97 dodge ram shakes

Did you check the tires?

Worn track bar. Look closely at the ball joint on the frame end of the track bar, while someone cycles the steering. ANY movement in this joint indicates wear, and needs replacement. #1 cause of the infamous "death wobble" is this joint wearing out.

Would that go away when he slows down?

Yep. That's the only way to get it to stop. Trying to drive through it only makes it worse. I had this issue in my '95, and again on my '99 - though the '99 had it worse because of the lift/tires. On the '95, I just replaced the track bar with a new one. On the '99, I changed to a DT ProFab adjustable track bar that uses a heim joint rather than a ball joint.

Cool, thanks. It hasn't happened to me yet but the truck is getting old and it may only be a matter of time. I just hope that it's a long time.

Windecker Machine makes a bracket to adapt the improved 2003+ track bar on the 1994-2002 Rams. I don't know if it's any better than the Luke's link repair or other aftermarket bars, but it's another option. See:

thanks for the help will take a look at the track bar.

Thanks Tom. At least I know what was wrong with my 01 Ram. It did this since new and Dodge kept telling me it was normal. I recently sold the truck.

Bob

You may have had a caster wooble that can happen with straight axle and get worse with lift and tires, Resting the caster angle and setting proper toe will usually cure it.