Dodge Ram Death Wobble SOLVED!

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Dodge Death Wobble SOLVED!

[@pumkinhead6636]

I did this mod to my 2003 Dodge 2500. (122,000 miles) Amazing difference. All of my front end has been replaced including a new six bolt steering box. Never saw the death wobble just drifting/DUi candidacy potential. Added the lower steering gear stabilizer, all problems gone. No more drift.Thanks for the info leading to this fix. Happy camper!

[@briansmobile1]

@o7powerwagon AWESOME! I replace the steering gear yesterday and it's WORLDS BETTER. I'm excited to keep it that way with the kit. Thanks!

[@ferrari5k]

You have explained much of my problems on the 99 RAM, thanks for the Lead to Rock Solid!

[@mcquillinfamily3940]

You do great down to earth videos...thanks. I put a Redhead steering gear unit in....absolutely worth the money!

[@TheTexasCoder]

Man, dead on!! My 2001 Dodge Dakota does not suffer from the same issue (no pitman arm), but I owned a '99 1500 RAM Sport (I miss that 5.9L), and I fought the same steering issue...even after replacing damn near every component up front. Thanks for sharing this! I have friends with RAMs, and will certainly pass along this information!

[@shaggyduder]

Brian, I have 99 2500, same problem, had my steering box replaced and added that bar, you will not be disappointed. PS, I watch your show regularly.

[@marrionboudreaux8101]

great find!!! I done replaced almost all my whole front end trying to find this. thanks again my man you been saving me some $$$$$

[@briansmobile1]

@findtmoon Good to know! Steering is one thing NOT to mess around with. If brakes fail you can aim for something cheap or uphill. Steering IS the most important system on a car for safety in terms of avoiding an accident.

[@gaelic340]

YOU ARE ONE OF THE SMARTEST PEOPLE ON YOU TUBE!!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INFO.

[@matthewtaylor2185]

I get that in my '99 ram 1500 4x4. I bought it new and kept stock size tires on since day one. 130k miles. Never mud or rough it up. Death wobble starts in the same places in the roads as did my old jeep Comanche. The front ends are nearly the same design. This is genius. That pillow block bearing can be replaced cheaply, but I wonder how long it would hold up to winter road salt?

[@Gidenkidenk]

Just bought a 2004 Dodge Ram I have yet to pick up, and I'm 100% certain this is the cause of low speed steering shake. Thank you!!

[@larryweber5144]

Had my front end replaced. You name it they replaced it.(my cost). Worked great for 12.5 months. Took it back. They called and said $890.00 need this that and more. No one had checked anything out. Asked about how long it was covered. They could not find where it had been worked on. Guess they did not think I would have my paperwork in hand. Well after they seen and found their copy. The story changed all it needed was another bolt. ONE HAD FALLEN OUT ON THE TRACK BAR. Took 3 days to get this very special bolt in.Had to be ordered. Now I go to change the oil and while under truck look up and see this very special bolt. This bolt is so Special it does not even fit thru the nut. No big thing they said as the track bar could not fall off. Well i don't think i'll be back for any service to West Brothers Dodge in Sullivan, Mo. Did I say that.

[@colteng9721]

Are you kidding me, you should've slapped them because any grade 8 bolt of the right size would be plenty suitable.

[@bethkane9399]

Thank You! The first time I noticed the steering problem was on the way driving it home after buying it brand new from the dealer! 2006 Dodge 3/4 ton longbed crew cab 4x4. I thought I just needed to get used to a "new feel" for steering. Ha! Here it is 9 years later and I was really suffering last night, wandering all over the place trying to stay in a very narrow lane. Too hairy -- I've had it. I have to try one or both of these solutions. FYI, I have never experienced death wobble. Maybe these enhancements will keep that from becoming a problem. Thank you so much for the info.

[@repnatl]

Recently did this repair and the lower steering collar bushing and a lot of play was removed. I've already replaced all of the other steering and suspension parts. Easy to do also.

[@mikemoore3731]

Sweet!! I have the same issue that has been driving me nuts, thanks for the video.

