How To Stop Ford Super Duty Death Wobble and Sloppy Steering FOREVER

[@CJCOffRoad]

Our favorite upgrade parts: Complete Front End Upgrade Kit: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/ford-complete-front-end-upgrade-kit/products/ultimate-2017-ford-250-350-4x4-steering-upgrade-package Track bar: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/carli-2017-ford-suspension-components/products/carli-ford-f250-f350-super-duty-2017-adjustable-track-bar Caster shims: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/carli-2017-ford-suspension-components/products/carli-ford-super-duty-caster-correction-shims Ball joints: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/ford-f250-f350-super-duty-ball-joints Steering stabilizer: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/ford-steering-upgrades-and-components

[@brokenwrench404]

What’s the largest tire you can fit on a carli 2.5 pintop kit and how much trimming is required

[@ryanadams8490]

What happened to the parts list?

[@OGT242]

The list is there.....they don't have any favorites hahaha

[@CJCOffRoad]

We have a video on this! Go give it a watch!

[@jimsix9929]

great video, you did not miss a thing, I am the owner of Jims power steering in Akron Ohio and have solved more death wobble problems than I can remember, the main thing is these trucks need more positive caster, this alone will make death wobble go away even if you have an older truck that has some slightly worn parts, I hope the truck makers get this and start making them with more caster, guys are paying over 50,000 for a truck and do not want to spill that morning coffee

[@CJCOffRoad]

Agreed! It's crazy how low the caster spec is on new Fords from the factory. Makes no sense!

[@jimsix9929]

I have been told the reason for less caster is for less steering effort they want them to feel like a car, but as parts wear caster goes negative, better to start out with 3 degrees@@CJCOffRoad

[@SweetBabyFreezus]

I’ve got a ‘12 F250 with factory suspension. Had death wobble. Literally replaced every front end component. Tie rod ends, drag link end, drag bar, new HD track bar and ball joint, upper and lower ball joints, sway bar bushings and end links, shocks. I even added after market dual steering stabilizers. None of that fixed the death wobble for me. You know what did? 2 - $37 caster bushings. Took me 30 min to swap out both. Took it in for another alignment. The tires now feel like they are glued to the road. Not even the slightest possible movement, regardless of any bump I hit.

[@CJCOffRoad]

It’s the most common fix on a new truck!

[@AzRocket001]

This sounds similar to my '11. I'm stock also. Which caster bushings did you use?

[@drott150]

Did the caster bushings cause wear problems on the tires though?

[@timtourt7548]

Very helpful brother, I have an awsome 12 f250 lifted,awsome truck,same issue

[@locomtn16a2]

Death Wobble IS NOT A FORD ISSUE! Any solid axle truck can do it, JEEP, RAM, FORD. CJC did a great job explaining the root causes.... Worn and loose components, too little caster, or tires.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Doing our best to share real, truthful information on the topic!

[@jordangraf673]

Yes but it’s happening way more on Ford than any other brand. I don’t think anyone is saying it’s only Fords.

[@kylesonsalla7620]

@@jordangraf673 Way more on jeeps*

[@jordangraf673]

@@kylesonsalla7620Fresh from the factory? Because I haven’t heard of any cases of stock jeeps having death wobble with low miles.

[@OOMAN]

First thing you should check is your tire pressure! I started getting some death wobble in my '19 F-450 between 40-50mph after 20k miles. Everything in the front suspension was tight. I noticed the tire pressure had dropped below 70psi in the fall when the temps dropped. Before throwing all kinds of money at it, check your tire pressure!!! I added an aftermarket TPMS system to the truck, and can see a direct correlation between tire pressure and wobble! Sometimes the best solution is the easiest/most basic one... Low tire pressure can cause excessive wear on your suspension components as well.

[@jimsix9929]

thank you for the post, I can see how a stiffer tire would help to prevent death wobble, never thought of that before, but the off road guys have to run low tire pressure or they would get stuck in soft ground, if you have a problem again, find a good alignment shop that can add a few degrees of positive caster, the death wobble will be gone

[@JeepCherokeeful]

FYI you didn’t have death wobble

[@ZR1Terror]

I got rid of DW forever on my 2018 F250. I literally replaced all the bars on the from suspension and tie rods, replaced the steering stabilizer with a badass Fox stabilizer and added a PMF Fox dual steering stabilizer to minimize bump steer. It’s been over a year and haven’t experience no death wobble at all. Still feels just as solid as when I got all of that installed.

