So I just posted pics of my new truck in this thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1180477-my-new-bat.html

First let me say, I haven't driven a vehicle this big since I learned to drive in 1995 on a '72 Ford F series...and this feels bigger. The last time I drove that truck was in 2000. I've been driving a '99 Pontiac Sunfire the last 4 years, and a '94 Ford Ranger before that. Just wanted to give a bit of background for context.

On to my question. At higher speeds, it feels like I'm drifting or swaying past where I originally intended. I say "high" speeds, but I've only gotten it up to 65-75 on the freeway. What I'm feeling is like the I'm over correcting quite a bit, or that the truck is swaying on the frame. It's quite an unsettling feeling. I'm not sure, but I think that it might have been lifted as well. I was sitting higher than every other 250 I saw, and most 350's.

Original Dealer Write Up Here:
2001 Ford Super Duty F-250 Supercab XL 4WD - Inventory | Richardson Motor Company | Auto dealership in Sierra Vista, Arizona

Just wondering what to ask my mechanic about next week when I take it in for a tune-up and such. It's got 5th' Wheel Hookups in the bed of the trailer, as well as a standard Tow Package. We are going to be hauling a U-Haul Trailer from Arizona to Washington in a few weeks, and I want to make sure we're all safe.

On an unrelated note - The tailgate fell down twice on the freeway when going over a couple of decent sized bumps (bridges I believe). Wondering if it would hurt anything to have it welded in place - something reversable, but will hold it until I can find a permanent solution.

 

Completely forgot to mention that I'm taking it into the mechanic Monday or Tuesday for another inspection. Had a guy I don't go to a lot do the pre-buy inspection, and he said that all 4 ball-joints needed replacing, then the dealer's mechanic said there wasn't any problem with it. If they do need to be replaced - that's another $1000 on top of what I just put down on it.

 

I'd say if the tires are stock size it does indeed look like it is sitting higher than stock. Looks like a nice truck and a good price for a 4wd SD. Could be a bad backyard body lift, weak shocks or even weak springs making it sway. If all the ball joints are bad they would also make it ride goofy.

 

Lets see, if you feel like the truck is unsafe at high speed... slow down. Especially since you said you haven't driven a large vehicle in 30+ years.

These trucks to rock around if you arent used to it. Check the steering stabilizer and sway bars.

 

Oh...it's only been about 12 years since I've driven a big truck, but that's still quite a bit of time. I'm taking it in on Tuesday morning to get a 2nd inspection from a different mechanic. Fingers crossed it's not something expensive. Because other than this 1 issue...it's a phenomenal truck and the nicest vehicle I've ever owned.