Truck Owner Problem:

A neighbor of mine is asking my help in fixing a severe shaking of his 1996 Dodge R2500 truck. This truck has a lift kit installed and ever since it was done, this problem appeared. The front end of the truck was fitted with new parts like track bar, upper and lower ball joint and tie rods including a complete front end alignment. After doing this, the problem was still there. I am a truck mechanic but I have not seen this problem before especially if the suspension is modified. Can you offer some advice?

Truck Tire Advisor:

The first thing to look at on this Dodge truck should be your tires and wheels. Any unbalanced load on these parts will cause the symptoms that you mentioned. Another way you can check is the addition of a steering stabilizer. As a matter of fact, a lot of garages are recommending this every time a suspension lift is added. (This is a common fix when a lift kit is added on Ford trucks). Also, you did not mentioned if you have an extra big set of tires for this. If that is the case, the more you will need a steering stabilizer bar.

Dodge truck dealer has also a Service Bulletin regarding this problem but I am not sure if it will apply to you since your suspension is modified. Again it calls for an addition of a steering damper to your front suspension. If you have one already, it would not hurt to add another one to maintain stability for this Dodge truck.

Notes:

When in doubt, bring your car to an authorized Dodge truck dealer shop to make sure your tire problem is fixed.