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Steering Stability
#2739480
02/03/20 11:14 PM
02/03/20 11:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
OP
I Live Here
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OP
I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
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The truck is a 74 stepside. It’s been lowered via van LCAs. Been experiencing a wobble at around 35mph and smooths out. Someone along the life of the truck welded some angle iron from the frame in vicinity of the steering box to the core support. Looks like they were trying to address the stress the box puts on the frame. I’m thinking of cutting out that ankle iron bracing and add the correct brace from the steering box to the core support. Also thinking of adding a brace that ties the left and right stub. Anyone else deal with this and what did you do?
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: stumpy]
#2739684
02/04/20 03:22 PM
02/04/20 03:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,021
Tulsa OK
Bad340fish
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,021
Tulsa OK
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A steering shock is just a band aid for a geometry problem.
If you haven't aready you need to take the truck to a good reputable alignment guy, not a tire shop and have the alignment checked.
68 Barracuda Formula S 340
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: stumpy]
#2739694
02/04/20 03:45 PM
02/04/20 03:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,497
North East USA
BIGGERED
Reasonable Title
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Reasonable Title
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,497
North East USA
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That won't cure your death wobble. It's caused by steering geometry being off due to the truck being lowered. Installing the correct brace won't hurt but won't get rid of the wobble. It seems installing a steering shock helps. Do an online search for death wobble fixs. The only vehicle I experienced death wobble in was a Jeep ZJ, there was no way to drive out of it, only slowing down to an almost stop. I recall a ZJ passing me at 65 MPH going into death wobble and I witnessed the left and right tires alternately leaving the road surface completely. The first time that happened to me I needed to go home and change my drawers. It was an extremely violent unpleasant event. Ultimately traced to worn factory and then a cheap aftermarket track bar.Granted the ZJ was 4WD but had a complete front end rebuild including ball joints I think the 1974 frame is significantly different from a later 70's frame but recall the late seventies frames cracking at the box/frame connection hence the creation of the steering box brace that came with a recall. This defect appeared to be exacerbated by running 7-8" wide wheel and tires on the front of a D100/D150 2 WD truck. When I was planning a Lil Red and a Warlock restoration my plan was to fully box the front left frame rail at a minimum but I am no mechanical genius. I know you have posted a lot regarding this truck, is the front end and suspension all new high quality parts? Do you see any cracking in the frame rail? Good luck! Red
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: BIGGERED]
#2739715
02/04/20 05:43 PM
02/04/20 05:43 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
OP
I Live Here
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OP
I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
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That won't cure your death wobble. It's caused by steering geometry being off due to the truck being lowered. Installing the correct brace won't hurt but won't get rid of the wobble. It seems installing a steering shock helps. Do an online search for death wobble fixs. The only vehicle I experienced death wobble in was a Jeep ZJ, there was no way to drive out of it, only slowing down to an almost stop. I recall a ZJ passing me at 65 MPH going into death wobble and I witnessed the left and right tires alternately leaving the road surface completely. The first time that happened to me I needed to go home and change my drawers. It was an extremely violent unpleasant event. Ultimately traced to worn factory and then a cheap aftermarket track bar.Granted the ZJ was 4WD but had a complete front end rebuild including ball joints I think the 1974 frame is significantly different from a later 70's frame but recall the late seventies frames cracking at the box/frame connection hence the creation of the steering box brace that came with a recall. This defect appeared to be exacerbated by running 7-8" wide wheel and tires on the front of a D100/D150 2 WD truck. When I was planning a Lil Red and a Warlock restoration my plan was to fully box the front left frame rail at a minimum but I am no mechanical genius. I know you have posted a lot regarding this truck, is the front end and suspension all new high quality parts? Do you see any cracking in the frame rail? Good luck! Red The front suspension is all fresh MOOG to include the inner tie rods and drag link. Fresh Red Head steering box, fresh shocks. I am running 15x7 slots in the front with 255/60/15. When we had the old box off we checked for cracking. The alignment is dead on. We also did the axle flip replacing the Dana with 8.75. I like your idea of boxing the frame.
Last edited by dart4forte; 02/04/20 05:44 PM.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: stumpy]
#2739730
02/04/20 06:45 PM
02/04/20 06:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
OP
I Live Here
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OP
I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
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I lowered my 74 D100 using Dakota drop spindles and rear axle flip and the alignment specs were different then stock. I got the specs from one of the Dodge truck sites but it's been a few years so I don't remember which site it was. I had the same wobble problem so I do have some experience with it. What year spindles did you use, any pics?
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: dart4forte]
#2739749
02/04/20 08:08 PM
02/04/20 08:08 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,105
Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,105
Byron, NY
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I'd put a little more caster in it...
'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60
'01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust,
'05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list
'60 Willys CJ5
'01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison
'64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: NITROUSN]
#2739820
02/05/20 12:26 AM
02/05/20 12:26 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
OP
I Live Here
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OP
I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
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I'd put a little more caster in it... That's why I asked the poster to show what it was set to. Without seeing the print out and knowing what it was aligned to its hard to make correct suggestions. I can do that tomorrow
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: dart4forte]
#2739829
02/05/20 01:29 AM
02/05/20 01:29 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,122
Auburn WA
Dave_J
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,122
Auburn WA
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1974 D200 Club cab long box. We used B van LCA's and we moved the rear springs front hanger up and used drop shackles. This was a net effect of dropping this D200 4 inches all around. My son is running 245/70 16's front and 265/70 16 rear. No wobble at any speed. We set the alignment in the driveway using a level for Camber and a string for toe.
Retired, US ARMY 1973-1994
ASE mechanic, Electrical 1994-1997
Retired GTE/VERIZON/FRONTIER 1997-2015
Posting cheap tech help (CRAP) here since Nov 97, 1000's of posts, some may be good.
03 Suzuki Burgman 650(Burger King) Scooter
65 Formula S Cuda
78 Little Red Express Truck
98 Buick Regal (wifes car)
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: Dave_J]
#2739897
02/05/20 11:11 AM
02/05/20 11:11 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
OP
I Live Here
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OP
I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
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This is the brace I plan on using
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: stumpy]
#2739969
02/05/20 01:38 PM
02/05/20 01:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
OP
I Live Here
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OP
I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
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That's a good piece and will help keep the frame from breaking. Won't stop the wobble. Kinda figured that
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: dart4forte]
#2739977
02/05/20 01:47 PM
02/05/20 01:47 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,819
Kirkland, Washington
Pacnorthcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,819
Kirkland, Washington
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That's a good piece and will help keep the frame from breaking. Won't stop the wobble. Kinda figured that Is your truck 4wd? If so, inspect the front track bar for slop very carefully.
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Re: Steering Stability
[Re: NITROUSN]
#2740089
02/05/20 07:09 PM
02/05/20 07:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,105
Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,105
Byron, NY
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I'd put a little more caster in it... That's why I asked the poster to show what it was set to. Without seeing the print out and knowing what it was aligned to its hard to make correct suggestions. More caster will increase steering feel (harder) less caster will decrease steering feel (less effort) and create steering instability. As the axis inclination angle increased the ability to pivot about that axis becomes easier and more susceptible to road condition influences. Most factory specs are a compromise between optimal and driver effort. More caster reduces road condition influences. Once you modify a suspension factory specs are just a jumping off point with tweaks to follow 
'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60
'01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust,
'05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list
'60 Willys CJ5
'01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison
'64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
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