One Cure For The Death Wobble

[Lopie]

I bought my '17 3500 DRW with 75k miles on the clock.

I always noticed the steering was a little sloppy but couldn't find anything loose or moving.

I had no real issues to cause any concern till recently.

The other day is coming home (no trailer) traveling about 55 - 60 mph, and every bump I hit sent it into the "death wobble."

With a camping trip shortly, I began investigating a bit more thoroughly. Kept focusing on the track bar.



The first pic shows a bent track bar.

The second pic shows the new track bar.

I have a video showing the track bar 'flexing,' which seems to cause the sloppy feel in the steering.

With the new bar installed, the steering is 100% more responsive.

I replaced it with the OEM.

I figured it lasted 80k, and the new one is a revised version, and I could get one NOW.






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[AK Bob]

Looks good, glad you found and fixed the issue with the track bar.

On a separate note, there is a safety recall on the “Drag Link” in case you are not aware.

https://www.cvsa.org/wp-content/uplo...ster%20sleeve.

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[Lopie]

Thanks, AK Bob; I did get the recall.

Just don't like the fix.

I do check and tighten it every chance I get.


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[Corkey]

I suggest doing a redhead 6 bolt steering box with a cross mount.

It will be a night and day difference coupled with what you just did.

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[Lopie]

I suggest doing a redhead 6 bolt steering box with a cross mount.

It will be a night and day difference coupled with what you just did.

I have a question.

Where does your pitman's arm settle when the steering wheel is straight along with the wheels pointing straight ahead?

My drag link seems to be too long.

It was even adjusted as short as it will go.


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[Corkey]

Let me see tomorrow after I get off work as I don't recall off the top of my head.

I had less swabs install mine as well with my lift/rims/tires/steering box with the mount simultaneously.

If I run into any issues, it's warrantied, an I'm not cussing at myself.

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[AK Bob]

I have a question.

Where does your pitman's arm settle when the steering wheel is straight along with the wheels pointing straight ahead?

My drag link seems to be too long.

It was even adjusted as short as it will go.


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Not sure if this will help you or not.

I took a photo of my all-stock front-end 2014, 3500 this morning.

The Pitman Arm is indexed to the spline, and with the wheels straight, the arm points as shown.




2014 RAM 3500 (Aisin) 3.73 4X4 Limited Crew Cab Long Bed DRW. Oil Bypass Filter, Fuel Filtration Kit, and 50 Gallon Aux Fuel Tank.

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[Lopie]

Yes!

Thanks, AK Bob.

Mine is in the same position.

I have 1.5 turns to the right, and 1.25 turns to the left with the drag link connected.

My theory is that the pitman arm should be at the 12:00 position.

I know I am no auto engineer, but every other pitman arm I have worked with has been at 12:00.

Or at least centered as far as turns from lock to lock.

Just my $.02.


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