Correcting the Death Wobble

[fastback68]

I have a 3rd Gen (2007) PW with the dreaded front end death wobble. I've looked through the Forums and searched for posts on front end issues but haven't been able to located the info I need. Can someone tell what the minimum parts needed are to correct the issue? Several owners have recommended the Carli systems especially over Kore. Will the Carli "Basic Front End" setup correct the issue? I would also be installing the Leveling Kit. Or are there some specific parts that I can replace that could take care of the problem without the whole kit?

Any info would be helpful...thanks!
Steve

[Ducky's Dad]

First thing to do is check or replace the tires. Factory spec BFGs are notorious for DW. A simple change to a Load Range E tire might solve your problem. Even if out of warranty, take the truck to a dealer and have them check for the correct steering linkage. If it needs to be replaced under the recall, should be free to you. After those changes, it can get expensive.

[shellriv]

for me it was the steering dampener shock put a heavy duty ranch o on and never had it again,, had to clean my shorts the fist time it happened.

[Cactus Red]

Ball joints can also play into the equation. If worn, they contribute to the slack. Same goes for track bar bushings.

[TwinStick]

Death Wobble: is VERY hard to diagnose. If you ask 5 people that had it & fixed it, they will give you 5 different answers on how they fixed it, usually. IMH Unscientific opinion, it is caused by a multitude of cheap ass front end parts. Usually no ONE part is so worn, that you can point to it & say "there's your problem right there." All that being said, the reality is you got some decisions to make. Do you want to keep the truck ? If so, you will need to rebuild the front end components. Not cheap. But you can do it in a controlled manner. Start with cheaper things first.

Problem areas:
Front axle u-joints
Control arms/bushings
Track bar/bushings
Steering gearbox SUCKS & needs a brace
Steering stabilizer
steering shaft
Upper & lower ball joints
Unit or wheel bearings
Tires
Air pressure in tires
Shocks
Tie rod ends
upper & lower cam bolts

Death Wobble can also mess things up, such as ovaling out round holes that bolts go through, for control arms or track bar.

I have never had DW. Came close. Rebuilt my front end with high quality parts & a steering gear box brace. I LOVE my truck & chose to do a quality rebuild. It certainly SUCKED having to do it with only 18,500 miles on it. $4850 into mine so far. Still need new steering gear box & PS pump.

[fastback68]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I'm definitely keeping the truck and will start the upgrades in a step-by-step manner as suggested and if necessary will replace things until it seems to be solved.

Thanks again for all the info.

Power Wagons Rule!

Steve

[rmccubbin]

I started having DW bad at 30K in my 2007. Dumped the mostly worn BFGs for new Nitto TG- problem solved. If you have worn tires, start there. Nothing like having your truck feel like it's breaking apart at 75mph after you've just past an 18 wheeler brick truck with a full load on a two lane road. -Ryan

[TwinStick]

There is an article in FW magazine about Death Wobble. Said all the things we already know. Yup, we know we're talking about !!!