noob? 96' F350 4x4 crew gasser, death wobble.

[blthomas]

So after the last post, I'm resigned into checking some things, but it looks like she needs u-joints.

But I have another problem, so we'll see what is said about this one.

The truck is not lifted.

Stock suspension, stock steering, including shocks, 150k on the clock.

Tires are almost new 235/85's, needs an alignment pretty bad.

Got DW a couple times over the last month or so, and most recently twice in one weekend.

All times on back roads at about 40 or so, but nothing rediculous as far as bumps go.

When I put it on stands, I pulled on the wheels at 12 & 6 o'clock, 3 & 9 o'clock, things appear to be tight.

No trackbar on the front 60, just the steering linkage, and a swaybar. the swaybar bushings are looking beat, other than that, it looks OK.

Learned alot here, enlighten me on what needs to be done here? :homer:

Thanks.

[94stepsideford]

change the tires around and see if that changes it any...and get it aligned.

[demonranger]

No trackbar on the front 60,
Thanks.

Here's your problem your truck came with a track bar from the factory and death wobble is common when track bar bushings are shot.

Bar goes from engine crossmember to passenger's side spring mount

[Proeliator]

Alignment, and replace those worn bushings...wouldn't be surprised if a bj or two needs help as well.

[94stepsideford]

Here's your problem your truck came with a track bar from the factory and death wobble is common when track bar bushings are shot.

Bar goes from engine crossmember to passenger's side spring mount

Nope..you dont NEED a trac-bar.

[1sicbronconut]

Don't have to have a trac bar but they can help with the street manners.

[bmc69]

Nope..you dont NEED a trac-bar.

really??..then I guess I'm unlucky. So far every late model F-350 Ford I own or ahve owned can't live without both the track bar and good tight bushings in it without experiencing death wobble. Same held tru for the '89 F-250 I recently SASed with an '89 F-350 60 ..first test ride went great up to about 40..then after a change of underwear and the addition of a track bar, its been fine ever since.

Now I'm dealing with a serious shimmy..won't call it death wobble just yet but its clearly the beginnings of it..on an 06 F-350 dually and even with track bar tight, two alignments by two different shops and literally weeks at the Ford dealer..its still there.:shaking:

[94stepsideford]

really??..then I guess I'm unlucky. So far every late model F-350 Ford I own or ahve owned can't live without both the track bar and good tight bushings in it without experiencing death wobble. Same held tru for the '89 F-250 I recently SASed with an '89 F-350 60 ..first test ride went great up to about 40..then after a change of underwear and the addition of a track bar, its been fine ever since.

Now I'm dealing with a serious shimmy..won't call it death wobble just yet but its clearly the beginnings of it..on an 06 F-350 dually and even with track bar tight, two alignments by two different shops and literally weeks at the Ford dealer..its still there.:shaking:


Just so you don't think I'm bsing

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v272/128/108/705131587/n705131587_693152_621.jpg

Had it up to 85 a few times with only a slight shimmy from the unbalanced Iroks. Maybe I'm just lucky?

[Proeliator]

Had it up to 85 a few times with only a slight shimmy from the unbalanced Iroks. Maybe I'm just lucky?

You don't even have any media in the tires!? Damn.

But yes, you can run without a trackbar if everything else is set up correctly and in good shape. I don't use one and even with 44" Boggers its smooth as glass when I'm making my weekly run out to cruise the jr. high chicks.

I know on the 70's fords, a shackle reversal helps with this if the shackle is on the front, stock. Where is the shackle positioned on your newer rigs?

[brewchief]

Just so you don't think I'm bsing

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v272/128/108/705131587/n705131587_693152_621.jpg

Had it up to 85 a few times with only a slight shimmy from the unbalanced Iroks. Maybe I'm just lucky?

Lots of differances there, old stock springs with worn out bushings, stock, tired shocks, and all the other wear 150K will give vs newer, stiffer lift springs with poly bushings(guessing) and most likely pretty new parts thoughout.

If it were me I'd take a real close look at the shackle bushings, I would get it aligined and put some shocks on it also.

Brewchief:D

I've got a truck with no trac bar at home also, however I wouldn't hesitate to put one on his(the op) truck.

[svt150j49]

every truck with a 60 front that we have come across with DW had worn track bar bushings. alignment will do wonders.

[94stepsideford]

Lots of differances there, old stock springs with worn out bushings, stock, tired shocks, and all the other wear 150K will give vs newer, stiffer lift springs with poly bushings(guessing) and most likely pretty new parts thoughout.

If it were me I'd take a real close look at the shackle bushings, I would get it aligined and put some shocks on it also.

Brewchief:D

I've got a truck with no trac bar at home also, however I wouldn't hesitate to put one on his(the op) truck.

The rear is a little rigged. 4" block shackle flip and 2" lift 3/4 ton springs. The front are stock rears I took off a 4wd 1/2 ton parts truck. No fancy or new parts to be had there.

With that said I know alot of people who do run trac bars. The bottom line is that it couldn't hurt.

[94stepsideford]

You don't even have any media in the tires!? Damn.

