I have a 94 F150 4X4 with 200k. 5 months ago I replaced both sets of ball joints to prepare for new tires that I knew I would need soon, but I did not do an alignment. I adjusted the steering box, repacked the bearings and inspected all steering components. Everything checked out fine, and the truck drove fine. Last week however, I finally replaced the old tires that were nearly bald with new tires of the same size (32X11.50X15). Ever since, the truck wants to wander and won't quite correct itself after a turn. At higher speeds on the freeway, it wanders even worse. My first suspision was the alignment since everything else had been checked a few months ago and I hadn't done an alignment after replacing the ball joints, but I don't udnerstand why it happened all of a sudden with the new tires? I asked the tire guy the day he replaced the tires if he had checked the steering components and he said they all looked great and everything was tight. Their advertisement says also that they check the alignment for free with every set of new tires, so I asked him if he had checked it. He was still puting the tires on when I asked and he said that he had. I am wondering if he simply told me he checked and didn't since I don't understand checking the alignment before puting on the new tires. When I took it back and spoke to the owner, he said "Your telling me that we said we checked the alignment, so I am just going to have to get it on the rack and make an adjustment to fix the problem, even if it is within specks, you tell me it's not steering right so I will have to make an adjustment to fix your problem." I asked him why it would do that simply by changing the tires, and he said just changing the tires would not cause my problem, and he couldn't give me any anwers unless I made an appointment to have the alignment done. So my questions are: does this sound like an alignment problem and is it possible for it to only show up after the new tires? Could they have done anything to cause this problem? The truck drove perfectly fine when I brought it in.
Thanks

 

Newer softer rubber plus better treads grips better than old hard rounded off tires.
That wandering feeling is usually caused by a toed out condition.

A straight to slightly toed in condition handles the best on the freeway.

Bad or weak shocks can amplify this condition.

 

Had a similar problem with my truck, tried adjusting steering box, checked alignment, had front end checked for worn componets, and replaced shocks. When I retired the Goodrich All terrain tires for a new set of Michelin Mud and snow, the wandering got a whole lot better. I think the difference in the tread and the softer sidewalls on the Michelins made the big change. I added a steering stabilizer and wandering is almost non existent.
If I had it to do over, I think I would go with a dual stabilizer.
Good Luck Frank

 

I dont have a stabalizer at all running 35x12.5 and drives fine. Sounds like it dont have any toe in, like mentioned above.

 

I would also ask the owner for a print out of the alignment if it is a computer front end alignment machine. It will tell caster,camber, and toe-in. Then you can talk about "within specs".

 

You're right Frank, another friend of mine said to drive it for a while just to be sure I wasn't actually feeling the normal condition since my rubber was bad for so long. I had a hunch as well that toe might be off, and I will check tomorrow and I made an appointment with a different shop to have the alignment checked. I looked at the shocks tonight, and although they don't appear leaky and seem to stop bouncing within 3-4 Up/Down motions after pushing on the bumper, they appear to be the originals and I have 200K. Probably should do them as well.....? Any idea how to test the springs? My Chiltons doesn't give me any specks or test ideas. Should they be a certain length under the truck load or when removed? They aren't that difficult to get off, and if I am doing all of this anyway, I may as well test and replace if neccessary.

 

Thanks for all the help. I have checked the radius arm bushings as well, and they look good. I contacted the shop again today, and got their definition of a "Free" alignment check, in short, they look at the previous tire for improper wear patterns and report back to me. With a nearly bald tire, hey, I guess it is aligned just fine :0(

.....Any tips on testing the front coils and shocks and the rear leaf and shocks? I have done the standard bounce test, and they seem to stop in 3 or so up and down motions, but I really can't tell. They don't leak, but they appear that they may be originals with 200K on them. I bought the truck with 117K, so I really don't know.
Any tips?
Thanks

 

Most shock companies will reccomend replacing shocks and struts @ 50k miles. Not that it is always needed, just reccomended. You've got at least 83k on yours.