Hey guys,

Please bare with me while I explain my situation as clearly as possible. I have a 2006 F250 XL 4X4 with 6.0l Diesel with a suspension lift and 35,000 miles on it. Originally I had 20X9 dick cepek DC-1's with 4.5" back spacing and 37X12.5 R20 Super Swampers. This combination had some out of balance shaking at around 50 and 60 mph. If I encountered a significant bump at 55 to 60 (or maybe higher speeds as well) the truck would go into a severe "death wobble." A local shop balanced this wheel/tire combo for me one time and this completely eliminated the problem. I then purchased some BF Goodrich all terrain TA K/O also 37X12.5 R20's and had them installed and balanced on the same wheels at the same shop. This combo (picture attached) ran smoothly with no "death wobble."

Somehow, one of my Dick Cepek wheels obtained a crack forcing me to purchase some new wheels. I found a very good deal on some American Racing teflon coated Storm's; 20X8.5 with 5" of backspace. I had my BF Goodrich tires mounted on these and balanced again at the same shop. This combo had really bad shaking above 50mph. I returned to the shop and had them re-balanced. This time the shaking was reduced but still present and the extreme death wobble returned when encountering a significant bump at 60+ mph. I then decided to try some balancing beads which somehow made the problem much worse. Returning to the shop, I had the beads removed and the wheels re-balanced. The mechanic there took it for a spin and said that it was as good as he could get it but I shouldn't have any "death wobble." I took off in the truck headed for a spot just down the road from the shop where I knew would set off the "death wobble" and hit it a 60 mph (a bridge with slight curvature and bump) and nearly flipped off the road. Discouragement was high at this point and I went several months without driving the truck out of fear. Finally I took the two front wheels to an extreme 4X4 shop to have them check the balance of the wheels since I figured the other shop must not be able to get them correctly balanced. This place did indeed say they were out 4.5 ounces and re-balanced them. I was excited thinking my problems would be solved but first drive in the truck......barely any shaking at all resulting in a smoother ride then I had had before but contact with a bump above 55mph and there came the "death wobble."

So once again my baby is parked, basically not driveable unless I stay under 55. I am quite discouraged at this point and confused since the only thing that changed was my wheels with a half inch more backspacing. Anybody have any ideas on what might be going on?

http://i48.tinypic.com/8z3fww.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/r1fuhg.jpg

 

What kind of steering stabilizer setup do you have.... single? dual? Is your trackbar stock or aftermarket?

 

Install a dual steering stabilizer

 

A dual stabilizer should help.

This may help too... What WOBBLE?

 

I will be installing Rancho dual steering stabilizers, but why is it occurring with these wheels when the other wheels did fine? Everything else held constant.

 

Maybe its just a coincidence with the wheels. Every time you have a wobble it is wreaking havoc on the front end and future wobbles can be more likely to happen.

The TSB bulletin has some check points to go through. You have a lift so maybe the alignment specs don't apply to you, I'm not sure. Alignment is important, properly inflated tires, torquing down front end parts properly, and condition of shocks.

 

can you pls post a link to the TSB Bulletin? - thanks!

 

Perhaps a coincidence but I kind of doubt it. I am going to reinstall the DC-1 wheels this evening and take it for a spin to see what happens.

 

There is a TSB search function at the top of the page. Here are the details:

TSB
05-22-1 STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION

Publication Date: October 20, 2005

FORD: 2005-2006 F-Super Duty



This article supersedes TSB 4-26-01 to update the vehicle model years.

ISSUE:
Some 2005-2006 F-Super Duty vehicles may exhibit steering wheel oscillation (back and forth motion), immediately following front or rear wheel impacts (pavement joints, frost heaves, rough roads, etc.). Steering wheel motion is typically in the range of ± 5 degrees, and typically dampens out in fewer than five oscillations. This condition occurs mostly on 4x4 vehicles, and is more evident on trucks equipped with a gas engine.