But yes, you can run without a trackbar if everything else is set up correctly and in good shape. I don't use one and even with 44" Boggers its smooth as glass when I'm making my weekly run out to cruise the jr. high chicks.

I know on the 70's fords, a shackle reversal helps with this if the shackle is on the front, stock. Where is the shackle positioned on your newer rigs?
Nothing in the tires at all. I pased my buddy in his 77 chebby on the way back from the movies the other night and the speed display sign said 86 the last time I looked at it. I love the iroks.

My shackle is in the rear, his should be in the front.

[Proeliator]

With that said I know alot of people who do run trac bars. The bottom line is that it couldn't hurt.

Well, and since its pretty much stock anyways, I would think it a move in the right direction to put it back on. Like I mentioned, with the shackle in the front they are more susceptible to dw minus the trackbar.

[blthomas]

Thanks for the inputs fellas.

Guess it's time for a trackbar, and I'll get it aligned soon too.

[hodor]

Tire pressure OK?

[blthomas]

Tire pressure is good. I been checking it regular with some of the side jobs I've picked up.

Got a trackbar from a rig at the local yard, going to get some new buhsings, then try to get it in for alignment early next week.

Thanks for all the help guys. Been great.

[blthomas]

Bushings are in.

Still not aligned, but night and day difference, got some Moog bushings and popped them in.

Anyway, I appreciate the Pirate knowledge very much.

Thanks.

[james@bluetorchfab]

the caster would be a start. I ran into that problem on my 99 250 and the problem was not enough caster. along with balancing the 44's

[94stepsideford]

the caster would be a start. I ran into that problem on my 99 250 and the problem was not enough caster. along with balancing the 44's

You= teh retarded :shaking:

Glad to hear you got it fixed up. I'm thinking about adding on to my shit just to see if something magical happens :confused:

[blthomas]

Appreciate it man. Way better than before.

[bremen242]

Well, and since its pretty much stock anyways, I would think it a move in the right direction to put it back on. Like I mentioned, with the shackle in the front they are more susceptible to dw minus the trackbar.

The trouble is because the front shackle on a F350 is the same pussy-assed shackle they use on the leaf sprung F250 IFS.

So, on the 85+ F350s, you should have track bar unless you like DW, make beefy shackes, or did a shackle reversal.

[cadunkle]

Does anyone make a decent front shackle for these trucks?

I have an '86 F-250 Supercab and just swapped the TTB 50 for a Dana 60 (from an '87 F-350). 4" lift springs in front and Sky flip shackles in the rear, 38.5x15 tires. Truck now has nasty death wobble. I've only driven it around town just the mile and change to work and I won't go over 25-30 MPH or so. Even at those speeds if I hit a bump or pothole the wrong way it'll get set off quite violently. It'll take most bumps/dips fine though.

Don't have the track bar attached yet though. I ordered a drop bracket for it that hasn't arrived yet. Hopefully I'll get that this week and it'll cure the death wobble. Would like to get appropriate front shackles if available so I can cover all bases.

[Proeliator]

Does anyone make a decent front shackle for these trucks?

Both Lincoln and Miller do. Other than that, I have no idea.

[bremen242]

Does anyone make a decent front shackle for these trucks?

I have an '86 F-250 Supercab and just swapped the TTB 50 for a Dana 60 (from an '87 F-350). 4" lift springs in front and Sky flip shackles in the rear, 38.5x15 tires. Truck now has nasty death wobble. I've only driven it around town just the mile and change to work and I won't go over 25-30 MPH or so. Even at those speeds if I hit a bump or pothole the wrong way it'll get set off quite violently. It'll take most bumps/dips fine though.

Don't have the track bar attached yet though. I ordered a drop bracket for it that hasn't arrived yet. Hopefully I'll get that this week and it'll cure the death wobble. Would like to get appropriate front shackles if available so I can cover all bases.

You need the track bar if you use the factory shackles.

Sky makes a shackle reversal for the front, not sure if it "fits" the '86 thought.

[TroyM]

really??..then I guess I'm unlucky. So far every late model F-350 Ford I own or ahve owned can't live without both the track bar and good tight bushings in it without experiencing death wobble. Same held tru for the '89 F-250 I recently SASed with an '89 F-350 60 ..first test ride went great up to about 40..then after a change of underwear and the addition of a track bar, its been fine ever since.

Now I'm dealing with a serious shimmy..won't call it death wobble just yet but its clearly the beginnings of it..on an 06 F-350 dually and even with track bar tight, two alignments by two different shops and literally weeks at the Ford dealer..its still there.:shaking:

did you re-torque the track bar nut ?

[outfitter540]

Did your truck come stock with the steering stabilizer. Most stock F350's around here have them. The whole purpose of a steering stabilizer is to eliminate DW. I'm not sure if it is more of a bandaid though.

[blthomas]

Bushings are in.

Still not aligned, but night and day difference, got some Moog bushings and popped them in.

Anyway, I appreciate the Pirate knowledge very much.

Thanks.

I appreciate the replys, but this is my post after I bought a trackbar and bushings.

Zero death wobble, still needs alignment, but I don't drive it much. I'll get it done sometime.