[@adamflight1]

Wow, cool video. Didn't even think of that as an option. I probably would of just replaced the whole box and pitman arm. Thanks for saving me a pile of cash. Your vids are great.

[@weswalker457]

Got it installed on my trk this weekend, man what a difference it made. No more death wobble. Thank you

[@bradleyswaringen7244]

I have a 2009 Dodge Dually and had the death wobble ,had the recalls done and it was still there put a Rancho steering stabilizer and new tires along with this kit and the Death Wooble is gone . All ball joints and other parts was good ,this did solve my problem.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks for contributing- I appreciate it.

[@Swampwalker55]

Excellent video. Very informative. Keep up the good work!

[@StreaminFreedom]

Great Meeting you last night, this was the first video of yours I watched, when looking into buying my Ram. Curious if you have a video on preventing rust on the under side of a jeep? or really any lifter customized vehicle.

[@fenderplayer489]

I'm not the type of guy to put trucks down, I love dodge, chevy and ford. I have an 84 chevy and I'm getting a new gear box for it today because I finally located the cause of my death wobble as well and this was it. Glad to know there is a video on here of someone else's vehicle doing the same thing. Just PROVES that every brand of truck has it's problems sooner or later.

[@jimmytk5958]

Great info! Hanging from the ceiling I see a led light bar, do you use it for inside lighting?

[@briansmobile1]

@craigtreeguy It worked awesome. I did some low range 4x4 on rocky stuff and that's what was hardest on the last one. I drove home down the canyon at speed through construction with tight safe steering. It's working great!

[@briansmobile1]

@HamtheBone I LOVE IT!!!! The steering is enough to make me hate the whole thing. I replaced the steering gear and the love affair continues.

[@safn1949]

Installed this on a 1999 2wd Cummins dually with new tires and a rebuilt front end,what a difference! We pulled a 10,000 lb camper 2500 miles and it was fantastic. Just ordered it for my 95 2500. Yes,it will need the front end worked on also but this is money very well spent. Former ASE GM tech.

[@Hardwaysam]

On jeeps we have success with a good steering shock, and caster adjustment, seems like the small lifts are worse than a long arm kit. Keep up the good work I love your vids, and get my techs to watch them!

[@briansmobile1]

Sure. I've featured it in several projects. What would you like to see specifically?

[@briansmobile1]

@calmini4x4 Thanks! Scary stuff for sure. I replace the gearbox. It's MUCH better now. I'm still waiting for the kit to come.

[@briansmobile1]

@Tboninator You're right. And I did. I call things the wrong name on the fly like that. I call ratchets wrenches etc. too. My bad. I also call bolts nuts and visa versa. I did replace the steering gear box (I have a vid on that too) and then I installed the steering gear output shaft brace too. (also video posted) The truck is WAY better now.

[@arionrowan5273]

My truck too. Chevy, inspected all the steering parts and nothing, have play at the gear box connecting to the Pittman arm, not leak though, and yes have 33's On 20in rims. Has a wobble and sometimes feels like wheel hop... Annoying, but this vid really helps a lot. Was always told dodge has the solid trucks with good solid metal, now it makes me think other wise on the quality of any parts Regardless of the make of the truck.

[@briansmobile1]

I've heard this before. Have you installed dual steering stabilizers?

[@briansmobile1]

@spelunkerd You're welcome- I'm still thinking about and appreciating that water heater vid you made. They should apply that principle to bridges that span rivers.

[@kman24]

why didn't you just go to a tire store, would've saved you a lot of time

[@riceranch1]

We had tried everything, bought the stabilizer and it's fixed. We had just bought new tires for the front and that had helped but with the stabilizer if completely fixed. thanks for the info it was very helpful.

[@kirksmart5375]

Thanks for this vid i have a 99 1500 and i have the drift problem. I will get the bracket. I like how strong it looks. Please more vids on anything you do on your truck and sites where savings help.

[@epiphaknee]

A lot of fun can be had in the sandbox and watching Brian's videos too!!!

