Shaking 79

[Henk Lombard]

Hi All.

I am a newbie to this forum and find your posts very informative. Up to now I have only been browsing, but now I need to ask for advice. I own a 2001 1HZ 79 which has been acting strangely since about 2 weeks ago. When I reach about 60 km/h the whole front of the truck starts shaking, feeling like it comes from the front wheels.

I have so far replaced all 4 shock absorbers , rear shackle bushes, tie-rod ends and u-bolts on the rear springs, all with OEM parts. I also had the front wheels balanced and re-centered the rear diff housing. As I live about 60km from the nearest wheel alignment shop, I still have not had the wheel alignment done.

Please advise.

 

[Behemoth60]

I own a 2001 1HZ 79 which has been acting strangely since about 2 weeks ago. When I reach about 60 km/h the whole front of the truck starts shaking, feeling like it comes from the front wheels.

Please advise.

What you got there is a classic case of "Death Wobble"

There's no single cause, and often multiple contributing factors. But, somewhere in your front end, something that shouldn't be moving, is. Or at least, is moving in a direction it shouldn't. Things to check include:
Everything.
I had lots of death wobble over the years and each time it was something different. Bad steering damper. Loose tie rod ends. Loose wheel bearing. Even had a cracked frame beside a spring perch once. Check for play in your steering box, play in all suspension bushings too. Best bet is to go under there with a pry bar and try wiggling everything to ensure nothing that shouldn't move doesn't.

 

[sadam_husain]

add the radius arm bushes to the list of things to check

 

[Locked79]

And panhard. This was the root cause of death wobbles in my 79. Not a shake or a shimmy, this would cause the front wheels to shake and bounce that violently that oncoming traffic would pull over and come to a complete stop.

 

[Henk Lombard]

Thanks a stack guys! Seems I have a busy time ahead...