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Help! Aggressive shaking

Old Jun 24, 2020 | 12:14 PM
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Help! Aggressive shaking

Hi guys, I need some help. I recently bought my third obs powerstroke. This one is a 94 f350 7.3 with a 5 speed. I've never owned a 5 speed. On four occasions since I've been driving it for about a month I've had the truck shake violently on me. Here's what happens. Both times I was probably go around 40 mph and hit a rough patch in the road, the truck would bounce around like you'd expect but the drivetrain seems to shake back and forth and rattle the truck for longer than the span of bad road. First time it happened I thought my wheel was about to fall off or something. I say my drivetrain is shaking because my shifter moves back and forth further than I've every seen. I would love some input. My first thought is tranny mount but that and the motor mounts look to be in good shape. Please leave your thoughts thanks.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2020 | 12:22 PM
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This sounds a bit like death wobble; a suspension issue. Often many parts worn, stacks up the play to the point that it gets dangerous. A little track bar wear, a little ball joint wear, a little tie rod wear, slightly loose wheel bearings, leaf spring bushings worn, etc. and while any single of those may pose no issue, combined makes things loose enough to oscillate violently when you hit a bump under the right circumstances.

Does it make any difference if you're on the throttle or not when you hit a bump?
 
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Old Jun 24, 2020 | 01:34 PM
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I did just put all new steering components. It passed ma inspection so I like to think my ball joints are not loose but maybe I should check my self. When this happens my steering wheel stays straight, doesnt jerk around. It only occurs at higher speed like around 40 -50. When it happens I let off throttle and hit the brake, slowing the truck down until it stops. It's only occurs when I hit a bad patch of bumps. I've had a few of there truck. One that's even lifted with 35s and have never had this happen
 
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Old Jun 24, 2020 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by timlange
Hi guys, I need some help. I recently bought my third obs powerstroke. This one is a 94 f350 7.3 with a 5 speed. I've never owned a 5 speed. On four occasions since I've been driving it for about a month I've had the truck shake violently on me. Here's what happens. Both times I was probably go around 40 mph and hit a rough patch in the road, the truck would bounce around like you'd expect but the drivetrain seems to shake back and forth and rattle the truck for longer than the span of bad road. First time it happened I thought my wheel was about to fall off or something. I say my drivetrain is shaking because my shifter moves back and forth further than I've every seen. I would love some input. My first thought is tranny mount but that and the motor mounts look to be in good shape. Please leave your thoughts thanks.
If this problem goes away after you pull over to a complete stop, it is probably the "dogbone" bushings.I am not sure of the proper name. But in the past on my 94 this was due to the "dogbone" bushings being worn out. Look under your front end for a part that resemble a long dog bone. Check those bushings. Wish I could be more specific but it has been years and years since I had this truck. I recall it did not take much work. And sorry I can think of the specific part name. At the time the parts book at the parts store showed this piece. I've had the exact same issue on several trucks with the PSD of that vintage. Always solved the problem. But, still check out ALL your suspension components at the same time. Good luck and let us know the results please.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2020 | 07:07 PM
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The parts that the front sway bar attach to up by the coil springs I have heard called dog bones. There are four bushings on each side. If the OP removes them make note or pic of how the dog bones go on as it can get a little confusing. Sandy


 
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Old Jun 24, 2020 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by sandymane
The parts that the front sway bar attach to up by the coil springs I have heard called dog bones. There are four bushings on each side. If the OP removes them make note or pic of how the dog bones go on as it can get a little confusing. Sandy

From my old memory the dogbone I am referring to is more like a steering stabilizer. Centered in the linkage. Of course I now cant find a google image to help you. But it should be pretty obvious when you crawl underneath.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 05:04 AM
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Are you referring to the traction bar or the sway bar, I guess I should inspect both of them anyway
 
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