[@joelegere9920]

What did this cost you?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

I stopped 5 lanes of traffic yesterday in Colorado Springs with my DW experience hauling a loaded trailer. Sorry to all those that watched the show at 70 mph. Called 3 area Dealerships and they said a $300 fix. When I said I had installed a Rancho steering stabilizer last week they offered to replace it again. Definitely a worn part issue the stabilizer is just a band aid like you said. Thanks for vid.

[@50dafuz]

Acting on your advice down there at CJC Off Road I had the Carli 2.5" Pin Top System installed with 35" Toyo's and Method 18" HD NV's. No more hint of death wobble on my '17 SuperDuty, and best riding truck I have ever had. Thanks for the videos.

[@stuartbrazile]

This video is easily the best and most complete explanation of death wobble I have found, so thank you for that. Thank you for also covering the caster (or lack of caster) issue from the factory. The lack of sufficient caster means that the other components you mentioned (drag link bushings, tie rod bushings, etc.) will not tolerate extra play. Once these items develop wear you'll almost always get the DW. Adding a few degrees of caster will buy you some time so you aren't needing to rebuild the steering components every 50k miles. I've got 160k miles and still running the factory steering components. I experienced my first DW about 1000 miles ago and immediately got new tires and added +3 degree caster shims and I haven't experienced it again. I know my bushings/ends need to be replaced eventually but the added caster will definitely buy me some extra time before it has to be addressed.

[@mikedebolt8832]

Bought my 2017 F250 brand new… just turned over 50,000 and the death wobble has hit me 3 times and can be very violent! Ford dealer inspected and said parts are on a long back order with no ETA. Truck has no mods, and has been maintained by the dealer every 5K since new. It’s definitely not just one person’s story or truck going viral, and it’s damn scary and dangerous when it happens to you! For $60K to $100K, there’s no excuse for the lack of build quality in these steering systems.

[@drott150]

@@jacobgreenhalgh4257 Baloney. Leaf spring designs don't have this problem.

[@Jassman3536]

My 20 F250 works and rides like advertised. Almost as nice as my 04 GMC 1/2 ton. I have had every lift from Pure Perf, to BDS....Carli is the best in the business.

[@odius94]

Do you go to the cancer ward and brag about being healthy?

[@Jassman3536]

@@odius94 Yes, Cancer free now.

[@dirtymax843]

My 2015 started getting it a few weeks ago. Our highway is real rough. I replaced the steering stabilizer and had bad u joints. Drove it for a few weeks and thought I fixed it. Happened to me again today. Back to the shop.

[@kennycorris]

Glad to see Toby found something he's passionate about

[@crewdalews]

Geezzzzz thank you for a solid video with specific parts and reasons why. Talking about newer trucks and older ones as well.

[@CJCOffRoad]

That's what were here to do!

[@tcr2237]

Swapped out my stock Goodyear D-tracs with Wildpeaks on my Tremor. Night and day difference on the 6.7 platform. It actually drives strait down the road (had 8k miles on the Goodyear’s).

[@usmcwasson4076]

I’ll be pretty upset if my new 2022 super duty has this issue, for that much money it should be flawless. So ridiculous the cost of trucks now.

[@dillpickle282]

Ford rep says that's what recalls are for.... 😃😃😃😃

[@Dfour]

It won't have this issue, only a fraction of a % of them seem to

[@fishhunt2212]

It will

[@CJCOffRoad]

Out of the hundreds of Ford Super Duty trucks we've worked on personally and thousands we've sold parts for, only an extremely small portion actually have a legitimate death wobble issue. For some reason the internet has blown this topic way out of proportion!

[@Dfour]

@@CJCOffRoad exactly👍🏼

[@apacheFX664]

2015 f250, 218k miles, just started having DW. Thanks for the info

[@vince5506]

Great video! I experienced the death wobble on my 2019 F250 with only 11,000 miles on it. Very disheartening when you have spent 60k on a new truck and this happens.

[@hookedonfishing2095]

Did the dealership take care of this?

[@vince5506]

@@hookedonfishing2095 yes. I took it in and they replaced the passenger side outer tie rod, the drag link, and Pittman arm. Not really sure how long this ‘fix’ will last though because I only had 11,000 miles on it.

[@Sickksidex3]

@@vince5506 Its a common issue with solid front axle vehicles. I suggest upgrade the front end with Carli or a good aftermarket set up. I drive a lot of work/fleet trucks and they all will eventually get a death wobble at some point.

[@dillpickle282]

What do you expect for $60,000?