[@papirivera5356]

105000 miles on my ram 2500. I’ve driven it hard I’ve also taken care of all the maintenance. Well, I Drove her from Texas to Virginia no issues... Yesterday for the first time, I experienced “The Deathwobble”. It’s every bit as scary as it sounds. It shook so hard my driver side mirror folded itself in. I’m gonna look into this bracket and looking forward to your next video.

[@jeremywilson8334]

Hey, did you ever figure out what the cause was? thanks

[@briansmobile1]

@lowrider9367 Death wobble comes on like you explained- on the freeway after hitting a bump, but it feels more like the truck is possessed or having a seizure or something. You can feel it in the whole truck, but not only in the steering. It's not just that rubbery vibration that tapers down on it's own. Hope this helps there.

[@briansmobile1]

It's a fully constructive interference lateral oscillation patern common in the front end steering on Chrysler vehicles, especially when lifted.

[@briansmobile1]

Sometimes when you have steering component failure the tires wear all crazy and then just the tires alone can be enough to death wobble.

[@ReSiDuEeXiLeTech]

Thanks man you saved me about $90 vs the BD stabilizer which is the same thing. I thought since i bought a new gearbox that was the answer...boy i was wrong...this stabilizer is the answer!! even with the new gearbox it still had some twisting. Rides tight like it should now!!!

[@gslife1]

Great video thank you so much man, you helped a lot by sharing this video. Just subscribed to your channel👍

[@bobbycaldweld6332]

Great Vid I have this problem on my 2010 3500!!!

[@MrAcer4]

did you check or narrow it down to the steering intermidate shaft? I narrowed it to that and made a video about it. at the gear box as you pointed out is the u-joint on the shaft but it uses a rubber interior which mine went out due to getting a little brake fluid on it... it's only two bolts to replace and it saves money. that rubber let's there be play at the bottom. I'd recommend the "Intermidate steering shaft" due to the bottom part to the gear box has a rubber interior to the joint that fails quite a bit

[@GodsentMe.]

Thanks for the information brother 👊 About to purchase one strong.

[@briansmobile1]

@Tboninator Well thanks for looking out for me! I appreciate it!

[@briansmobile1]

I've heard WAY too many people say that when they brought their trucks/Jeeps in to me. There are a list of things that can cause that. This is what finally fixed mine and many others. The things to look into are 1. Lower ball joint up/down play. 2. Uneven tire wear. 3. Loose control arm bushings and or tie rods. 4. Steering gear box play. 5. Inadequate steering dampening for truck setup/lift/equipment.

[@tylerbate7516]

Just called Don & over-nighted this kit for an 05' Ram 2500 - Thanks for the suggestion. Will let you know what happens next!

[@briansmobile1]

I haven't done one, but many on YT have and really like it a lot.

[@dorinlasc1920]

Wow...after replacing every front it part I finally found this video.... Thank you for this video

[@fyfebrij]

I don't have a ram, but an '02 2500HD. I've been through some similar issues. Granted the front suspensions are quite a bit different, but the steering box, tie rods, drag link ball joints all play a role similarly... with that being said, i STILL have the road wander. There isn't a part on this truck's front suspension/steering that hasn't been replaced. I heard you're ASE certified so i figured i'd throw out this scenario for you comment! thx! good vid!

[@briansmobile1]

@modelleg I'm sure they can, but finding/making one IS the challenge. Good luck!

[@briansmobile1]

Awesome- thanks for contributing to a solution.

[@spelunkerd]

@briansmobile1 When I reviewed that topic of galvanic cathode protection, I discovered some marine and industrial situations where they do protect exposed metal with strategically placed aluminum or zinc rods. But, sometimes it's cheaper to just let it rust and then fix it later. Cheers, and thanks for this video.

[@gregfrederick7252]

Cool you have done all the. Hard work great video ...now I'm going to fix my dodge truck ....4 tires later ...good video

[@jjw.4375]

hello thank you for this greatly informative vid!!! will this work on my 1994 dodge Dakota slt v8 4x4?

