I was driving today on the Fwy, when I hit a couple of bumps while going around a bend. all of a sudden my truck started to shake and bounce violently. I honestly thought my wheels were falling off. I slowed down and the shaking went away. approx 100 miles later, while going straight on the hwy, I could feel every bump more than usual. I could tell that the violent shaking was going to start. Sure enough, I hit a couple small bumps and the truck started bouncing all over the place. I made it home and checked under the truck. All looks good. I have the stock shocks with the 315 BFG's, and the 2 inch leveling kit. I called a friend who thinks I blew up the shocks, causing the bouncing. anyone know what the problem is????????

Any help would be appreciated...Thanks

Might be time for some Rancho RS9000's. Are they still having the buy 3 get 1 free deal? Any web sites out there with a good price? Thanks

 

I had the same problem - but I had the leveling kit with rancho
RS - 9000 shocks & rancho leveling kit .

First changed out the steering stabalizer - same problem, then
pulled the Rancho shocks off - passenger shock fell apart - in two pieces - oil everywhere. Put procomp shocks on - no more death wobble !
shocks had 8000 miles - do I recommend RS 9000 adjustables ?

 

I'm sold, where is the best place to but the pro comps? Do you have the part number?

 

Sounds like the "Death Wobble" that's been mentioned many times on this board. This is the first I've seen mentioned on a 3rd gen. Do a search to see what others did to correct it..

 

This does not sound like a compression and rebound problem.....(shocks) I would say wheel weights, alignment, steering something in that effect I am not sure if I agree with the shocks. The shocks would help because you would get less roll but I do not think it has corrected the bigger problem...

Rad ram you still have those rs9000's for the truck?

 

I had the same thing. It was so violent that I would have to so down, the truck felt like tires were not bolted on. I found that the belts had seperated on the left front tire. It took a while to notice this. Once the tire started to wear oddly, I noticed it. Moved it to the inside rear. This happened at app 50,000 KM. You can guess the results of my warranty questions. My truck has the off-road up-graded tire package.
I also have the 2" leveling kit. At first I felt the shock couldn't work aswell at the "top" of it's stroke.

James

 

Had that death wobble on my 96. It was the track bar. Went Through 3 of them.
I think they redesigned the track bar on the 3rd gereration.

 

Had it happen twice with the stock tires. Tires were about 40 lbs. due to inaccurate gauge. Put in 60 lbs. No more problems.

 

Well.. it seems that I am getting a bunch of different possible problems. All i know it was not fun driving 75mph down the fwy bouncing all over the place. I guess a trip to the dealer is in the near future.....

 

better also check for bent rim or damaged tire. That will do the same thing.

 

Just dropped it off at the tire store that put on the 315's. They said they would check everything......I will give an update when I find out what happened.....

I also noticed that on the drivers side where the sway bar mounts to the axle, the bushing appears to be bent a little. I wonder if that has something to do with it. I noticed it awile ago, but it didn't seem to effect the handling of the truck. The sway bar doesn't connect to any of the steering components only to the front axle. Could that be the problem??????????????

 

Chrismez, I heard of other guys experiencing the same problem with a 2 inch level kit and stock shocks. I understand the stock shocks, or any other shock made for our stock configuration, are too short for use with a 2 in level kit. I read on the TDR of a new shock made by Bilstein that is longer and is made for our trucks with a 2 in level kit on it. I also believe Rancho makes a new longer shock for our trucks w/ the level kit. The level kits make the shock work that much harder and quickly breaks them down providing no rebound, thus causing the death wobble.

 

First time for everything, never before heard a complaint on the Rancho's, mine have over 150,000 and are still doing great. Course I only use them light

 

The Ranchos I had on were the correct ones for the leveling kit.
Yes I have 2 new rs-9000s - Shop replaced them . Still at thier shop - After the problems im not going to reinstall them.

Like was stated could be a bad shock - once bitten ---

I dont recommend any brand, just did not enjoy the death wobble experience -

 

Well, just got back from the tire shop. Guy told me all the tires were about 4 ounces out of balance. The guy couldn't believe how bad it was. He thought the shocks were ok, but I guess I will see tomorrow on the way to work......I think new shocks will be added very soon.......