[@TyCorr]

@@dillpickle282 they are way more than 60k. Nothing is perfect. Its mechanical and therefore susceptible to failures. I share the agony of it all. My 2020 chevy has tons of annoying ass issues

[@grandpaguts5487]

Thanks @CJC Off Road for the informative video. About 10 months ago I bought a pair of what I thought were good used tires from a local used tire dealer. About 4 months later, my 2011 F250 developed near death wobble. Found the front right tire was prematurely wearing and cupping. Replaced the bad tire and all good ever since. Love my Super Duty!

[@1nkbreland]

I haven't had any more issues since I went to the greasable moog track bar ball joint. The factory ball joint has a disappointing amount of grease in the boot. Plus it's not greasable. 2017 F350. 473k miles

[@BadTitan1330]

that blue 250 is SICK!

[@trentt5362]

Great video, they even mention the actual root cause! I recently fixed my personal truck which is a 2012 F-250 with 170,000mi it had death wobble so bad it would start at 50 mph on a smooth surface. All I did was change the castor shims to plus 2 degree shims, and now I can’t make it get headshake or even the feeling like it might get headshake anymore. Changing the rest of the parts listed in this video might be necessary if they are bad but they aren’t the root cause, my truck has some looseness all around along with needing new tires yet the castor angle is all it took to fix headshake.

[@shepsean1]

Their entire point was the “root cause” can be a variety of different things. Great that you fixed it with castor, but that’s not the only possible root cause. But appreciate your confidence.

[@trentt5362]

@@shepsean1 I appreciate what they've addressed here and that they have pointed out all of the possible problems that can contribute to this issue! I'm sure not knocking what they've said. I didn't mention in my first comment but this is something I do for a living and have fixed over a dozen other trucks with the castor fix alone. I just started experimenting with my personal truck because I knew that all of these parts weren't new, matter of fact a couple of which actually needed replacement and yet I wanted to get to the cause of headshake rather than to replace a parts that only temporarily "fixed" headshake. That is what so many people are doing, they replace one of these components and depending on how lucky they are either never have a problem again or in 5000+ miles start to fight the same issue. I have no interest in arguing with you, rather I thought if someone had the knowledge on how to fix this issue for good others might appreciate it. But like I said changing castor has fixed every truck I've worked on for good, even trucks that need these other parts replaced desperately. Once that is fixed I'll replace these other parts if they are worn but I refuse to change these other parts for my customers because just like they mentioned on the video headshake will cause enough stress and abuse to ruin otherwise good parts in the first place. Do with my experience what you will, but I wish someone told me what I know now 10 years ago, would have saved me a lot of frustration on my personal truck which has fought headshake since I've owned it until I learned what I learned.

[@shepsean1]

@@trentt5362 fair enough, you have more experience with it than me!

[@AzRocket001]

Trent, is your truck lifted or factory height?

[@trentt5362]

@@AzRocket001 My truck is factory height, I have noticed on some of my customers vehicles that are lifted that the addition of castor drastically improves their headshake but doesn’t cure them in the same way the factory height trucks have been cured.

[@sterlinghancock1157]

My 2019 F-250 4x4 with only 22,000 miles has begun doing this Death Wobble! Ford Dealership stated that the ONE PART to fix the issue is on BACK ORDER!!

[@stacyadiaz]

I had the death wobble in my 17 F-250 at 29k miles. Dealer adjusted the camber (maybe camber?) per some TSB and I installed a dual steering dampner and replaced the crappy OEM tires which seems to solved the issue. Fast forward to 49k miles and I noticed the upper drag link had excessive play and I finally replaced it a few weeks ago. I tried to get a Mevotech but everybody was out of them for a few months so I got a Motocraft instead....2 weeks later, the Motocraft has play in it. I cannot win with this truck.

[@keon5779]

That dual steering stabilizer wasn't doing shit, it was just hiding the issue.

[@cj5376]

Fix or repair daily

[@Humblescape]

My friend has a 2020 f250 gasser crew cab Stx and he has insane death wobble.

[@darinpainephd7095]

My 2018 250 never had this issue, it had a lift kit and 35’s - sadly it was totaled when a kid ran a red light. I got a 2019 and experienced the death wobble three different times. After I replaced the tires (had factory Michelins) I have never had the issue again and just recently took a 5k mile road trip. Got some Firestone Destination XT tires, WAY smoother ride. I suspect any upgrade in tire will help reduce odds of death wobble.

[@MrWhiteford44]

Thanks for the great videos. One of your previous videos made me aware of forscan and now my tpms works with the low psi that I run my ridge grapplers at. Very satisfying, thanks a lot!

[@SheddysGaming]

Toby Flenderson really turned his life around!