[@detroitr]

Hello, I found your video to be very useful. I installed this kit with a Borgman steering box and still have more play and wobble in the wheel than I should. I also had the Dodge aligned 3 times and it still pulls to the right a little. I just bought a Moog pitman arm for it, anything else you would suggest? Its a 1998 with approx 130k miles on the chassis and no accidents.

[@o7powerwagon]

I put one od the steering box bars on my 02 and it made a worlds of diffrence!! you deffenitly did the right thing by buying one!!

[@johnkrawczyk401]

I watched this video before my install. Very helpful. Thanks and keep making those great videos🙌

[@briansmobile1]

Will do - thanks!

[@briansmobile1]

Interesting. Tell me about the year, GVW, and wear pattern of the tires if you would.

[@cducloseille5272]

I need to check mine I'm practically having this issue, with half inch to inch of play going down the road..I don't intend to pay for a new steering box...Thanks brian!

[@pleasantlakepirate1832]

I understand your frustrations in trying to get the front end tight. But if the bearing is gone in your box this method is really just a band aid. With a tight box and this brace you'd have a solid long lasting set-up. all the best tho, keep fighting the good fight

[@rideboards86]

Thanks for sharing the video. My Dad has a 99 dodge ram 1500 and it wanders all over the place. I've got a 2007 ram 1500 with some nasty vibrations over 100 km/h and I'm still looking for solutions there.

[@dustinlowdermilk3460]

Ive got this on my 02' 2500 cummins.. Did tighten it up a little but it still sways around like Dodge's do.. Easy to install too...

[@briansmobile1]

@TheTexasCoder Right on! I do this to help people- that helps!

[@SurfaceStrike]

Thanks for sharing this. My Dodge 1500 4x4 has had this problem since the day I bought it. I'm going to buy this and try it. Ill post back.

[@Nic7320]

The kit for Dodge vans ($140) is really easy to install, since it doesn't have a cross-arm and bolts directly to existing stud mounts on the frame. It made a huge difference, but I still had a clunking noise. That convinced me to replace the steering box ($175 on ebay) and front drag link ($30, ebay), and while I'm at it, why not do the ball joints, idler arms and tie rod ends? (10 pc kit was only $76 on ebay) Paid $400 for labor to a mobile mechanic to do most of the work and now I'm off to the alignment shop (probably ~$80). All in all, I think I got off cheap, considering what tire shops wanted for this work ($2,000+).

[@garymaddux2000]

Thanks for the help bud. I've got a 97 1500 4th and wen I got it the steering was off but not bad. Then in the firs 2 months of having the truck I put 1700 miles on driving from Iowa to Alabama and back in 6 days. And it got worse after that. I've been told I would spend about $1000 to fix it all. So I started with the busted drag link and now I'm gonna move to the gear box. And thanks to u I'm gonna get that stabilizer for the gear box and new bushing. But I've never taken a steering colum apart. Do u have a video on that?

[@bobshepard6486]

Thanks for the information, going order one for my dodge. Wonder what setup you have for your winch

[@MichaelBrown-um8qc]

Great 👍 I only have a little wander ,at 200,000 miles. . Likely will look deeper into this. I know others whom do have the tremors 🤔🤔 Thank You ! Mike

[@MrAcekoomboom]

Hey i installed this product onto my 2005 dodge 3500 DRW. My steering was locking at slow speeds. It had a little wonder but not much. This steering box stabalizer eliminated the locking of the steering at slow speeds. I also purchased the red head steering box and it is worth the money.

[@happyhunter81]

Awesome, I've trying to get my Dodge truck to quit chasing rabbits for quite a while now. Will be putting both of these on it. Thanks

[@chowmurphy]

I have the same problem on my dodge ram 2500. First wouldn't you replace all the tie rods and torsion bars also. I looked at my truck and I saw all the sway bar bushings were worn out. I mean this product is great that your talking about but did you replace all tie rod ends and torsion bars. I found a complete on eBay for 200$. Just wondering if u started there before installing this antiwobble piece? Great info on the video!