ACTION:
Refer to the following Service Procedure to minimize the steering wheel oscillations on impacts, however, there may be some remaining minor oscillation which would be considered normal.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Perform the following:

Vehicle Inspection
Evaluation Of Vehicle Prior To Repair
Steering Gear Mesh Load Adjustment
Front Alignment and Reduce Front Caster
Replacement Of Redundant Control Steering Wheel (if equipped and vehicle built prior to 10/8/2004)
VEHICLE INSPECTION

Set tire pressures as indicated on the vehicle label (located on driver's door label).
NOTE: SETTING TIRE PRESSURE TO DOOR SPECIFICATION IS ONE OF THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT MEASURES IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. LOWERING TIRE PRESSURE WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.



Wipe down and inspect the steering damper. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to cycle the steering damper and inspect for leaks.
If leaks are present, install a new steering damper and continue with this TSB.
If no leaks are present, continue with this TSB.
Check torques on the following steering and suspension fasteners and adjust to specification as required (see Table below).

Torque Specification
Description Lb-ft Nm
Damper nuts (4x2) 59 80
Damper-to-bracket (F-250, F-350 4x4) 26 35
Damper-to-drag link 67 91
Drag link-to-pitman arm nut 148 201
Inner tie-rod end nuts 85 115
Outer tie-rod end nuts 85 115
Track bar bracket-to-frame nuts and bolts 129 175
Track bar-to-track bar bracket bolt 406 550
Track bar-to-axle nut 185 250
Radius arm to axle bolts 222 300
Radius arm to bracket nut 222 300


NOTE: ADJUSTING TORQUE ON STEERING AND SUSPENSION FASTENERS IS VERY IMPORTANT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. FASTENERS THAT ARE IMPROPERLY TORQUED WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.



EVALUATION OF VEHICLE PRIOR TO REPAIR

Ask customer what type of road surface and speed generates the steering wheel oscillation.
Road test vehicle on similar road surface and speed, to gain a feel for the severity of wheel oscillation.
During the road test, evaluate and note the steering wheel return-ability.
Turn steering wheel full lock to lock to confirm no binding.
Locate center, and then 45 degrees either side of center on the steering wheel.
Driving vehicle at 35 MPH (56 Km/h), on a dry and flat road surface, turn the wheel 45 degrees and release. Note the approximate angle that the steering wheel returns to BEFORE CLEAR VISION. Perform and record the angle for both left and right. It is normal if the angle differs slightly from left to right.
STEERING GEAR MESH LOAD ADJUSTMENT

Insert hex wrench into steering gear mesh load adjuster screw.
While holding the mesh load adjuster screw tight, back off lock nuts two (2) full turns to allow free movement of the adjuster screw.
Carefully tighten adjuster screw until a slight increase in resistance is felt, then back off approximately 1/16th of a turn.
Hold the adjuster screw in place and tighten lock nut. Do not allow the adjustment screw to turn while tightening the locking nut down.
Road test vehicle and evaluate for improvement in steering wheel oscillations.
Confirm that there is no objectionable increase in steering efforts, especially at low speeds.
Verify that steering wheel return-ability is approximately the same as it was during the original evaluation (within 5 degrees).
Turn steering wheel full lock to lock to confirm no binding.
Park the vehicle to let it cool down. Road test cold to confirm acceptable parking efforts and return-ability in cold condition. Repeat the mesh load adjustment if needed.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND REDUCE FRONT CASTER

Measure wheel alignment. Verify that front caster, camber and total toe is within specification. Adjust as required. Refer to the Workshop Manual, Section 204-00 for complete alignment specifications.

REDUCE FRONT CASTER

Note the current front caster
Use alignment adjustment bushings to Reduce front caster by 0.5 to 0.75 degree. The caster setting may be at the lower end of the specification as long as the vehicle drives smoothly. Do not put caster setting below the lower specification limit. Use Alignment adjustment bushings.
F-250/350 4x4:

5C3Z-3B440-CCC (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-DDD (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-EEE (1.0 degree bushing)
F-450/550 4x4 and 4x2:

5C3Z-3B440-HHH (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-JJJ (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-KKK (1.0 degree bushing)
F-250/350 4x2:

5C3Z-3B440-C (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-D (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-E (1.0 degree bushing)
For All 4x4 and for F-450/550 4x2