[@mightymoose8219]

Got my first death wobble on my 2019 F-250 today. Truck has 37000 miles so I'm not too happy about it. Going through your checklist I can see the joint at the pitman arm and drag link jumps when when the wheel is turned back and forth. This looks like it could be my problem. I'm going to go with the PMF HD SINGLE PIECE DRAGLINK and dual fox steering stabilizer to hopefully correct the issue and add some longevity to the joints.

[@selfmadeproductions934]

Any update boss?

[@shibmasterkman3176]

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 and it has never had death wobble. Great job Ram one less thing to fix.

[@reflectionrecon]

Great Video, The info we all have been waiting for 👍🏼

[@christiandulaney1638]

Fun Fact: Ram doesnt have any issues that have the term "death" in them. Therefore, Ram is the best HD truck option! Seriously though, Im addicted to your channel. Im about 2 months from a 2019 PW. Ive been saving up to put 50% down

[@kylesanford3666]

I need this. Thank you.

[@joey011582]

Track bar and ball joints is what I've seen cause the death wobble issue on the Ford, jeeps and dodges

[@TheBeingReal]

Any solid front axle vehicle can get the death wobble.

[@joey011582]

@@TheBeingReal i know, these are the vehicles I'm familiar with. Also its not as prevalent in leaf sprung vehicles.

[@rocknrawls]

Beautiful truck and build. Can we get a breakdown on specs to include suspension, steering, tire/wheel setup

[@CJCOffRoad]

Here's a whole walk through of that truck: www.cjcoffroad.com/blogs/cjc-off-road-blog/2020-ford-super-duty-tremor-leveled-on-carli-suspension-e-venture-system-and-37s

[@mk1rabbitguy958]

Didn't know Toby flenderson was into trucks, small world.

[@MustafarRecRoom]

Shut up, Toby!

[@davidsimmons9763]

That’s what she said!

[@VinnieChenzo]

What about a 2019 with 93k and a 6.2 gas. What would be the thing to look for to see if it's gonna start? Thank you so much for all of your great videos. I wish i was closer. I am going to be rving with my family and don't want to put them at risk.

[@CJCOffRoad]

The most common thing we see wear out is the drag link, but with proper maintenance there's really no reason for death wobble. It's just a worn out part causing steering slop!

[@kurtmcmichael2045]

Great video. Thank you for the content

[@charliedee9276]

Talk to any Jeep owner, we know death wobble all to well. In our cases the track bar bushings seem to be the culprit, very soft for NVH. My 04 Grand Cherokee had some good wobbles that were completely cured with replacement of everything replaceable, lol. With now a 3" lift, much larger track bar, mounting bolts and harder bushings and around 6 degrees caster it is solid as can be. Wheels offset toward to the outside will increase the scrub radius and that will also increase the likelihood of DW.

[@bradkvick1382]

I have had a blown out shock cause death wobble on a newer ford as well.

[@Hugo-mg9ef]

I love your channel brothers especially channels with good infooo like this onee. very interested and also entertained to watch🤪👍😁

[@Ranch-23]

I’ve had my 2022 F250 in the shop at Ford dealership. They’ve replaced all that they said needed to be replaced. My tires are still wearing on the outside and inside. Little chips are coming out of tires. What is causing this? The dealership said it was the cheap Goodyear Kevlar tires.

[@darrylm3627]

😀👍🏿Great Tips,Good Stuff ...2016 F250 xlt 4w 4d

[@blakebiggs5140]

It’s not always in the steering components I have saw tires cause it you can have a cord broken in your tire and can cause it I have an 05 gmc with 35s that did it.

[@RichardLopezRick]

Yep happened to me with my 2020 truck

[@lilbroinarizona4315]

A bound up axle u joint makes a hell of a wobble.

[@brokenwrench404]

Death wobble is a solid front axle issue, not just a Ford issue

[@brokenwrench404]

Saad Malik as does gm, Chevy dodge and jeep. Just take care of your rig and it won’t happen

[@DonkeyEvo]

@@brokenwrench404exactly, nothing heavy duty about ifs.

[@georgefunes4535]

I agree...but for some reason it seems more prevalent in Fords?

[@CJCOffRoad]

It’s the fault of worn parts. We made the same video for Rams too.

[@CJCOffRoad]

That’s just on the internet. They’re very solid trucks and solid axles are going to have the strength and durability advantage over IFS every time!

[@CZ-kz7ug]

If you want death wobble, drive with bald tires, worn out upper and lower ball joints, a leaking steering stabilizer, worn out track bar joint, dead shock absorbers, and tie rods with joints that have all the play in them.