[@hellcat1988]

I just found the same problem on my 92 Mazda Navajo (ford explorer re-badged) but I don't think the pitment arm shaft is long enough for that sleeve to be on there with the factory nut. I'm going to try and snag a box without play from a junkyard in the next few days. Now that I have seen this, I might be able to make something like it for my truck. Thanks.

[@larrymartineau8708]

Been out of the industry since 93, bought a 01 Ram 1500 and was introduced to the incompetence of Dodge. Replaced ball joints and tie rods and was still all over the road. You have saved me a lot of time and effort presenting this video and web sight. Just wanted to thank you.

[@briansmobile1]

It depends on the truck. Sometimes it's ball joints, others tires, others steering gear. Any of those three or a combination of them will do it.

[@briansmobile1]

@landlockedviking MOOG "Problem Solvers" help get you in the 4-6 year range and they're lifetime warranty too.

[@briansmobile1]

@caseman2294 Great contribution! Thanks! Way to trace yours down- AWESOME!

[@briansmobile1]

@Jx1x3 That would be good, but I don't dare film the death wobble it's a white knuckle crap your pants kind of thing! Plus I already replace the gear box and it cleaned up 80% of the problem. I'm still waiting on the kit. That would have been the thing to do if I could find a passenger that's half Keneval to film it. ; )

[@juliosdiy3206]

A bushing went out on my old nissan pathfinder and the wobble scares me 40mph plus, a shop fixed it for cheap and i got rid of it cuz its a gas eater too.

[@brandonkoehler4921]

Hi, I have a 99 ram 1500 that has this same problem. I've tried putting on a new steering damper but didn't fix it. I watched your video and seems like it'll work. My question is did you install it and did it fix your problem? If so did you do anything else along with the stabilizer to fix the problem? I'd appreciate it if you helped me out with these questions. Thanks!

[@martyedge32]

Hey Brian, What I'd like to know is what your thoughts are on a dual steering stabilizer kit to help out with the wobble problem too. Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

@spunkzilla123 YES! On those it's the U-joint in the steering colunm and or the rack and pinion.

[@vileman20]

this helped a lot with my dads truck a 97 ram. I was wondering if a similar product is made for a 95 chevy silverado. Sweet truck by the way!!!

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome- I know that can be not only frustrating, but down right scary when you're towing on the highway etc.

[@goosegunner1]

I installed one of these a year ago to help solve some death wobble issues on my 07 5.9 4x4after I did it was evident the track bar bushings were shot too. So now I've done ball joints, track bar, tie rod ends, 09' steering upgrade, ect,,,, still death wobble...I bought a red head steering box and installed it and were getting it solved... but let me tell you .... the following job should have been a 45 min deal... but the bearing was frozen solid getting the bearing off the pitman arm nut was impossible.... the bearing has 2 set screws and it must have marred it or froze up from rust.... I could not get the nut off the pitman arm for anything..... if you install one of these I highly recommend custom tapering the area that is exposed below the bearing after installation.... I had to grind the bearing and race off the up grade pitman arm nut.... after installing the new red head steering gear box I scrapped the entire upgrade stuff....

[@briansmobile1]

@ncrdisabled The previous owner let a lot of stuff go. It took a while to get the rest of it firm enough to reveal back to the source. Thanks ; )

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Greg!

[@briansmobile1]

@adamflight1 You're welcome- thanks!

[@turbodiesel4709]

