Hi Guys,

I would like some input as to what might be causing the front wheels on my truck, to bounce hard when going over some gravel road surfaces. My initial reaction is shocks going. I also remember reading somewhere, of front end wobble after a certain mileage. I only have 45,000 mile on a 02 dually.

This has just started to happen. The front end seems light and loose - could be my imagination as there are no real severe symptoms yet. However, it doesn't drive the way it used to and something is changing - of that I am certain.

So, if any of you more experienced owners have information to share, I would be grateful to hear it.

Thanks in advance

mariner

 

If it's one tire actually bouncing, it's a bad shock or a bad tire carcass.

If it's death wobble, look for worn suspension components. Track bar, drag link, TREs, ball joints, trailing arm links and alignment.

Dave

 

I am also having the similar difficulties. I have replaced (Moog) tie rods, track bar, sway bar end links, intermediate shaft (Borgeson). The steering box has also been adjusted in the last 250 miles. I am thinking the 5100 Bilstein shocks which have 40k on them are on there way out. I went to local automotive parts store where I bought the Bilsteins and they don't have any in stock or warehouse. I was informed that they are on national back order and it could be several weeks before a shipment would come in. I also called customer service at Bilstein and left them a message on Friday. I told the parts manager that this will not due and what will they do to correct the problem since its my daily driver. After searching their data base it was suggested to replace them with KYB shocks. I don't know anything bout them and the forum does not give much comments or experience with them. I am gonna drive it for a few days since I put new sway bar end links this weekend....

Kurt

 

Try rotating the the front tires to the rear and see if the hop moves with it.

 

KYB shocks are fine, I run them as a courior, and after installing a Carli coils I opted for the bilsteins, and for a while I was swapping them in and out to see which was the better shock, they were so close its not funny.

and I too have a wheel hop that will see the wheel hopping 8inches for sure, I can duplicate it anytime I hit railway tracks or washouts/speed bumps, or anything that will cause the wheel to start to bouncing. so far I've tried swapping tires. swapping KYB back in. (KYB slow the bounce better than Bilstein). replaced both lower control arm bushings and adjusting bolts. have an appointment with an alignment shop. I have a 3rd gen track bar and all the other fancy stuff. when and if I find the route cause I'll post up

 

HI Rick,

Thanks for posting - it seems then, that this is an inherent problem with the Dodge trucks ?

My wheel hop/bounce so far, has only occurred on gravel roads, crossing cattle guards etc - is otherwise fine on the highway. That being said, it still seems to be light on the steering and seems to wander a bit at 100kph depending on road surface (flat or undulating slightly).

Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone

mariner

 

I recently went through a tough bout with my truck that was simular. Front end got real loose. Replaced the track bar and it felt great for about 100 miles. Big wobble came back so I tried some 5100s and it didnt cure it,though it was better. Confirmed the ball joints need replacing along with the u-joints. Decided to redo the whole front end and started with new wheels and tires. Had 36x14.5 PJs on 12" wheels and went to a 315/70/17 BFG allterrain. Holy night and day difference. Got rid of bounce/wobble shimmy. I knew the old tires were going south but no way Id expect this difference. Just a thought, try tires

 

I have a similar problem. I have a 94 3/4 ton. The front (I think) wobbles and bounces at about 55 mph up to about 70. Its unbearable at about 60-65 and almost shook a motorcycle out of the bed. I've replaced the wheels (with stock), tires (with bfg A/Ts 285s), shocks (with bilsteins) and all the ball joints with Luke's Link but it hasn't helped. The shimmying is so bad its cracked the Tcase, tranny, and put the drive shafts out of wack. It also wore down the front tires to the radials in about 5-6k miles. I've repaired all of this and don't want it to happen again. Any ideas of what to look at now? Steering feels loose but it doesn't really wander. I love this truck but it costs soooo much money to replace things that it rattles to bits. Help!
Also, does anybody know any mechanics with experience with these trucks in upper westchester / putnam in NY where I've recently moved to? Help!