[@LIBERTY0RDEATH]

2019 f250 platinum and my truck definitely does a death wobble randomly. It literally feels like you have just blown a tire. The first time it happened I was towing my fifth wheel. I thought I had a blowout than I pulled over and inspected the truck and trailer. Nothing looked out of place. Thankfully it was just me in the truck at the time. Truck has 35k miles. I am pretty pissed that my truck has a death wobble when I literally have a stock 2019 f250. The only accessory I have is air lift air bags in the rear with a on board compressor. Would this have any effect on the truck

[@CJCOffRoad]

Nope! Our guess is that you have either a worn drag link joint, defective tires that are out of balance (it's very common on the factory spec tires) or not enough caster. Follow the steps shown in this video to help you rule out play in any of the steering joints.

[@ralphlouismendoza1977]

it’s like listening to a representative from ford.

[@TundraTalk76]

If I added a readylift 2.5” leveling kit with track bar would I or should I also add the castor shins. I don’t think it would hurt, but just want to make sure. New Ford owner here

[@CJCOffRoad]

Yes absolutely! Your caster will be extremely out of spec when leveled without shims!

[@TundraTalk76]

Awesome - thanks for the input and I will have them added

[@htownsfinest87]

On your lifted trucks what do you want your caster settings at?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Our goal is around 4-4.5 degrees.

[@nc_mtbmedic1399]

What trail were y'all on? looks fun

[@markhansen4258]

My ‘16 got it around 65k miles. It started with new tires. Every shop I talked to had a different take on it. Ford dealer service centers all said just to replace the damper. They were sold out nationwide. The best shop I know of for heavy truck and RV tires, brakes, alignments and suspension told me to trade it. I got a new GMC Duramax that afternoon. I hate the GMC. It takes bumps like a 60’s truck did. The infotainment system sucks. It just goes black a couple times every day. Can’t even use the Bluetooth for phone calls without dropping the call. Gas mileage is 18 on smooth, straight, flat highway. Super Duty would do about 22. Power is good, but nothing like the acceleration available from the Powerstroke. It uses DEF about twice as fast. I’ll try a Tesla Cybertruck next. I suppose they won’t be available for at least another year.

[@drott150]

Just keeping buying new vehicles every two years. That's what smart people do.

[@starkavila1]

Hey bud great video. Can you tell me what wheel and tire set up you have. Size and offsets please.

[@CJCOffRoad]

These are 18x9 wheels with 5" backspace and 37/13.5/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

[@joekelley3518]

Death wobble is mostly caused by play in the track bar joints. Everything els helps set it off. Switch to a track bar with a heim joint and you will be set.

[@MatthewTaplin-n9h]

I've got a 2017 6.7. Lifted 2.5 on 37's what would you recommend?

[@moneyhands1281]

I hate all the rust on our brand new trucks . I have a 2019 Chevy 2500hd ltz.

[@bigbeef8935]

Oh BS. I have a 2020 no rust but the surface on the suspension parts, and I live in Ohio with liquid de icer in winters

[@moneyhands1281]

@@bigbeef8935 Congratulations? I live in so cal and a lot of the trucks out here are already rusting. That bs under coat doesn’t last out here

[@samwilson3582]

I have a 2015 F250 6.7 and had the death wobble so I replaced everything in the front end from the steering box out and even new tires which are factory size. Now my truck walks all over the road when I drive it. Any ideas. I had it aligned by two different places just to be sure they did it correctly.

[@CJCOffRoad]

If you don't mind, send us an email to [e-mail] so we can help!

[@jaimec7971]

Cody .. any thoughts on "steering box" being the potential root cause of DW issue? F250/2007 Nitto 35 steering box is relatively new, ford reman w/ ~ 60K miles on it. Steering wheel play must not be more than 2 inches static and feels tight normal when driving. Recently experienced it this one time in a long time at highway speeds going over a section chopping pavement but not at any other speeds. Thx for any input you can share.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Unfortunately there is not a one size fits all solution and some trucks are difficult to cure! I would replace any steering box where you feel even over an inch of play!

[@arturonunezsalinas9078]

Love Ford Love Ram and love Chevy but at the end I love Chevy because of it individual front suspension

[@revvvrand]

So long as they stay in business

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_Thanks for the great information; you guys rock!_

[@chris1293]

Cool video! Different vehicle but I have a 2019 Jeep Wrangler unlimited rubicon with bad DW. It’s got a Mopar 2” lift and so far I’ve replaced the trac bars (f&r), center link, drag link and steering stabilizer. All from Synergy Mfg. I’ll try ur method to check the ball joints next. Also have new tires on order. Jeep has only 10,000 hard miles. I also have a Ram 2500 PW on order and looking forward to do some mods to it. Keep up the good work!