Decided this needed to be cut and pasted here: Stutzzz 101 Hey Brian, I realize this is kinds old but did the bracket fix death wobble? My 03 3500 dually has it bad. Interestingly enough it only started after I put BFG's on and they were about 8 months old (a lot of chatter out there that that is a big part of the problem but just doesn't ring true too me). I also got some info from one of the higher ups at Dodge for allignment specs that are supposed to help. I will share them with you for your thoughts. CASTER: LW/RW: 3.2/3.5 CROSS CASTER: -0.3 CAMBER: LW/RW: -0.10/-0.10 CROSS CAMBER: 0.0. The positive Castor is supposed to help with the weight of the cummins. That make sense too you? Thanks again Brian. Ken Turbo Diesel +Stutzzz 101 : YES, YES, YES, YES, YESSSSSSS A million times YES!!! It's like I found the ONLY other person on the planet with a brain! Incorrect CASTER settings is what causes "Death Wobble", nothing else. Everything else is just "slop" in the steering. Bottom line is that the entire steering and suspension systems need to be kept up and properly maintained. Parts that are sloppy or worn-out MUST be replaced. Proper front-end alignments are CRITICAL to the correct function of any vehicle. Most Dodge and Ford pickups will experience "death wobble" because of the fact that the CASTER angle is compromised and not corrected after something as simple as a "leveling kit" is added to the front end of the vehicle, which in turn, alters the CASTER angle in a negative direction and screws the front end up!!!!!

[@mastermechanicfelipe4641]

would this work in a 2017? ram 3500

[@briansmobile1]

@bubbacrabb Is it popping when you stop or when you turn?

[@codwithbk7163]

Not the death wobble. good info and a good product. the steering issue you have is the "driving miss daisy" syndrome. the death wobble is another problem dodge has where bumps at high speed make the truck shake so violently its impossible to keep driving.

[@jmhm17]

+1. Death Wobble is where the front wheels wobble uncontrollably forcing you to slow down FAST or you are going to loose control. It happens when you hit the expansion gaps on the highway at speed with this setup front end on most older trucks. a stabilizer helps this as well but the issue you are seeing just a loose steering box AKA "driving miss daisy". Death wobble is also what happens to bikes after they do a wheelie and the front tire is not straight when it hits the ground, or the front tire slips AKA a "tank slapper".

[@JeffreyCain86]

Headshake

[@kvhemiboy]

I noticed this on my truck as well, acually thought the play was the pitman arm sliding on the output shaft, so a made a bigger washer and tightend it on a little further due to the fact is is a drop pit arm for my lift. It helped a little, all tie rods b joints are good, so thanks for the vid, I will have to try this kit because she wanders like a drunken sailor and is a pain the ass while towing my trailer.

[@zxtenn]

Hey Brian, on my ZJ i replaced ALL front end parts including the steering box which had lots of play, 'kevins off road' sells a part that braces the steering box, don't wasn't your time with adj. i also replaced ALL control arms with IRON MAN fixed tubular,now everything including the track bar has poly bushings, also check the track bar frame hole, mine seemed a little egg shaped so i went to a hardware store with the bushing for the perfect diameter bolt and trashed that locking tab.

[@brainswole101]

If you keep the Y-style steering, this will not solve the wandering or death wobble. Buy a 98-99 ram 3500 system. Bolts up directly to 2nd gen knuckles and is a heavier construction as well as a T-style setup. I put that exact gearbox brace on my 97 2500 and it helped the slop in the column, but not in the driveability. Still wandered and still went through tie rod ends like crazy. Good instructions on how to install this brace, but again, it only helps with the column sloppiness. Hope this helps

[@anthonypatterson264]

Beautiful truck lol. It's not often I see a shiny Ram of that gen.

[@themechanicman3865]

I just installed this and I have a Skyjacker double shock for the pitman arm that connects to the frame and then claim to the pitman arm I believe everything is new sway bar link pitman arm all the joints up underneath there only thing I haven't replaced is my gearbox and my upper lower ball joints and I had them checked recently and they didn't seem to be bad it definitely made an improvement a lot compared to what it used to be but I'm still get not a smooth ride now could it be from the tires cuz they're choppy possibly going to put a brand new set of tires and after that we will see how she rolls but I honestly think that it's going to need a gearbox Skyjacker double for the pitman arm in front and then that thing that braces the gearbox definitely 70% better but it's still not completely gone any suggestions and should I go with a redhead gearbox or like a O'Reilly's AutoZone brand new or reman what do you guys think thanks so much

[@christopherharris2947]

thanks for the video. You explained it perfectly.

[@Kuhl1976]

thank you for this