WC 63 Front axle "wobble"

[Mark 1]

Hopefully someone on here can help.

My Dodge WC63 when up at around 40/45 mph starts to have a front axle Wobble, it’s like the tyres are Rugby,[ or American football to most of you], shaped front tyres.
I fitted new tyres, no difference, I checked the front shocks oil level, changed the oil from lightweight hydraulic type, right up to EP80, does not seem to make any difference, possible with the thicker oil it’s a bit worse, can’t be sure TBH.

I presume the wheels and tyres were not balanced when in service?

It has been like this for quite some time, I can’t seem to eliminate it, any ideas ?

Cheers
Mark.

[W. Winget]

My WC 56 was doing this, turned out the air was low in the tires...It is Winter air molecules shrink
Try 40Lbs, see what happens before doing a lot of work.

Then:
Switch tires front to back and see if it's in the tires (cheapest place to start)
Bearings tightened properly
King pin bearings adjusted
Tie rod ends
Drag link

Is the "X" across from the valve stem on the sidewall of the tire? this was the 'heavy' spot in molding and is supposed to be across from the tubes valve stem to improve balance (not that I've ever noticed)
A truck center may be able to balance a 9:00 x 16, I doubt a small garage can, not a lot of room inside the rim for weights.
I have to slow to 62mph to keep mass imbalance in check (4:30 ratios )
V/R W. Winget

[zepher11]

Some other general areas that could possibly cause this issue are Toe-in and Toe-out, tie rod end wear, and possibly king pin/wheel bearings. Some times, caster angle will cause this issue. Too little positive caster angle can cause a bit of the shimmy and shakes... I have found a few Dodge WC's that had caster shims installed. I have never put them back in, however.

[Bean]

Mine did this also, Its called the "death wobble" I had the tires speed balanced at a truck tire shop and it went away.

[Joe Gopan]

Best service the Steering Knuckles. It is a precision operation shown in the TM requiring replacing/adjusting upper/lower shims and bearings.
It is part of the normal scheduled PM on WC and the only way to be sure the steering knuckles are in correct adjustment.

[W. Winget]

Soooo adding air fixed mine....guess the steering knuckles are perfect.

[mdainsd]

As long as you added air to the tires by the manual

[W. Winget]

I have a NOS 55 gallon drum of Air, Vehicular Tire, from 1944 that I use to fill them up, have to keep all original stuff in there for proper maintenance.

[Mark 1]

Many thanks all for your replies.

Cured it, just been out up to 55 mph, no wobble Reading the comments here and studying the excellent original online Manuel that i downloaded, i found the following in order of most likely reasons for the Wobble :

Tracking was toeing out 9/16th !! Re set to toe in 2mm.
1/2 turn on steering box play adjuster
Front tyres up to 48 psi, they were both around 42.

Gave it a thorough check over all else looks in good order, found the clamp bolt for the steering column sleeve very loose that's all.

Looking forward to more usage at normal cruising speeds without all and sundry being shaken about

Cheers
Mark.

[zepher11]

That's great to hear, and it's good to receive the positive feedback. Toe-Out is not good for sure. I always like to check that first.

Safe travels,