Steering wheel and truck vibration help!
 

I drive a lifted 2003 Silverado z71. Every now and then when im driving below 50 mph the whole truck and steering wheel will start to vibrate like crazy to the point where i have to hit the brakes for hit to go away. It feels like something is out of balance but im not sure what it is any ideas?

Had this issue with a Dodge Diesel - hit a bump or pothole - and the truck would gyrate so hard that I'd have to pull over and stop!

Put a DSS steering stabilizer on it - never had the issue again.

DSS is made in Canada I think - might try googling it... see if they make one for your truck. Also - you might change out the steering stabilizer you have (the "shock" version)... it could be worn. The DSS isn't the shock type stabilizer - it is a big steel bar that bolts across the frame and has a bearing that grabs the steering box shaft. Seems that on the Dodge - that shaft carries quite a load and can start flexing or torquing...

I'd also be taking a serious look at the lower ball joints...

Just check all the basic stuff- make sure your tires are balanced and alignment is good. Try and wiggle your tires to make sure the wheel bearings are good and your ball joint. What kind of lift did you put on it? Is it just a body lift or did the geometry change?

It's a Pro Comp 6inch suspension.i'm going to jack it up asoon as this rain quits and see if i can wiggle the tires around.

Do a Google search on "death wobble" and you'll find it afflicts Ford,Dodge,Chevy full size trucks with various cures for it.Had a 250 Super Duty and when it did it at 60 mph it was like a small earthquake ,Ford did have TSB's on it with no one cure for every truck.

I've had issues with my GMC 2500HD and they have had a issue with the steering colunm. They can take it apart and regrease it but I was told its a temp fix,it will come back. It seems that spline/D-shaft, dries up with the movement of the shaft. Hope that helps?
Travis

I have had the same steering column issue, but it was more of a "clunk" that you could also feel in the steering wheel. The dealers pack the slip joint with grease and hope for the best. But there is a replacement part that eliminates the problem.
That problem is very different than the OPs issue though.

I am not sure if the lift used has a full cradle up front, but if it does get the truck in the air and make sure every single nut and bolt related to the lift is tight. The lift components are under a huge amount of stress at times and can work loose. Check EVERYTHING under the truck, look into the steering stabilizer Greg mentioned as well as the ball joints and remaining moving parts related to steering.

Let us know what you find out.