[@Wrangler98]

Didn’t happen to do a pitman arm or track bar drop with the lift? Changing any of those will cause bump steer

[@chris1293]

@@Wrangler98 No drop pitman arm, raise or drop brackets or drag link flip.The jeep is now in the hands of the dealership. Thanks for getting back to me :)

[@joseramos7476]

Love to see you guys do suspension videos on GMC/Chevy

[@YourDadVR]

I’ve taken my truck into the Ford dealership 4 different times to get this fixed, & they’ve never fixed it. I’m to the point to where I’m gonna have to diagnose it & possibly repair it myself. I’m no mechanic either. I just dunno what else to do besides getting rid of my truck.

[@CJCOffRoad]

These are the steps you need to follow! If you get stuck give us a call!

[@markdstump]

This doesn't happen in my Ford F-250 It didn't happen when I drove with old ball joints; It didn't happen when my tires were cheap, old and under inflated; It didn't happen when there was play in the drag link, tie rod connection. I don't know why... I do think it makes more sense that my drag link is connected to the tie rod, rather than a point several inches above the tie rod end! But I can't say that that's the reason. For those not super curious, about the engineering answer (which I admit to not having) You may be satisfied with the answer that my F-250 is NOT and '05 and up. I have a 2000 Crew Cab, 4x4, with the 7.3 L Turbo Diesel.

[@TeamNiem]

You mentioned links down below for aftermarket replacement parts, I don’t see any links in the description. Do you mind sharing those?

[@CJCOffRoad]

It's the top pinned comment!

[@bradnotchad]

I love how there's always so much mystery behind death wobble when it's literally always just a worn part

[@codymontgomery429]

Why is it happening to new trucks then?? And why are people getting recurring instances after replacing the “worn parts” ??

[@rudypadilla20914]

@@WilleJamesHuff thank you

[@flyingwyoming5184]

@@codymontgomery429 Like he said, somebody hit something!

[@ndn6762]

I got my death wobble fix by replacing upper and lower ball joints

[@thomasrobinette3227]

Toby Flenderson knows alot about the death wobble.

[@nolanpoitras8207]

My play is In the top track bar joint and I just put a new bracket for it to hold onto 😂 bolts mint bushings fine i don’t know why it the new brackets the wrong size hole took a few 1000 km to start weird

[@icemanlol119]

If you tried everything this channel recommended and still have death wobble? Shoot it with a 50 BMG

[@mikedellostretto118]

I have a 2022 F250 tremor 13,000 miles with Wrangler Duratracs on it. Haven’t seen too much DW yet but I feel like on the highway my steering is loose and requires constant correction? I have heard the QC of the duratracs isn’t very good. Do you think the tires are my problem?

[@CJCOffRoad]

We have a feeling it's either, caster angle, play in the drag link joints or tire pressure related. Follow along with this video and if you don't see any play in the front end joints, you can then tackle caster or tire pressure to get things dialed in.

[@mikedellostretto118]

Ok thank you I will check those things out myself. I have had it at the dealership for this twice and of course they claim they don’t notice anything. Less tire pressure than specs or more?

[@CJCOffRoad]

We always run less than the door sticker since we run aftermarket tires.

[@christiandavis3910]

If I change my factory drag link out with an Apex unit from y’all, do I need to get an alignment if I make sure the measurements on my tie rod are the same as the drag link being removed?

[@CJCOffRoad]

For the tie rod yes. For the drag link, you only need to adjust it to center the steering wheel, which can be done at home.

[@alanpetersen4497]

