My '96 F-150 front end looks "tired". The tires lean out at the top or in at the bottom, depending on your perspective. It goes straight down the highway and doesn't shimmy or anything, it just looks tired. Is this an alignment issue only or could it have been set like that to compensate for a bent frame or other steering parts? I want to put new tires on it but don't want to until I know that they won't wear unevenly.

 

How long have you owned the truck? Has it or have you ever had it in for an alignment? I would jack up the front and see if either steering knuckle has wobble exhibited from the ball joints and check the tie rods for any sloppiness.

I sunk nearly $400 in new upper and lower balljoints, new u-joints in the steering knuckle, new springs, new shocks, and outer tie-rod ends, plus $45 for a crappy alignment, and another $124 for a complete and proper alignment from a true alignment specialist. My alignment guy just shook his head at what some 9-5 alignment guy did.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.." is what I wish more people would take to heart rather than passing the buck onto owners down the road.

I may not have made the "wobble" clear, but I'm sure someone will chime in with advice on this..

 

I just got the truck this week. It belonged to a tree service and has a pushed in front bumper with the ends pointing down. That's why I thought it might have damaged suspension or frame parts. I didn't mention before that it is a 4x2 if that makes any difference. I will jack it up today and see if I can find any obviously worn parts.

 

Good Deal! Everyone here looks forward to hearing back from you!

 

Jacked her up today. First on the pass, side there was a little bit of play but I couldn't really tell where it was coming from. Then I jacked up the drivers side and there was a bunch of movement in the tie rod ends. I can move the tire about 1/2" before it starts to move the passenger side with it With that much play I would think that it would have drive-ability issues like a shimmy or wobble. Definitely gonna replace those before it goes to the alignment or tire shop.

Thanks Timbersteel for steering me in the right direction. {pun not intentional but I'll take it}

 

Good to hear back on the news..though it wasn't good news really..I 2nd the tie rod ends. If you have room in the budget, it may be worth replacing the upper and lower ball joints. I know that these days money is tight so you're on the right track with replacing the ends.