Thread: Death Wobble

Looking for some input. I have a 2008 F350 4x4 Powerstroke that was shipped without the steering stabilizer or the mounting hardware. I have since added the hardware and a Pro Comp Steering Stabilizer. I thought this was in most likelihood the reason for the wobble at high speeds after hitting a rough patch of road.
Now after install it has improved, but I experiecnced the wobble again. I had the alignment checked, nothing out of spec.

I've heard this is a common issue for the 05+ trucks and noticed it on mine when I had my 05. It has to do with the caster of the wheel. The 04 and prior trucks have a caster I think anywere from 2.5*-4* and the 05 and up trucks are anywere from .5*-2.0*. By not having much caster the wheel will tend to wobble and by hitting a pot hole it starts the wobble. Steering stabilizers help but are really a band-aid fix.

Have you had your front tires balance recently? Bald tires can do it as well.

Check the track bar bushings

Originally Posted by sanger

Have you had your front tires balance recently? Bald tires can do it as well.

New Tires and alignment in July.

What tires are you running? Certain brands are better than others with respect to wobble. If you are running Procomp tires that would be my first suspect. I had the death wobble on one of my jeeps and the procomp tires with less than 5k on them turned out to be the issue. I've known others with the same experience as I had.

Are there any thumps or rattles in the front end that would mean a loose bushing or tow or three?

Was the truck aligned at a shop that works on trucks and motorhomes or mainly cars?
Lots of car alignment guys don't really know how to do trucks correctly. If you are in Orange County or close to there I would recommend Glenns Alignment in Costa Mesa since Andersons in Garden Grove is now gone.

Originally Posted by jeepnut1

What tires are you running? Certain brands are better than others with respect to wobble. If you are running Procomp tires that would be my first suspect. I had the death wobble on one of my jeeps and the procomp tires with less than 5k on them turned out to be the issue. I've known others with the same experience as I had.

Are there any thumps or rattles in the front end that would mean a loose bushing or tow or three?

Was the truck aligned at a shop that works on trucks and motorhomes or mainly cars?
Lots of car alignment guys don't really know how to do trucks correctly. If you are in Orange County or close to there I would recommend Glenns Alignment in Costa Mesa since Andersons in Garden Grove is now gone.

I am running Continental TR 275/70x18 fairly new. HB Ford aligned the truck, but may not be competent. Thanks for the referral, I may just try having the caster adjusted.

I think HB Fords alignment will trun out to be alot of your problem. I don't have much faith in dealer techs anymore, they are paid by turn over so there isn't alot of incentive to take their time and do it right the first time. At least thats my personal experience with HB Ford. I think if try Glenns you will be happy with the result, they have worked on both personal vehicles and work fleet. They will be able to advise you on the caster issue as well. I think there is a kit available to fix the issue.

Originally Posted by BSD

Looking for some input. I have a 2008 F350 4x4 Powerstroke that was shipped without the steering stabilizer or the mounting hardware. I have since added the hardware and a Pro Comp Steering Stabilizer. I thought this was in most likelihood the reason for the wobble at high speeds after hitting a rough patch of road.
Now after install it has improved, but I experiecnced the wobble again. I had the alignment checked, nothing out of spec.

Have you looked into this? I am planning on it for my 08 F250...heard good things: Ford Super Duty Steering Stabilizer, Hi-Mount Bilstien 7100 Ford F250/F350 4x4 Super Duty Stabilizer