
I'd start by checking the torque of the trackbar bolts. I can't remember the exact torque setting for them, but it's very high. Even if it feels tight to you, it may not be tight enough. Next would be tie rod ends. If those are all good and have NO play whatsoever, then I'd suspect control arm bushings.
Like I said, a steering dampner may mask the problem, but it's not going to fix the root cause.
All Star
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
From: Belle Plaine, Minnesota
RE: front end problem
My Dad had this happen on his 75 Ford F100. Eventually the upper mounts on the one side broke completely and we found the problem. Luckily Dad was a slow driver and was only going about 30. But man talk about a killer trying to control it. 75 Ford regular cab 8 foot bed 6 cylinder 3 speed on the tree without power steering.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 12,943
Likes: 308
RE: front end problem
you guys have the death wobble... go get an alignment and put in the maximum caster you can. that will fix 99% of your problem. the tracbar is also a contributor to this as well,the stockers are junk, thurenfabrication makes one that is pretty beefy and works well.
one other thing you can do is to swap out the control arm bushings for polyurethane ones, this will help lock the front axle down better so the DW doesnt happen.
one other thing you can do is to swap out the control arm bushings for polyurethane ones, this will help lock the front axle down better so the DW doesnt happen.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: front end problem
i failed to mention the problem is more of a up and down motion then a back and forth almost like the tires are hopping off the ground, an uncontolable spring motion (hydralic stye, some people pay good money for this) evrthing was replaced on the front end except the bushing in the control arms and the steering dampner will try them next
thanks for your help guys
thanks for your help guys
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Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,662
Likes: 7
From: Central Oklahoma
RE: front end problem
ORIGINAL: steve00ram360
you guys have the death wobble... go get an alignment and put in the maximum caster you can. that will fix 99% of your problem. the tracbar is also a contributor to this as well,the stockers are junk, thurenfabrication makes one that is pretty beefy and works well.
one other thing you can do is to swap out the control arm bushings for polyurethane ones, this will help lock the front axle down better so the DW doesnt happen.
you guys have the death wobble... go get an alignment and put in the maximum caster you can. that will fix 99% of your problem. the tracbar is also a contributor to this as well,the stockers are junk, thurenfabrication makes one that is pretty beefy and works well.
one other thing you can do is to swap out the control arm bushings for polyurethane ones, this will help lock the front axle down better so the DW doesnt happen.
Is this for diesel/4x4 trucks only, or does it apply to those of us who own a 4x2?
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 12,943
Likes: 308
RE: front end problem
ORIGINAL: VWandDodge
Steve,
Is this for diesel/4x4 trucks only, or does it apply to those of us who own a 4x2?
ORIGINAL: steve00ram360
you guys have the death wobble... go get an alignment and put in the maximum caster you can. that will fix 99% of your problem. the tracbar is also a contributor to this as well,the stockers are junk, thurenfabrication makes one that is pretty beefy and works well.
one other thing you can do is to swap out the control arm bushings for polyurethane ones, this will help lock the front axle down better so the DW doesnt happen.
you guys have the death wobble... go get an alignment and put in the maximum caster you can. that will fix 99% of your problem. the tracbar is also a contributor to this as well,the stockers are junk, thurenfabrication makes one that is pretty beefy and works well.
one other thing you can do is to swap out the control arm bushings for polyurethane ones, this will help lock the front axle down better so the DW doesnt happen.
Is this for diesel/4x4 trucks only, or does it apply to those of us who own a 4x2?