Diesel-Dan

I think this is the kits i am going to go with....since i just scored a free 03+ Trackbar!!!

nv_brewer

My intent is not to hi-jack the thread but: Being new to Dodge trucks, what is a "Death Wobble?"

My frontend shakes terribly if I'm in a left turn at 40+ mph and hit a hole, bump, etc. I'm not sure if the wheel's bouncing or oscillating.

wcbcruzer

yep.. Welcome to the death wobble club.

Diesel-Dan

YUP...that is what it is.

The track bar keeps the fnt axle supported from left to right. The axle needs this since the Dodge uses coil springs which only offer support up and down. Unlike leaf springs, they do not support the axle from left to right.

the 94-02 Dodge track bar is a bad design from the git go. They use a bushing rod end on one end, and a ball and socket joint on the other. The ball and socket joint tends to ware out and develops slop. This slop allows the axle to move from side to side ever so slightly. Most times you will not notice it until you hit a bump and sends the axle into a oscillation from side to side. Some times minor...and others it will almost knock you off the road! The track bar (Or Panhard bar) is not the only cause of this issue…but I would venture a guess it’s the most common.

Cowhand

Guys....a word of caution. If the 3rd gen track bar is supposed to be the end all be all of track bars, why are so many 3rd gen trucks coming up with death wobble???

nv_brewer

With these bars running $140-$220 (Napa), is there a sure fire way to determine mine's bad?

I'm scheduled for an alignment Monday (pulls right) and think I ought to replace it before hand if it's indeed gone south.

Lil Dog

Dunno... Do you??? Doesn't seem to be a problem for me so far, and I was told it would be by now.. If you are that concerned, you can get the 03 bar from SSI with the upgraded bushings. I have better things to do than rebuild ball and socket joints..

Crimedog

You can check yours by having someone see saw the wheel back and forth with the truck running as you watch the ball stud of the track bar (frame end) for movement or popping. Any movement is too much movement.

Diesel-Dan

While you are at it....look at all the tie rod ends and pitman arm joints for play...as this can cause wabble as well.....

Cowhand

Yeah, as a matter of fact I do.....and for that matter, a factory 2nd gen bar will last 30K. My original TB went 60K before I had to replace it.

I'm not the least bit concerned about it, but I know of several 3rd gen owners who have posted here that are acutely concerned about it, some who have less than 10K on the odometer.

Diesel-Dan

Mine just turned 150,000+.....dont ask me how it made it that far....Fluke i guess.....TBK on order.....

Crimedog

Hey Blue, I think I'm going to try one of these

It's worth a shot, I think that dirt and grime are a contributing cause of them wearing down so fast.