Rear of truck swerves out on bumpy road sections?

[Black_Blade]

Whenever I travel over a series of bumps in the road (especially noticeable on a washboard gravel road).. I feel the rear end swerving out on me like I was spinning out on a sheet of ice. Any thoughts on what could be the culprit for this type of handling? All my tires are the same and at same pressures. I don't have any obvious alignment issues (can take hand off wheel and it runs true).

[Chris Stewart]

Would this be where the road is going downhill towards a stop sign?

[Black_Blade]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

Would this be where the road is going downhill towards a stop sign?

LOL..nope.

[Chris Stewart]

Does it normally ride rough, like the shocks are stuck/frozen?

[Black_Blade]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

Does it normally ride rough, like the shocks are stuck/frozen?

Honestly, not sure. It is a 4x4 truck, so I figured it wouldn't be too cushy of a ride anyways, it don't seem that much different from the ride in our work truck which is a 2010 Ford. I picked up a part time job helping out a mechanic on weekends, so will chat with the old guy and see what we can figger out. Actually signed up for apprenticeship in this part time place, but have yet to find a shop willing to take on any full time apprentice. They all want licenced guys, but just expect you to magically gain all those hours etc out of thin air!

[SleepyHead98]

I got a 98 olds cutlass lots f miles. It would used to sway back and forth exactly like what you are saying.

I think its alignment, because I tried these and it did not fix it.
1)trailing arms bushings (dont know if you have these)
2)bent trailing arm
3)sway bar links

But honestly, it might just need an alignment. Even though I replaced all the above, it only slightly got better. Some rubber in the trailing arm nub was getting worn out, but a replacement didnt make it 100 better.

In the end an alignment fixed it.

[Chris Stewart]

Originally Posted by Black_Blade

Honestly, not sure. It is a 4x4 truck, so I figured it wouldn't be too cushy of a ride anyways, it don't seem that much different from the ride in our work truck which is a 2010 Ford. I picked up a part time job helping out a mechanic on weekends, so will chat with the old guy and see what we can figger out. Actually signed up for apprenticeship in this part time place, but have yet to find a shop willing to take on any full time apprentice. They all want licenced guys, but just expect you to magically gain all those hours etc out of thin air!

Well look at vehicles now.
I believe a space rocket engineer in the 60's had less computer and electronic
issues than what you see now in a 10 year old vehicle...much less the new ones.
A Shop Owner needs someone who can quickly diagnose the problem, make the repair and get that car out of their stall then start the next job....not to mention the liability issues for an incorrect repair and the brakes fail or the wiring lights off like a loose sky rocket.
For someone who wasn't born in a shop (start very young in a relative's or friend's shop), options are basically go to class somewhere and get some certifications.

Some High Schools and Community Colleges offer nighttime ASE courses to get you started.

[DeltaP]

Throw a few sandbags in the back and slow down.

[nivek70]

Not sure if its related but your title caught my eye! My brother and i have identical 08 ram 1500 quad cab trucks. When we first got these trucks we both noticed how scary it rides when it hits a "pressure" crack on the highway! The truck seems to "bounch" sideways when travelling at 100+ kph, especially on the 401 highway here in Ontario. Dont seem to notice it much anymore. I guess were getting used to it!