• Welcome to For Trucks Only !

    We are a community of American Brand Pickup Truck and SUV owners. Join now! Its Free!

Death wobble over a bump?

Black_CatMooseRepair

Black_CatMooseRepair

Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2024
Messages
17
Reaction score
9
Location
Iowa
Hello! I have a 1992 Dodge ram W250. When I seem to go over a medium-sized bump or pothole in the road. My truck starts to violently shake, Then it straightens itself back out if I yank the wheel, Now with that being said it only seems to happen under 40mph. As ive reached as low speeds as 15-20-25. But any higher above 40 it doesnt do it over those same bumps, I don't know what to do or replace on it. Anybody had this issue?

image1.jpeg
 
Steering knuckles all tight and wheel bearings checked? Also does it have a steering stabilizer?
 
A stabilizer will be a band-aid that will do a real good job of covering up the real issue. The steering gear and/or put coupler (if it has one) if worn out can cause weird issues.
 
captainchrysler said:
A stabilizer will be a band-aid that will do a real good job of covering up the real issue. The steering gear and/or put coupler (if it has one) if worn out can cause weird issues.
Click to expand...
Would a new steering box at this point be stupid to put on? Truck has over 250K on it and its very loose.
 
That's for you to decide. Do you like the truck and want to keep it? That's the bigger question. If you replace that (and probably a few other tings while you're in there) and a wheel alignment will run you $???. Is that more or less money than you can find something else for that'll need other repairs too. So maybe you put a grand into (depending on if you hire the work or do it yourself) it at this point and you know what you have. How many payments is that on a different truck that's decent?

Personally I'd do it. It's not really safe to drive the way it is and with that issue how much could you sell it for?
 
captainchrysler said:
That's for you to decide. Do you like the truck and want to keep it? That's the bigger question. If you replace that (and probably a few other tings while you're in there) and a wheel alignment will run you $???. Is that more or less money than you can find something else for that'll need other repairs too. So maybe you put a grand into (depending on if you hire the work or do it yourself) it at this point and you know what you have. How many payments is that on a different truck that's decent?

Personally I'd do it. It's not really safe to drive the way it is and with that issue how much could you sell it for?
Click to expand...
I do enjoy the truck, It's been a one owner all of its life since May of 92'. I definitely think the end it's worth it but we will see. Just starting to notice more and more small shit that needs tightening or fixed. Due to the factor, i want it highway-worthy, And it hasn't gone over 65MPH since like 2010. Maybe a few times but. She runs great and no holes in the frame so, I think it's just best to suck it up and drop the money.
 
I had a lot of trouble until I had the tires balanced and that helped then after a while I replaced the tires and it was perfect
 
Make sure the frame where the steering box mounts looks good, some of them have been known to crack
 
65 sporty said:
Make sure the frame where the steering box mounts looks good, some of them have been known to crack
Click to expand...
I have noticed something, It seems to only do it while the toppers on. Its seems me to believe the topper isnt tight enough and starts to shake. Due to the weight of the topper is insane.
 
There are a whole lot of videos online about it, lot of good pictures of the causes that can cause this and the way to check it, so you don't just throw money at it. Just type in "Ram Death Wobble". Good luck !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top