"Death Wobble" question...
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New User
Joined: Jul 2001
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"Death Wobble" question...
Hi, Has anyone figured out what fixes the wobble. I've read all the posts and it seems to be a mystery. I have replaced so far the brakes, calipers, had rotors turned, upper and lower ball joints, radius arm bushings, and an alignment. And today it did it again, TWICE within a 2 block distance. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 181
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From: Annville PA USA
"Death Wobble" question...
It may sound simple, but have you had your tires rebalanced yet? I had a nasty case of DW (at about 35mph) shortly after rotating my tires (F to R) and found out that my tires themselves were out of balance. I'd try rotating them first, and if that doesn't do anything either way (better or worse) then take them to a tire shop and see if they are in need of a balance.
HTH
_________________________________
Brian
95 F-150 4x4 ExCab/SB 351 6"/35's
HTH
_________________________________
Brian
95 F-150 4x4 ExCab/SB 351 6"/35's
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2001
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"Death Wobble" question...
What are you running for tires Bone....? I run 33x12.5...and if I get on a road crack...the tires want to throw me around a bit...but on smooth pavement I am find...(if that makes sense)
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 796
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From: Anderson Northern Ca
"Death Wobble" question...
Bonehead, what type of frontend do you have in your truck? What type of suspension setup? Different setups create different problems and different solutions. Give us some more info so we can help you.
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 661
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From: Villa Ridge, MO
"Death Wobble" question...
Well in the last posting of the DW question we narrowed it down to the Panhard bar bushing being worn. I am not sure what your suspention set up is but if you have a Mono with coils.....check that bushing. Also give us a little more info....what year/type truck, when does the problem happen....after you hit a bump or at certian speeds. Makes it a whole lot easer on our side to help you. Im out.....
Dan "Mudinford" MacDonald
Rather be pushing a Ford than driving a Chevy.
Like A Rock......In Water!
Dan "Mudinford" MacDonald
Rather be pushing a Ford than driving a Chevy.
Like A Rock......In Water!
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New User
Joined: Jul 2001
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"Death Wobble" question...
Hi guys, here's some info:
It's a 1990, F150, 4x4, standard cab, longbed
4 inch rancho lift w/rs5000 shocks. 35x12.50x15 BFG All terrain.
It's an independant front suspension. It does it around 35 mph, it's debateable on whether bumps have anything to do with it. I took it to the shop and the guys been driving it for 3 days and hasn't had it do it to him yet. Does that help any? Let me know what ya think. Thanks to everyone who has responded, I really appreciate it.
It's a 1990, F150, 4x4, standard cab, longbed
4 inch rancho lift w/rs5000 shocks. 35x12.50x15 BFG All terrain.
It's an independant front suspension. It does it around 35 mph, it's debateable on whether bumps have anything to do with it. I took it to the shop and the guys been driving it for 3 days and hasn't had it do it to him yet. Does that help any? Let me know what ya think. Thanks to everyone who has responded, I really appreciate it.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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"Death Wobble" question...
I know this is obvious but a buddy of mine had this happen after we went 4 wheelin, almost every time. In a few days it would go away. It ended up being one of his front wheels due to the backing plate was trapping mud and throwing his balance way off until it dries up and broke away. Goes along the same lines as tires needing balance.
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"Death Wobble" question...
i have a 97 f150 with the off road package. i have had the dw for along time. i had the lower ball joints replaced but it didnt help.had the tires rebalanced and rotated, but that didnt help. thinking about new wheels and tires,dont know. email with any solutions ,alvin@peoplepc.com, its driving me nuts. also when i stop the truck starts running rough like its going to die.any help? its a 4.6 liter with auto
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2000
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"Death Wobble" question...
This may sound like a stupid question, but what are you referring to when you say 'Death Wobble'?
88 F-150 4X4 XLT Lariat w/5.0 EFI 5 spd (DAILY DRIVER)
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4 (NEW TOY- DETAILS WHEN FINISHED)
85 Old Cutlass Supreme 350/TH350 Holley 4160,Edelbrock Performer intake, el-cheapo headers, General Kinetics 270H series cam, 15.588 best 1/4 mile with original 10 bolt 2.41 gears (OLD TOY)
88 F-150 4X4 XLT Lariat w/5.0 EFI 5 spd (DAILY DRIVER)
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4 (NEW TOY- DETAILS WHEN FINISHED)
85 Old Cutlass Supreme 350/TH350 Holley 4160,Edelbrock Performer intake, el-cheapo headers, General Kinetics 270H series cam, 15.588 best 1/4 mile with original 10 bolt 2.41 gears (OLD TOY)
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"Death Wobble" question...
The "Death Wobble" is like the worst and most violent wash board road you've ever been on. It happens out of the blue at any speed, on any road, bumpy or not.
I had it shake me so hard one time I actually lost my vision-blurry- then it stops as out of the blue like it started. I put a steering stablizer on and so far it hasn't happened since but I'm, not totally convinced it's fixed either. Stay posted everyone and keep me up to date.
I had it shake me so hard one time I actually lost my vision-blurry- then it stops as out of the blue like it started. I put a steering stablizer on and so far it hasn't happened since but I'm, not totally convinced it's fixed either. Stay posted everyone and keep me up to date.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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"Death Wobble" question...
Thanks for explaining that!
As for it in the trans - do all of you have the same trans? Do you all have a lock-up torque converter?
88 F-150 4X4 XLT Lariat w/5.0 EFI 5 spd (DAILY DRIVER)
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4 (NEW TOY- DETAILS WHEN FINISHED)
85 Old Cutlass Supreme 350/TH350 Holley 4160,Edelbrock Performer intake, el-cheapo headers, General Kinetics 270H series cam, 15.588 best 1/4 mile with original 10 bolt 2.41 gears (OLD TOY)
As for it in the trans - do all of you have the same trans? Do you all have a lock-up torque converter?
88 F-150 4X4 XLT Lariat w/5.0 EFI 5 spd (DAILY DRIVER)
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4 (NEW TOY- DETAILS WHEN FINISHED)
85 Old Cutlass Supreme 350/TH350 Holley 4160,Edelbrock Performer intake, el-cheapo headers, General Kinetics 270H series cam, 15.588 best 1/4 mile with original 10 bolt 2.41 gears (OLD TOY)
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 726
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From: Glendale USA
"Death Wobble" question...
well bone my truck did the similar thing and I drove myself crazy going thru everything and what mine turned out to be was uneven wear and bumps on the tires similar to when a tire cups but these arte bumps that develope on the outter edge of the tires which is really common with oversize tires. The best way to feel the bumps are close your eyes and rub your hands down the tires and you'll feel the bumps closing your eyes may seem stupid but it works if you're looking at your hands you won't feel it unless it is really big
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 215
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From: Craig
"Death Wobble" question...
All 3 of my vehicles (listed below) are running 36" Super Swampers. All 3 are bias ply tires, and all three have had the DW. I have put a steering stabilizer on all 3 and it is completely gone on 2 of them. The third is due to front end out of alignment.
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.