So my F250 developed a death wobble about six months ago. First thing I tried doing was adjusting my shocks since I had the Rancho adjustables. That reduced the severity of the wobble, but did nothing for the issue. The bushing was also completely worn on the drivers side shock, so I also replaced that as well.

Next I ordered a Rough Country dual steering stabilizer setup and replaced my dented ProComp ones. That got rid of the death wobble for awhile, but I suspect that was only masking the real issue. When it came back, I decided to go for broke and ordered an ant-wobble track bar. I got that on there (with much difficulty) and thought for sure the problem would go away. The very next day though, I still had death wobble. While it was severely dampened, it was still quite apparent.

I've read the caster can be the issue and I've also read that tie rod ends and ball joints could be contributing. The death wobble generally starts when I go over an uneven bump but it has also started on a completely smooth road as well on a rare occasion (this isn't a balance issue, I worked at discount tire for four years). Any ideas on what the culprit might be? Suggestions for diagnosis? I appreciate any help.

Thanks!

 

Joe,
I'm not sure I can contribute much. I have a 07 F350 375k miles Bought it new. 08 F450, 01 F350, 97 F250 and 01 F150. The only one I have ever had a death wobble on is the 07 F350 which us dual rear wheel. I normally only seen it in curves. The whole front end would start shaking all the way to the steering wheel and was impossible to hold straight. Could keep it in my lane though. It would only go away if I slowed down to about 30 or less. Then I could get right back on the throttle.
The only fix I ever found that worked was rotate the tires. It would go away until they needed rotated again say 5,000 miles later. The longer I waited on rotating the more often or frequent it would happen.

 

I second the rotate tires. It has always worked got me.

 

Is it 4x4? Do you have a lift kit or stock suspension?

 

4" lift and 4x4. Still running stock wheels.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write that reply! Really appreciate it. Your problem does sound like it was death wobble, but I'm thinking the tire rotations were doing a good job of masking wear on some suspension parts, especially given that you had stock suspension. I rotated my tires maybe 500 miles ago and it didn't do anything for the issue.

 

The first things I would have done and would still recommend doing are the ball joints, tie rods, alignment and 're balance your tires. If that doesn't solve it I would check the unit bearings.

 

Tires are balanced and the alignment has already been done. Would you recommend the ball joints or the tie rods first?

 

How are the ends of the drag link or track bar?

The adjustment sleeve on those age too. Just suggestions. I replaced mine last year but I didn't have the wobble......yet.

 

I have had tires balanced by 2 different shops before they were correct so just because they are balanced doesn't mean they are. Also I wouldn't do tie rods over ball joints or vice versa, I would do both at the same time.

 

Your 06 has front coil springs, so the lift requires the correct brackets on the aft end of the radius arms to locate the front axle. It may have some adjustment but if it does, it need to be done on an alignment rack...

I had an f-150 with a coil spring lift and it had a serious "death wobble" over 50 mph. I found out that the brackets for the radius arms weren't right and it was causing big time steering problems.

I'm no expert, but thinking logically-the number of stabilizers and condition of your tires has little to do with the death wobble... especially when you have a spring lift.

Also I know from experience with several lifted trucks that the bushings need to be in excellent condition, and the axle and steering geometry needs to be right.

My 96 F250 had 6" of spring lift + 3" body lift, and it rode sweet as could be at 70 mph with the big 39x18 Mickeys that were far from perfect.

 

Did you ever try tightening the track bar nut.
It requires more torque than you can probably put on it.
400 lbs. if I recall. I had a pipe on a breaker bar and was
standing on it. The breaker bar broke but the death wobble stopped.

 

Some useful bits of info in this thread and the youtube vid. that may apply or not?


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t=death+wobble

this too

http://www.wcmotorsport.com/

 

You need to install some 5" radius arm drop brackets.

 

When I put the new track bar on, I used my impact gun. It tops out at 780ft. Lbs of torque. So while I'm sure it was a stupid move using the impact to torque the bolt down, I think loose nuts can be ruled out as a possible cause. Thanks for the reply by the way!