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Ford Death Wobble

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Old Jan 21, 2020 | 01:33 PM
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Ford Death Wobble

I'm in Richmond, VA. Has anyone else experienced the Ford Death Wobble? I had it happen and I had an accident. I need someone who can be a witness to the problem and how scary it is in court. I will pay for a witness.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2020 | 02:05 PM
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I'm guessing a local witness would be better/more affordable for you. You might try to find a local 4x4 forum (most guys have tow rigs), or just ask around for the local indy Ford shops and chat them up in person.

My concern here is that you're probably going to get roasted any second with claims of being overly litigious, not maintaining your vehicle, or being a poor driver. This is the internet and everyone is happy to tell you what happened even though they weren't there.

Furthermore, you're stepping into the Church of Ford here and attacking the congregation's God.

You gave too much info in your first post. In the future (or on other forums) try just searching death wobble and PM'ing members you think might be helpful or sympathetic. This thread will likely quickly devolve into personal attacks or tangents about our legal system and personal responsibility. Trust me, many guys are popping the popcorn and kicking up their feet to watch the show right now.

I hope I'm wrong, and I'm sorry you were involved in an accident. Good luck!
 
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Old Jan 21, 2020 | 02:05 PM
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It can happen to any vehicle with a solid front axle- especially if it's coil sprung. So, it isn't a Ford thing, it's a worn parts in the front end thing. I doubt that you will find a witness that will accomplish anything in court.
The first time I witnessed death wobble, was in 1989, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. I was riding with a missionary in a Land Rover Defender 110. He hit a pothole, and it started the wobble. He would come to a complete stop, and get going again. It would be fine, until he hit a decent bump or hole. Stop the truck, start out again, drive till it started back up. It was a very worn out Defender, and the large bump or hole would start an oscillation in the front end. The more it oscillates, the worse it gets.
Again, it isn't limited to Fords. It's about worn out parts, in general.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2020 | 10:46 PM
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Death wobble

Hi. You miss understand. Im not suing anyone. I received a reckless driving ticket. I am a safe driver. I rarely speed. This occoured on a city street at around 50 mph and the shaking immediately guided me to hit a tree at the edge of the road and sidewalk.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 06:10 PM
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Not sure about a witness, but you might be interested in this thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...th-wobble.html
 
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Old Jan 23, 2020 | 07:30 AM
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Sorry to hear about your accident. I had it happen to me in my 1996 F250 with a transplanted 86 kingpin Dana 60 front axle. I believe I changed the track bar bushings and everything else was good. It ended up being the front tire/wheel balance. I can't remember if it just one or both. What year is your truck and model?

https://www.bing.com/search?q=death+...BLH&sp=6&ghc=1


 
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Old Jan 23, 2020 | 07:34 AM
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a local mechanic might be a better option then a random person.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2020 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Overkill2
Sorry to hear about your accident. I had it happen to me in my 1996 F250 with a transplanted 86 kingpin Dana 60 front axle. I believe I changed the track bar bushings and everything else was good. It ended up being the front tire/wheel balance. I can't remember if it just one or both. What year is your truck and model?

https://www.bing.com/search?q=death+...BLH&sp=6&ghc=1
This doesn't help the OP, but I preloaded my upper springs with a washer made of 3/16" plate (a hole saw is your friend), and while not a panacea it helped some.

Ultimately more caster is the only solution
 
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Old Jan 23, 2020 | 03:16 PM
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I had the Death Wobble on my 2010 Diesel Super Duty. I replaced the shocks and stabilizer which did not fix the problem. I replaced the Trac Bar with the BDS product and the problem was gone. It is a very scary situation when you are doing 60 mph plus and lose control. I can't make to WVA but will help if possible. Email is ricks4511@yahoo.com.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2020 | 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by PrometheusTech
I'm in Richmond, VA. Has anyone else experienced the Ford Death Wobble? I had it happen and I had an accident. I need someone who can be a witness to the problem and how scary it is in court. I will pay for a witness.
Speaking as someone with significance experience testifying as an expert witness (but not in motor vehicle cases), you want someone who the court would recognize as an expert in this field. That would give you much more creditability than simply finding someone off the street. A Ford technician or even an automotive or suspension technician would likely be recognized by the court as an expert. Then I would approach this case from the angle that it is entirely possible to experience this malfunction without prior warning so it is entirely possible you did not know it existed until it happened. My hunch is the court would be accepting of that line of reasoning and drop the ticket provided you did not have the same thing happen in the future.

Good luck,

Steve
 
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