1996 Ram 2500HD w/Cummins Problem

[J Rainey]

Anyone ever have a steering dampener problem? Mine was diagnosed with a bad steering dampener and I've never heard of such a thing. Cruising anywhere from 50-80 mph you hit a bump and the whole truck starts to shake and you cannot turn the wheel. Scared the tar out of me.

We'll paid to have it fixed and it still does it. Dealer can't figure it out. I will not drive the truck anymore until somethings done.

Jason

[fredjacksonsan]

I'd suggest that you go to the Jeep Wrangler forums, or also Google, and do a search for "Death Wobble". This often happens when you've got larger than stock tires, worn steering parts or several other conditions. Most Dodge mechanics aren't aware of some of the issues, but you should be able to find a solution there. Good luck; this is sometimes a difficult thing to solve.

[J Rainey]

Thanks for the reply. I have stock tires on it and it started with the origional factory tires. Think I might just trade it to the dealer that keeps saying they fixed it. Problem is disclosed so it will be their problem.

Jason

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by J Rainey

Thanks for the reply. I have stock tires on it and it started with the origional factory tires. Think I might just trade it to the dealer that keeps saying they fixed it. Problem is disclosed so it will be their problem.

Jason

Ha-ha! That's a good idea, to trade it to them. You're welcome; how many miles on the truck?

[J Rainey]

140,000. Problem started at 120,000. Other than the shake the engine and tranny are still running strong. Better fuel economy and runs smooth.

Jason

[fredjacksonsan]

Might be worthwhile to hold onto it...the Cummins will last at least 300K probably. With a little suspension work you should be good to go.

[J Rainey]

You're probably right. Now I've been using it around the farm pulling loads of sileage and other trailers. Since most fields are only 10 miles away or less and speeds don't go past 45 mph I don't experiance the problem. I telll you what hooking it to a 12 ton load of feed it doesn't break a sweat. My uncle has a newer 05 and what a difference between the two with the increased HP and torque. I have also been impressed with the numbers on the GM's Allison 6-speed/Duramax combo for the 2006. I am considering one just for something different. My wife says the Dodge just is to high for loading the baby in and out. I tell her that why she has the Lexus. I do like the space in the Mega Cab but the price is rediculus.

Jason

[fredjacksonsan]

Yeah, Mega cab = Mega $$; guess they planned on selling a lot of those? but it seems overpriced.

Just wait on the baby, you'll be able to just toss in in a couple of years.

My brother has an '05, and has been nothing but happy with it. He said he regularly smokes most sports cars from the stoplight.

[J Rainey]

I can't beleive the take off on the new diesels. I test drove the Chevy too and you will burn out if you punch it. Was also going about 25 and punched it and it broke traction. I remember the first diesel I drove was a 1986 chevy with the 6.2. What a dog it was.

Jason

[fredjacksonsan]

Hahaha, I remember the 6.2. I knew someone that had one, when they hit the gas the only reaction they got was smoke from the tailpipe.

There's so much torque on tap with the new stuff - seems like it's the new horsepower wars from the 60's, but updated. Wish I had 35-40k lying around I'd swing by the Dodge dealer and order one.