Front Suspension problems of the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500

On my 2001 Dodge 1500, there is a ton of rust on the underside parts. The frame and body aren't bad, but the things that attach are failing. The brkae lines went, and the emergency brake all went at the same time, almost resulting in a wreck. The straps that hold the gas tank in place rusted out. The sheet metal attachment for the front axle is the latest. I's almost rusted out, and would have caused the front axle to detach if not replaced. ($$$$) yes, the truck is 10 years old and I live in NW PA where we use salt. Critical parts need to be protected from rust or made from stailness. This truck could have killed someone, probably me!.

I purchased a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 pickup in April, 2009. Approximately 6 months after ownership, I was driving north on interstate 95 near richmond va, at about 70 miles per hour when the vehicle began to shake violently. I came to a stop, and took a state route the remainder of the trip, after looking under the vehicle for some obvious defect. I could see nothing. A few days later, I took the vehicle to an ase certified repair shop. They noticed slight play in the left front u joint, so I had both replaced, knowing that could not have possibly caused what I experienced. I drove the vehicle about another 6 months and had the same incident occur. I took the vehicle back to the repair shop and asked them to inspect the suspension, explaining the violent shaking that occurred. They could find nothing wrong. Everything was fine until 2 weeks ago. Again, while driving on i95, at about 70, out of nowhere, without warning, the vehicle shook violently. It shook my body so hard it blurred my vision. The ac vent covers snapped out , my coffee up bounced out of a tightly squeezed holder, and my dash board top cracked into about 15 pieces. It was absolutely dangerous and violent. I came to a stop. Only then did the shaking stop. I looked under the vehicle and all round for something obviously wrong, but saw nothing. That evening, I googled Dodge truck violently shaking and learned about the "death wobble". If the authorities would read the internet, and reports on this issue, it would be overwhelming that there is a serious design flaw in this vehicle. There is no doubt in my mind that there has been a death from this problem, as all 3 times it happened to me, only luck allowed me to exit the travel lanes , get in the break down lane and come to a stop. A slight change in the traffic pattern would have caused a high speed accident, as it is nearly impossible to control the vehicle it is shaking so violently. Please investigate this problem.

Coil spring broke from driver side. The mechanic said he has never seen this happened on Dodge 1500.

While driving on the highway at approx 60 mph, we hit a mild bump on the left side. The front end immediately started vibrating horribly, alternating left:right. It was very challenging for my husband to maintain control of the truck, but he managed to pull over to the shoulder. This has happened at least 3 times before, possibly more. I believe the first incident may have occurred late last year, with periodic similar episodes continuing through the early spring. We took the truck in to our local dealer, who replaced the "tie rod" and "bar track" on March 27, 2002, as a result of their analysis of the problem. However, we have had two more occurrences since then. It only happens at highway speeds (>50mph) and begins after taking a bump, which doesn't necessarily have to be a large bump or pothole.

Received notice #01v153000. Clock spring broke while making a turn. Contacted dealership. Urged to bring vehicle in for repairs. After arriving was informed to leave vehicle, and would get to it when time allowed. No appointment was made. Dealership did not accept or make appointments.