antknee

I have a 97 dodge Ram cummins turbo 12 valve 2500 diesel 4X4 SLT.<br><br>Between 180,000 miles and present I have had a bad shake at 55 MPH and above on Highway. I had the whole front end redone (axle U-joints, ball joints, trac bar,steering stableizer, ETC.) I also went through 3 sets of tires!!! Tires were re-balanced 2 times each set!! 245 75 R16's. I also had engine mounts checked. New shocks also.<br><br>WHy is this happening. Up until 180,000 miles the truck drove so smooth at 80 MPH!!!! and now it's shaking. I know it has miles on it, but everything is able to be fixed.<br><br><br>Any tips?<br><br>P.S. <br><br>Recently the trucks front end started to bounce up and down when the brakes are hit from time to time. Like the shocks are bouncing.<br><br>Is it possible the shocks springs are messed up and I can't see the problem?

bulabula

It appears that the vib's are speed related and not rpm related. It also sounds like you're worked/replaced every bit of rotating mass except for the brakes/rotors; and driveshaft.<br><br>What shape are the brakes and rotors in?<br><br>I see you've balanced the tires twice now, but could you find someone to swap a set of known good tires on your truck to eliminate the most probable cause? How many miles on this set of tires?

Smokee

Just a guess, but do you perhaps have a sticky caliper?

jdeereboy

I had a '84 W350 4WD that had a terrible front end shake that would start all of a sudden and would not go away until I would slow the truck down to 20 MPH or so. Friend called it a &quot;Death Wobble&quot;. I tried aligning, balancing, new rotors, drums, and U-joints. I untimately figured out that it was due to the wheels and tires being out of round. I figured this out by jacking the truck up and running it in 4WD and in drive. I a piece of chalk against a stool to mark the high spots of the tires as they were spinning. Anyway, that was what was causing the problem on one of my trucks. Easy to check. <br><br>If your rotors are suspect I would suggest just replacing them since they are so inexpensive. I just picked up new ones for my '99 for only $45 each at Advance Auto.

antknee

thanks!!!<br><br>I'll check out the caliper.

antknee

I have a friend that could let me try out his tires. Good idea!!<br><br><br>Also, my brakes and rotors are in good shape. I use ceramix brake pads and they last forever!!! The rotors were checked and they are smooth.

Sootblower

While you have tires off ground grab tire and check for bearing play. Should be 2 to 10 thousandths I believe. Mine had the death wobble when it was about 80 thou. I had to tighten my bearing more than the book said (I backed off 30 degrees rather than 120 that book said). The cones seem to get a steeper taper with more milege.

antknee

I'll try it this weekend. <br><br>This weekend projects: check caliper, tires, and bearings!!!<br><br> <br><br><br>

dersequim

When you finish ALL THAT could you drop over and install a set of front shocks on MINE!! :

antknee

I charge $1000/Hour<br><br>I'm 24 and want to retire at 27.<br><br><br>Ha Ha<br><br>

Redleg

[quote author=Sootblower link=board=13;threadid=15161;start=0#142820 date=1054090234]<br>While you have tires off ground grab tire and check for bearing play. Should be 2 to 10 thousandths I believe. Mine had the death wobble when it was about 80 thou. I had to tighten my bearing more than the book said (I backed off 30 degrees rather than 120 that book said). The cones seem to get a steeper taper with more milege. <br>[/quote]<br>Good Point!!<br>When I repacked my bearings, I thought there was no way the book could be right. Followed directions exactly, and there seemed to be too much slop. Tightened them a little more by feel and all is still well.

Redleg

[quote author=antknee link=board=13;threadid=15161;start=0#142916 date=1054111033]<br>I charge $1000/Hour<br><br>I'm 24 and want to retire at 27.<br><br><br>Ha Ha<br><br><br>[/quote]<br>Think you could get it all done in 10 minutes?

antknee

Do you mean that my rims could be out of balance? I haven't hit any curves or anything. They are the original rims.<br><br>Well, I checked and the brakes were re-done. needed it anyway. New rotors. Drive train U-joints are fine. I want to check steering damper and U-bolts on leaf springs.<br><br>Bearings are fine, tie rods are fine, and I am installing lukes link this week. <br><br>Can't figure out this wobble : (<br><br><br>The truck bouncing thing when hitting the brakes was from bad rotors, but I still have a shake at high speeds.

LHartman

I went through it when my track bar wore out. I still had a little slop in the front end after I replaced it and am still fighting it to this day. I changed out every worn part I could find. <br><br>Finally I looked at the steering arm that leads from the steering wheel to the gear box. There are two small u-joints on this arm. Both of mine were worn out and still need to be replaced. I'm hoping this takes some more of the slop out. I doubt this is your problem. Shot in the dark, but may help............

claing

I agree with bulabula, try another set of tires and wheels, a bad or out-of-round wheel will cause lots of problems or a tire with chord seperation that will cause out-of -round condition. If a shock or shocks are bad or weak just a little out-of-round or out of balance will be pretty noticible. Sound like you have covered most other bases.