I lived with the Death Wobble for approximately 1.5 years on my brand new 2017 Ford 4x4 Super Duty, driving several hundred miles between two large cities for work. I took it to two different Ford Dealers, one in each town, to approximately 6 times each, for repairs. Finally, a bright Maintenance manager at the Pocatello Ford in Idaho thought that he had a solution. He rotated the castors very slightly, "OUT", and like Magic, it finally fixed the problem. It was like a miracle! I know that Jeep has had to deal with the death wobble for many years, but stepping back, and looking at the bigger picture. Ford used to put split axles in the front differential of their F-250's, F-350's, and F450.s, but went to a straight axel in 2017 on their new line of Fords. The similarity with the Jeep with straight axels in both the front and rear differential is what I think, causes the problem. Turning the castors out a fraction of a degree fixed my problem, and has never returned. I wonder how many mechanics, and owners have even thought of this point of view, before spending thousands of Dollars, on other alternative patched fixes. I think that the reason rotating the castors is not commonly used, is because, the entire front end has to be dismantled, and remantled for each turn of the castors. Therefore, it can be a trial and error thing that takes a lot of time, and patience. If it isn't done RIGHT, the front tires will wear out faster, and God only knows what other things may go wrong, on the wear and tear to the front end.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Just as a quick correction, Super Duty trucks have used straight axle from 1999 to current, and even earlier for F-350 models. Like you mentioned and we mention in this video, caster is key to handling, so adding caster is the first thing we check after looking for worn out parts. For some reason many 17+ Fords aren't shipping with enough caster. Adding caster shims is very quick and easy though so there's no need to disassemble the front end!

[@alanpetersen4615]

@@CJCOffRoad Thank you for the response! I am not a mechanic, and I apologize for the misstatement! Your reply is very helpful!

[@cj5376]

Fix Or Repair Daily. CJC loves Ford because they get all your $$$ 😂

[@Dmkpit401]

If power stroke help did a video on this and the reason the 17 and up are wearing out faster is they made the frame fully boxed and the truck is significantly heavier but they did not change the pieces in the suspension they are still the same as the older modelsIf power stroke help did a video on this and the reason the 17 and up are wearing out faster is they made the frame fully boxed and the truck is significantly heavier but they did not change the pieces in the suspension they are still the same as the older models, And the reason they come out of the factory and have the issue is having to do with the caster adjustment It's being set off a couple degrees to make it easier to stare and after the parts the parts like the dampener shock wear out we are out And after market wheels and tires it starts to show, If you watch his video he actually tears down a truck with the problem and you can buy the shims from Carlisle That will give you the extra degrees in your Is Castor adjustment So the truck is properly aligned

[@audiomaker1]

Big tires need negative caster. Tires and front ends wear and negative caster is the only forgiveness you will get.

[@audiomaker1]

Doesn’t Matter the brand. Newer cars and trucks often come with near zero caster to make the steering more nimble at sales time. Add bigger tires and a tiny bit of front end wear and the leading edge of the tire is getting pushed side to side. You need the trailing edge of the tire to act as a rudder to self correct. Changing the caster angle moves the contact patch forward or back in relation to the steering knuckle. If the patch is further forward the vehicle will have very quick steering but the tire is being pushed away from center. Near zero caster sets up a wobble as the tire fights to decide where the drag is (between leading and trailing), and negative caster (drag on trailing edge) results in requiring slightly more steering input but the tire is always pushed to center.

[@michaelh5055]

Wrong

[@clarencewesson7997]

We have a 99 F350 that does it too

[@rob.granger]

I have had a couple mechanical engineers say take caster out, caster is what causes the shopping card death wobble. Less caster , less wobble, down side is less return to center.

[@CJCOffRoad]

It’s the opposite actually! Less caster is a shopping cart, more is stability. If you add too much though then the truck becomes difficult to steer since the wheels only want to go straight.

[@rob.granger]

@@CJCOffRoad Thanks, I think this is where my buddy was coming from, found on another site: Roads are designed with a slight slope for drainage purposes, a vehicles caster setting helps keep the vehicle from wandering down the slope without input from the driver. However excessive caster angle can cause front axle wheel shimmy. Basically the force developed by a positive caster angle which pulls the wheel back to its center position becomes so large that the wheel races past its center point oscillating (Shimmying) back and forth like a pendulum. Once again a great example is the wobble in a shopping trolley wheel, typically when you push the trolley the wheel wobbles around a lot, not a big problem for a shopping trolley but a big problem for a heavy vehicle.

[@rob.granger]

But same site also says too little can cause wobble. Science, it's all magic :) Thanks for the info.

[@travisandrews6857]

How much rake is in your truck with the 2.5 kit and stock rear springs ?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Pretty much none since it’s designed to sit level, but remember you can always fine tune that with rear blocks!

[@15Jeep]

There are additional options available. Carli Progressive Add-A-Packs Leaf Springs for the rear suspension. Some guys have used those along with an additional custom spring and or air bags from Air Lift, Firestone or Hellwig. All depends upon the truck owner's end goal / objective regarding rake or no rake unloaded and reduce or eliminate any rear drop or squat while loaded.

[@BlackdogADV]

I have a 2004 F150 4X4 Lariat with only 70,000 miles. I’ve owned it since new and it’s had a pampered life. On several occasions I’ve had a wobble that would only go away until I made a complete stop. Is this truck known to have the death wobble issue?

