So...I am experincing the dreaded "death wobble" in my 96 2500 4WD. I have replaced the trac bar, steering stabilizer, had an alignment done, and had the tires and shocks checked as well. The truck is completely stock except for 285/75/16 tires (new) and a "Fear no Deer" bumper on the front (like a Ranch Hand). Does anybody have any insight as to where I should look next to cure the death wobble? Most of the stuff I have done so far needed fixing anyway so I am looking for causes other than the parts I have already replaced. Ball joints are good, tie rods are borderline. I am also looking at a steering gear box stabilizer very soon. The steering gear needs re-built ASAP but I'm wondering if the gear box is the culprit of my death wobble? Any help would be greatly appreciated before I start replacing random parts that may not need replacing. Thanks, and Merry Christmas everyone!

 

Merry Christmas cowboysmoke!

Did you have your alignment done to these specs? http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/00_steer_specs.html

Just had my truck aligned to them specs and it actually had negative caster.

Even though you've replaced the track bar, maybe just double check that both ends are for sure tight. ie worn bolt holes...
A worn steering box shouldn't cause death wobble, I don't think that's the problem. Tie-rod ends could be though...

 

I took those specs to the alignment shop and according to the sheet it ended up with them. I just replaced the trac bar a few days ago so i'm guessing that is OK. Guess I will start in on tie rods. The steering gear is totally shot...fluid just pours right through.

 

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cowboysmoke:

Sorry to hear you are having the death wobble issues with your 1995 Dodge CTD Pickup. You should know that there are ALOT of causes to this problem and we have alot of threads that discusses the issue. Here is a link to a thread I started awhile back:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...le-t94076.html

Be advised that the thread is very long! You can also do a SEARCH for more info on this.

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John_P

 

I did do a search before I posted and read many of the threads...I guess I am mostly looking for the correct order to replace parts so as to have the best chance of stopping the death wobble as opposed to just randomly replacing parts and spending a small fortune. After all the repairs that were done the truck now starts to shake at @ 35 MPH instead of 70 MPH like before so that has me kinda puzzled too...

 

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In reading through your post and the modifications you have done already, I would highly suggest buying and installing the DSS Stabilizer Bar. They are sold by other names but they make a HUGE difference on the 2nd Gen Trucks.
I have had one on my 1996 Dodge CTD almost since the truck was new and have NEVER had DW on that truck. I would also suggest getting your steering box repaired or replaced even though they are high. One other part that can contribute to it is the intermediate steering shaft between the firewall and the steering box itself. I wouldn't replace that immediately but if you do change it, DON'T buy the Dodge or Moog Shaft. Go with the "Borgeson Steering Shaft. I also have one of those on my 1996 and those shafts are well built and very reliable.

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John_P