Death wobble

[medicshawn]

I had an old 95 Ram that I had death wobble with. My current 2004.5 Ram truck I haven't had any issue with. I have almost 100K and have been running 35X12.5 tires for the last 70K. I don't want death wobble but it should be pretty simple and relatively inexpensive to fix. Other that a ball Joint press which you can rent you can do it all in your backyard.

 

[flusher]

Thanks for the input-lotsa good stuff so far.

I've been researching DW for a while. Best advice I've found so far is to start where the rubber meets the road and check the tires--including getting the wheels load balanced. I've seen some comments that radials with softer sidewalls (BFG's are frequently mentioned) may be an important factor in causing DW and that radials with stiffer sidewalls (Toyos are mentioned) can cure DW (assuming that the rest of the front end is sufficiently tight). Anyone agree? Disagree? Care to comment?

 

[mustangsallysdad]

Thanks for the input-lotsa good stuff so far.

I've been researching DW for a while. Best advice I've found so far is to start where the rubber meets the road and check the tires--including getting the wheels load balanced. I've seen some comments that radials with softer sidewalls (BFG's are frequently mentioned) may be an important factor in causing DW and that radials with stiffer sidewalls (Toyos are mentioned) can cure DW (assuming that the rest of the front end is sufficiently tight). Anyone agree? Disagree? Care to comment?

My experience with BFG's is that the Rugged Trails, Long Trails do have soft sidewalls, however, the All Terrain T/A's are excellent.

 

[flusher]

I've also read that DW is a track bar problem (replace the stock track bar with a stronger after-market unit).

Others say it's a caster problem and to adjust caster from the 1-degree factory setting to 5-10 degrees to get rid of DW.

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-tech-articles/560-death-wobble-causes-fixes.html

 

[kenmac]

I have heard the guys on 1 of the diesel forums talk about this. I have a dodge 2500 QC 4X4 with over size tires and have had no problems. Some of the guys talk about replacing the B J'S with better ones & replacing the steering stabilizer shock & the problems went away

 

[QRTRHRS]

The only modifications to my 97' Dodge 3500 was going from 225's to 235's. I also added an extra steering stabilizing shock. But then I also went back to 225's and then once again back to 235's.

No difference. The truck was hard on track bars.

Overall, I can accept the fact that at least in the case of a Dodge/Cummins, you are placing a 900 lb medium duty engine in a light duty chassis and no one could forsee the long term relative issues.

My biggest complaint would be that safety was set aside in that the track bar issue was not addressed early on.