[@Sickksidex3]

Most likely you have a IFS front end suspension. Check your tires, wheel hubs and your Tie rods ends.

[@BlackdogADV]

Yes, IFS. This vid got me to thinking about it. I’ve never heard of a IFS having the wobble.

[@Sickksidex3]

@@BlackdogADV doesn't occur often but it can happen loose or worn out components mentioned above will cause some wobble and shaking. No where near as solid axle truck. That right there will scare the shit out of you 😂

[@Sickksidex3]

@@BlackdogADV don't even try a boosted lunch with death wobble 😂😂

[@CJCOffRoad]

Any vehicle can have a wobble if it has worn out front end parts or out of balance tires. It’s a simple as fixing whatever part/parts are causing the issues!

[@drott150]

You said nothing of the steering gear box. If it is worn, can't it also be a source of death wobble?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Not really. It will absolutely cause sloppy steering, but we've never seen one cause death wobble.

[@ThatPNWlyfe]

I have 9400 miles on my 2020 F250 Tremor 7.3 gasser. Just got steering clunk when turning to the right or going over bumps. Sounds like its the drag link?

[@tallll70]

I have different truck, but older gen had hydraulic steering... 0 issues, normal feel for 11 years... newer gen has electric, they added rubber bushing connection which wares out and making clunk... just fantastic job they sometimes do

[@jefferyspinelli7952]

That drag link is shot in the video 5:47 in the video.

[@rottscobert]

Where are you located I’d love to have you look at my 06 f550

[@SSGMcQueen]

What rim and tire combo is that on this truck?

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

How does this happen to a new truck ..my F150 is 20 years old and it's not an issue..

[@joelthomas3823]

Got a first hand view of deathwobble today next to a late model f250 on the interstate...the violence of the trucks tires wobbling and the steering wheel shaking was unbelievable as I watched the driver try to control it at 65mph downhill. That was one of the most fucked up things I've seen a truck do up close...no way there's not a recall on that shitshow.. why can't Ford build trucks without this problem it's been going on for decades.

[@CJCOffRoad]

It's nothing more than worn out parts, or people altering their caster spec with a cheap leveling kit. Nothing to initiate a recall over.

[@joelthomas3823]

@@CJCOffRoad I don't agree with that because this truck was stock and I've seen other stock trucks with the same problem

[@jacobgreenhalgh4257]

@@joelthomas3823 Its also not only a Ford problem. You're just being biased lol. EVERY solid front axle vehicle in history can exhibit death wobble. Clearly you have extremely limited, google knowledge. Enjoy

[@evanstrain5808]

We can't even build a truck that doesn't leak water from a morning dew. If the death wobble doesn't kill you the mold will.

[@RandomDoodThings]

What are you doing about the rust? Noticed a couple people developing rust on the underside pretty quickly.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Steel it is a great product to touch up those little spots the factory missed.

[@fomocoloco7172]

Super easy fix. Leaf sprung kingpin Dana 60 😂😂

[@MrWhiteford44]

For sure! Just stack the leafs so thick that nothing moves and away you go!

[@MrHauntedHeifer]

Positive caster will fix the problem

[@wldtrky38]

My 2002 has done this 3 times. I am finding zero play in drag link or tie rods. Usually a left curve at high speed. Truck only has 30,000 miles.

[@CJCOffRoad]

There has to be play somewhere! On a second gen, the track bar joints are typically the cause. Run through the full front end following this same procedure.

[@wldtrky38]

@@CJCOffRoad Reply much appreciated. I'm getting ready to do just that. I did find a LF tire showing signs of separation, but am pretty sure there is also play somewhere for the type of vibration/oscillation I experienced to occur. Edit, this truck is a 2 wheel drive.

[@kennethlarriva7578]

8:40 why not apex and synergy?

[@CJCOffRoad]

At the time of filming this neither was really an option, but now Apex and Synergy are the go to choices over OEM.

[@311hitwall]

Can't Ford redesign and fix this issue or is just inherent in a solid axle?

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Almost all solid axle trucks get it at some point. Jeeps have been known for it since, forever.

[@brooster87]

Are these components only for lifted trucks

[@CJCOffRoad]

Nope!

[@sunshinemodels1]

the drag link on my ram 2500 is welded on solid.. no way to adjust.. they literally have to cut and tack weld it whenever i get alignments

[@Andino.]

Insane how Ford keeps producing truck after truck with the same issue

[@justinclark6053]

So awesome