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Car Forum / Dodge / Dodge Trucks / July 2006

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1997 Dodge Ram 'Death Wobble'

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RAM Scouter - 08 Jul 2006 18:02 GMT
My 1997 truck had recently developed a violent shake of the front end when
I'm on the highway and approach speeds of 50 MPH.  It feels like the axels
are going to come right off - very scary.  I've heard what is described as a
death wobble, and that it might be caused by a worn Track Bar.  Does anybody
know of any good resources that could verify this and show illustrations of
where the trackbar is and how to fix?

Thanks
-Mike K.
Roy - 08 Jul 2006 18:06 GMT
> My 1997 truck had recently developed a violent shake of the front end when
> I'm on the highway and approach speeds of 50 MPH.  It feels like the axels
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Thanks
> -Mike K.
Here ya go!!  www.lukeslink.com

That should get ya started.

Roy
SnoMan - 08 Jul 2006 19:01 GMT
>My 1997 truck had recently developed a violent shake of the front end when
>I'm on the highway and approach speeds of 50 MPH.  It feels like the axels
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>Thanks
>-Mike K.

Let me guess, it is a 4x4 that has bigger tires and maybe a lift too.
You have what I call the "caster death wooble". You can cure it with
proper alignment.
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com
RAM Scouter - 08 Jul 2006 19:31 GMT
My truck is actually a 2WD Dodge Ram 1500.  I have seen pictures of the
stock trackbar on multiple sites including Lukelink that Roy suggested, and
I just don't see the trackbar.  It's not there, at least the OEM track bar
isn't.

SnoMan, would your recommendation be the same if my car is a 2WD truck?

Thanks everyone for your help.

-Mike

>>My 1997 truck had recently developed a violent shake of the front end when
>>I'm on the highway and approach speeds of 50 MPH.  It feels like the axels
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> The SnoMan
> www.thesnoman.com 
SnoMan - 08 Jul 2006 20:01 GMT
>My truck is actually a 2WD Dodge Ram 1500.  I have seen pictures of the
>stock trackbar on multiple sites including Lukelink that Roy suggested, and
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
>Thanks everyone for your help.

Yes, it can happen in a 2wd it is just more common on 4x4's. You have
a combination of wear, not enough caster and improper toe and these
can cause it to shake like it is falling apart at certain speeds
sometimes. (it can get pretty violent sometimes too)
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com
NotMe - 10 Jul 2006 02:43 GMT
| My 1997 truck had recently developed a violent shake of the front end when
| I'm on the highway and approach speeds of 50 MPH.  It feels like the axels
| are going to come right off - very scary.  I've heard what is described as a
| death wobble, and that it might be caused by a worn Track Bar.  Does anybody
| know of any good resources that could verify this and show illustrations of
| where the trackbar is and how to fix?

Depending on the milage it could be a 'lose' frount end + a tire problem.

Out of round, loss of a balance weight, etc.
SnoMan - 10 Jul 2006 11:42 GMT
>Depending on the milage it could be a 'lose' frount end + a tire problem.

Looseness of front end plays a roll but the frontend has to be
unstable as well (alignment) for it to really shake.
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com
 
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