Many years of sloppy steering, but NEVER any death wobble until now.

Over the years:
Installed a steering stabilizer and PCS steering box = still sloppy.
Installed a Lunk link and poly bushing on the trackbar = still sloppy.

Installed a "T" steering linkage & alignment = death wobble.

1997 Dually 4x4
150k miles
No lift 235/86/16

Any suggestions

Thanks,
Mac

 

Myself, along with many of the DTR Members here did a LONG thread and alot of research on Death Wobble on the 3rd Gen Trucks. Although the frames are different, the front ends have alot of similarities. Here is a link to the death wobble thread:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...-wobble-94076/

 

Did you use the 98/99 part numbers or the newer part numbers?

As for the DW, it is most likely alignment related, they probably did not dial in max caster.

You did put a steering stabilizer back on, correct?

 

Yes, 98-99 parts.

Did NOT reinstall the steering dampner. Got any suggestions? I don't think the old one would fit, but I'll double check.

Am considering the dual dampner from hellbentsteel, but not sure if it will work with the steering stabilizer (steering box brace).

I'll guess I'll take it back to the shop to check the caster.

 

I'd get a Carli or Thuren 2.0 single ss.

 

Hmm interesting.
since 2007 I ran the 98/99 version and used no Steering stab/shock and upgraded to the 3rd gen steering set up in 2010 and still no steering stab/shock. both times always had a correct alignment done.
I have 35" and 37" tires.
on all of my steering and suspension upgrades that I have done have all been positive.
to me either installed poorly or parts being questioned.

So again a complaint of something on a thread
and no return comment by the original poster. Common......

 

To be perfectly honest, I didn't replace the SS on mine either when I changed to the 98/99 style, I never had a death wobble, but I had max caster dialed in.

I know someone used the stock 97 SS and frame mount then used one of the clamps from the old 97 tie rod ends to wrap the bar and provide a clamping surface. I figure that is what I will do if greenie ever does wear out the linkage...... Funny, my brownie was slap wore out at 100K, and greenie is still tight as new after 190K.....

 

What?

 

Hope to get the truck dropped off for a re-alignment this evening with emphasis on the caster.

I'm going to see if I can get the damper/steering shock back on or find an aftermarket solution.

Haven't touched the steering stabalizer/steering box brace... it's still there.

Thanks

 

--------------------------------------------
DIESELWRKS:

I am curious about your comments in the last paragraph of the above post Sir? The OP is in here trying to get help and advice from the members and I surely don't see it as "a complaint??" Also, he has made replies to the answers the other members have provided.

---------
John_P

 

I just saw this and I see what I posted. Sorry to this OP. I was at work and trying to multi post on this forum and another and copied pastied 2 comments both things. Didnt realize until now.

 

Again apologize.
Im not that kind of member. I to like the feed back I receive and able to give.
So if u havent. It hasnt been discussed yet but if u have someone turn the wheel and you look at all connections from steering shaft to t rods. And see if movement in the joints occur before the actual part moves. I know u have alot of new parts. I know u are not feeling a bind just slop. Steering stabilizer IMO can be a band aid and in some cases mask. But u dont have one on. Im not saying they dont serve a purpose. I have never used one minus long ago when the original was on. If the caster is set correct and alignment is true the only thing left would be the parts and maybe condition of tires and hard parts. Im just suprised that with all that has been added that u havent felt a improvement at all with each part

 

Does this happen at any particular road surface or speed?
What are you using for a track bar?

 

Has only happened once.

On I-495 around washington dc while pulling an equipment trailer.

Could have been some bumps.
These roads are far from smooth.
55mph-ish.

Stock track bar w/ poly bushing and luke's links both with low miles.

Got a 1200mile trip coming up. Towing. All interstate.

 

I've never had the shakes with the truck. Only when I owned Jeeps and it always came back to a crap track bar. After 2 replacements that only lasted 1 year each, I converted to the 2002 part.
I believe the maximum free play was 1mm (.040"). Get a helper. Fire up the truck and have someone slowly rock the wheel left/right. Watch the joint.
Bad tire/balance issue can also trigger it but then it still comes down to a worn part.