ok yall i found a death raddle in my front end front end was clunking every time the wheel was turned all the way eather way and the front end was shaking the crap right out of me at about 60 to 65 anyway could not see it when the front end was jacked up the lower ball joints the nuts backed almost all the way off cotter pin was gone and so on i just wanted to let some of yall know so you can keep an i on yours and is this a normal thing to happen

 

I have the full-lock clunk, but no rattle. But, I'll be checking those ball-joints today. Thanks.

 

How hard are the lower ball joints to change?

 

I had the a similar noise, but it was a different cause - the steering box bracket that attaches to the farme was not only craked, but actually broken. Photos in my folder:

 

the ball joints are easy the hard part is getting the retainer clip out of the bottom

 

Been there done that. Didn't even get a cheap T-shirt.

There's a lot of folks who've seen such. Some rather often. I suppose it's a good idea to keep an eye on the plate as well as the frame right behind the plate (it cracks there often to). Seems I recall about $26 from Dodge.

 

sorry it took so long puter problems where is this plate you are talking about the started to have a very bad shake from 45 to 75 dident try it any more than that it feels like the tires are about to fly off

 

The plate is behind the steering box. In other words, it's sandwiched between the frame and steering box. It, and the frame, have a tendancy to crack.

 

I'd be willing to bet that every 1st gen 4x4 is or has been cracked in that area. I welded mine.

 

what does one do in the event of a cracked frame? cry?

 

I have had the "death wobble" for about 1 year. it only happens from about 33-37 MPH. Sometimes I accelorate out of it. other times I have to slow down and let it level out, then throttle back. It only happens on a rough road. Once it starts its bad. 99% of the time It wont happen.
I have checked and welded small cracks, I guess I need to check it more throughly
Any advise is welcome

 

Get out the MIG welder and go to town! Don't use torch because it anneals the frame metal with makes it soft.

 

what are the odds on it cracking on a 2 wheel drive

 

It's a weakness in many truck brands, and I would think 2x4's could suffer from the same issue, especially with larger tires. Just extrapilating though....

 

i hear some sort of thumping, cracking, popping noise up front when i turn tight going about 2-5 mph just slow or turning around. I might sound like a dummy but is there something wrong or is that noraml. I'm 16 and just getting to know the truck. (just haven't paid any attention to things untill i started driving)