Death Wobble - Possible Resolution

[shenrie]

dont know if youve got this issue resolved, but i had this in my inbox this morning and thought this would be a good place to post...

http://powerstrokehelp.com/PSD_common/s ... le_fix.asp

[Pntyrmvr]

Hi,

I am working to repair all the worn bushings on my 1984 Dodge 4x4 B350.

This topic has certainly helped open my eyes to the possible causes. The above video seems to clinch it in my mind that more caster will help the situation. I won't adjust anything until all the parts are in, but more caster seems to help our vans.

My only issue with adjusting the caster is what happens to the front driveshaft angle? Rolling the axle back to +5 or 6 degrees is bound to mess with the angle. Any thoughts?

Regards,

Gavin

[E350]

Update?

[sidetrak06]

Well I am not sure if you are looking for an update from me or anyone else but I do have some good news! I had the rear radius arm bushings replaced and they were totally shot. With the new bushings in place I could tell that some slop had been removed but the death wobble was still present and even easier to set off now. Again, to re-iterate what I have found: Death wobble is much more likely to be initiated where there is ALMOST no play in the steering system rather than lots of play. That seems to be the combination that really gets it going from the smallest imperfections in the road surface. I used to have all kinds of slop and no death wobble, it is only when you nearly but not completely eliminate it that you have an issue.

So I brought it back to Boulder Offroad and they found that the tie rod ends were completely shot and I had some sway bar and shock bolts that came loose. They replaced the end links and tightened everything up and no more death wobble! I am guessing that the end links were destroyed from the death wobble itself when some of the other components were causing it. Right now she drives pretty well and I have not been able to get her to violently shake. Fingers crossed that this lasts for a while!

[E350]

Thaanks sidetrak06! Please revisit this thread again if the DW comes back or doesn't come back!