Rotate the alignment adjustment bushing so that the bushing hole is in the 45 degree forward and inboard position (See Figure 1)
This should lower the caster, while keeping the camber within the specification range. If the camber is not in the specification range then rotate the alignment adjustment bushing as needed
The final caster and camber settings must be within the specification limits



Figure 1 - Article 05-22-1


Maintain the current front camber, cross-camber and cross-caster settings as close as you possibly can
Adding weight behind the rear axle lowers the rear of the vehicle, which decreases the frame angle, which in effect increases caster
Observe the camber position of the alignment bushing that is currently in the truck and attempt to maintain that position while moving the caster position forward in the truck
The final caster and camber settings must be within the specification limits
NOTE: CASTER SETTING IS VERY IMPORTANT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. INCREASING THE CASTER SETTING WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.



REPLACEMENT OF REDUNDANT CONTROL STEERING WHEEL - Vehicles Built Prior To 10/8/2004 Only

NOTE: THE REPLACEMENT STEERING WHEEL WILL CONTAIN THE REDUNDANT CONTROLS.



Remove driver air bag assembly. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 211-04 for complete instructions.
Remove the steering wheel.
Install new steering wheel.
Reinstall driver air bag assembly.
Re-set clear vision as required.
NOTE: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO SECTION 211-04 OF THE 2005 OR 2006 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR COMPLETE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE STEERING COLUMN.




PART NUMBER PART NAME
5C7Z-3600-ABA Redundant Control Steering Wheel Asy (King Ranch Tan/Peb)
5C7Z-3600-CBA Redundant Control Steering Wheel Asy (Charcoal Black)
5C3Z-3E651-CA F-250/350 4x4, All F-450/550 - Damper
5C3Z-3E651-BA F-250/350 4x2 - Damper
5C3Z-3B440-C F-250/350 4x2 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-D F-250/350 4x2 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-E F-250/350 4x2 (1.0 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-CCC F-250/350 4x4 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-DDD F-250/350 4x4 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-EEE F-250/350 4x4 (1.0 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-HHH F-450/550 4x4 and 4x2 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-JJJ F-450/550 4x4 and 4x2 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-KKK F-450/550 4x4 and 4x2 (1.0 degree bushing)

NOTE: THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT LABOR OPERATIONS MAY BE CLAIMED WITH THE REPAIR OPERATIONS IN THIS ARTICLE.




WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
052201A F-Super Duty With Gas Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh Load (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 2.2 Hrs.
052201A F-Super Duty With 6.0L Diesel Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh Load (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 3.2 Hrs.
052201B F-Super Duty With Gas Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh Load, And Replace Damper (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 2.3 Hrs.
052201B F-Super Duty With 6.0L Diesel Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh Load, And Replace Damper (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 3.2 Hrs.
052201C F-Super Duty With Gas Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh Load, And Replace Steering Wheel (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 2.8 Hrs.
052201C F-Super Duty With 6.0L Diesel Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh, Load And Replace Steering Wheel (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 3.6 Hrs.
052201D F-Super Duty With Gas Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh Load, Replace Damper And Steering Wheel (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 2.9 Hrs.
052201D F-Super Duty With 6.0L Diesel Engine: Perform Inspection/Evaluation Adjust Mesh Load, Replace Damper And Steering Wheel (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 3.7 Hrs.
052201E F-Super Duty: Check Caster, Camber, and Toe (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 0.4 Hr.
052201F F-Super Duty 4X2: Check Caster, Camber, Toe And Adjust One Side (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 1.3 Hrs.
052201G F-Super Duty 4X2: Check Caster, Camber, Toe And Adjust Both Sides (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 1.9 Hrs.
052201H F-Super Duty 4X4: Check Caster, Camber, Toe And Adjust One Side (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 1.5 Hrs.
052201I F-Super Duty 4X4: Check Caster, Camber, Toe And Adjust Both Sides (Do Not Use With 3504C, 3600A, 3001A, 3001A1, 3001A1T) 2.3 Hrs.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
3600 42

 

thanks a lot

 

I believe its the wheels