Death Wobble Ford Solve
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
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From: Hartford, WI
Which trucks? Seems like a common thing with Ford, GM and Dodge. Maybe the issue is that there is no real fix to the problem. Not without using better components which cost more money and people aren't willing to pay for anything more than lip service from the manufacturer. Before and after purchase, the buyer swears he will pay more for a better truck. During purchase time, he will shop for the lowest price.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 2,330
Which trucks? Seems like a common thing with Ford, GM and Dodge. Maybe the issue is that there is no real fix to the problem. Not without using better components which cost more money and people aren't willing to pay for anything more than lip service from the manufacturer. Before and after purchase, the buyer swears he will pay more for a better truck. During purchase time, he will shop for the lowest price.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
I'm not sure where we are going with this. Isn't it measured by "lately dollars"? I would take your mid trim SD and measure it against a GM and Dodge equivalent in "lately dollars" and see what to do. Sure, other factors like resale are a factor but isn't everything measured in "lately" and not what you paid for it as a kid?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
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There is a fix for it, more Caster, but the downside is that it stiffens steering, puts more strain on the steering gear box, and something the manufacturers would like to not have as it could lead to potential gear boxes failing long before they are due. They compromise to get the girlie smooth steering effort for the soccer moms to be able to park in the malls instead. Parts wear regardless of how good they are made, that is a LOT of weight on the front end that they have to deal with, especially on how bad the condition of roads are today. With more Caster, it is less likely to cause a DW when bushings and joints start to wear.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2005
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The last model year for U.S. solid front axle 1/2 ton 4x4's from Ford was 1979, so yeah, they are all likely retired by now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
There is a fix for it, more Caster, but the downside is that it stiffens steering, puts more strain on the steering gear box, and something the manufacturers would like to not have as it could lead to potential gear boxes failing long before they are due. They compromise to get the girlie smooth steering effort for the soccer moms to be able to park in the malls instead. Parts wear regardless of how good they are made, that is a LOT of weight on the front end that they have to deal with, especially on how bad the condition of roads are today. With more Caster, it is less likely to cause a DW when bushings and joints start to wear.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: AKRON ohio
There is a fix for it, more Caster, but the downside is that it stiffens steering, puts more strain on the steering gear box, and something the manufacturers would like to not have as it could lead to potential gear boxes failing long before they are due. They compromise to get the girlie smooth steering effort for the soccer moms to be able to park in the malls instead. Parts wear regardless of how good they are made, that is a LOT of weight on the front end that they have to deal with, especially on how bad the condition of roads are today. With more Caster, it is less likely to cause a DW when bushings and joints start to wear.
im wondering if diesel trucks have the wobble more often than the gassers?
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
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I'm not sure where we are going with this. Isn't it measured by "lately dollars"? I would take your mid trim SD and measure it against a GM and Dodge equivalent in "lately dollars" and see what to do. Sure, other factors like resale are a factor but isn't everything measured in "lately" and not what you paid for it as a kid?
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
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Assuming the front end suspension and driveline components are the same, the diesel trucks do wear things out faster. When I drove a Ram I saw a lot of front end issues on Ram forums from Cummins owners, but only once in a while from Hemi owners. That extra 800-1000lbs really make a difference.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 739
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I’d bet city driving and parking is the leading cause of front end wear. Cranking the wheel full lock to lock without moving creates a lot of stress and wear, and that’s exactly what you see if you watch people try to fit these big trucks into tight spaces.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,942
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From: The Great State of Texas
We have two Ram HD trucks and their front ends are junk. Having said that my '12 6.7PSD with 255k miles has all original suspension parts except the passenger side bearing and shocks. My truck did experience DW a couple of times when I had my second set of tires BF Goodrich AT when the tires were about at the end of life with ~80k miles on my truck. Never bought those tires again and never had a DW experience since then. Also had a 05 6.0PSD till about 180k miles and never experienced DW.
Although solid axle trucks have experienced DW it appears its' more prevalent with the '17 and up Super Duty's most likely using cheap parts
Here's a '17 with a 6.2 gas that's got the DW so gas powered trucks are not exempt from this problem
Although solid axle trucks have experienced DW it appears its' more prevalent with the '17 and up Super Duty's most likely using cheap parts
Here's a '17 with a 6.2 gas that's got the DW so gas powered trucks are not exempt from this problem