Truck advice/opinions

[torredcuda]

Anyone ever experience Dodge Death Wobble in the Trucks?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbhmKYvRiHk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6H5EH261gw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7LeZTpBQuM&feature=related

I bought my `97 from a wholesale lot used and abused by previuos owners and even though I did some work on the front end I experienced death wobble once.Driving home from work on the highway doing 70 I hit a bad section of road and the truck shook violently.I had to pull off into the median strip and slow to almost a stop to gain control-scary stuff!No problems with the `04 though.

[tommyg29]

personally, I would stay away from salvaged titles. I know a lot of car guys think they can get some great deals by either putting it back together themselves. First, I wouldnt even consider one unless I knew from firsthand experience what had happened, and either felt comfortable repairing it myself, or wholeheartedly trusted the guy who did them. I have heard and witnessed nightmarish repair jobs. My wife was once an unknowing victim of a rebuilt title, and probably wouldnt allow me to own one. 
Also consider they are typically cash only or buy here-pay here deals, and resale on it will be tough.
That said, ymmv

[torredcuda]

Ya,resale of a salvage title vehicle is more difficult as a lot of buyers will not consider buying a vehicle with one limiting your market.

[Road_Runner]

Wow!  That Death Wobble is aptly named!  Its funny, I was going to post a new thread about my recent experiences renting trucks when I go out of town.  So far I've rented two different Dodge Rams and one Chevy 1500.  The Dodges both exhibited a handling trait I didn't care for and that was a 'nervousness' or 'unsettled' feeling going over bumps during a gentle corner on the highway.  I didn't feel unsafe at least not at the 65 mph I was going, but it didn't inspire confidence either.  When I rented the Chevy on the next trip I went across the same section of road and although it felt a little more 'truck like' in its handling, the Chevy handled the washboard type bumps much better than the Rams did.  Has anyone else felt this same lack of composure in the Dodges?  At first I thought maybe it was low tire pressure, but both Dodges did it.  It could be too softly sprung, or that Dodge puts too soft a shock to help smooth the ride, I don't know.  Just curious if anyone else has had similar experiences with the Ram.

Later, Jim

[Skunkworks Challenger]

I've read about the "DW" problem on the " Turbo Diesel Register" website but never experienced it in my 97 Ram with 185,000 miles.  I did experience it with some military vehicles.  The problem is more prevalent on straight axle designs but occurs on others as well---including GM and Ford.  It is actually pretty rare but Dodge with the straight axle (as in 4x4)  seems to be the poster child.  Your (our) friends who drive brand X's are only too happy to discuss the Ram short comings but forget to mention their own--which are plentiful.  Don't be afraid to buy a Ram because of this rare problem.