front end
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New User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12
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From: independence usa
front end
I have a 1995 ford f150 with the 302
I have installed new shocks new front tires had it alligned
and it seems like the front end (tracking) and generally it
just dont feel real tight, it only has 57000miles what can I do ?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
front end
Check the ball joints and the tie rods in the steering to start off with. Next check the radius arm bushings and the axle pivot bushings.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
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Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin - One Happy FTE Member
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin - One Happy FTE Member
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
front end
It depends a lot on driving conditions.
I work on trucks regularly with way less miles on them than that and they need lots of work to the front end. They are used a lot on gravel roads.
Hopefully the shop that did your alignment was good and checked the front end closely before they aligned it. One problem we see quite often is the lower steering column shaft is worn out. it is the shaft that goes between the firewall and the steering box. The slip yoke gets very loose and you have to replace the shaft.
Some shops get a bit lazy when it comes to aligning these front ends too...they figure that close enough is ok. Sometimes close enough isnt good enough. For instance if you dont have enough caster the truck can wander even though it might be just about in spec.
I work on trucks regularly with way less miles on them than that and they need lots of work to the front end. They are used a lot on gravel roads.
Hopefully the shop that did your alignment was good and checked the front end closely before they aligned it. One problem we see quite often is the lower steering column shaft is worn out. it is the shaft that goes between the firewall and the steering box. The slip yoke gets very loose and you have to replace the shaft.
Some shops get a bit lazy when it comes to aligning these front ends too...they figure that close enough is ok. Sometimes close enough isnt good enough. For instance if you dont have enough caster the truck can wander even though it might be just about in spec.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
front end
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Jan-03 AT 02:42 PM (EST)]>Some shops get a bit lazy when it comes to aligning these
>front ends too...they figure that close enough is ok.
>Sometimes close enough isnt good enough. For instance if you
>dont have enough caster the truck can wander even though it
>might be just about in spec.
Close enough is all you can hope for with TTB. The toe and camber changes wildly while driving down the road, and I think it even changes just sitting there :P I dunno if TIB is as problematic?
>front ends too...they figure that close enough is ok.
>Sometimes close enough isnt good enough. For instance if you
>dont have enough caster the truck can wander even though it
>might be just about in spec.
Close enough is all you can hope for with TTB. The toe and camber changes wildly while driving down the road, and I think it even changes just sitting there :P I dunno if TIB is as problematic?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 0
From: Linwood, N.J. USA!
front end
Does it seem like it wants to wander? If so, it could be the drag link. They can either wear and get sloppy or possibly seiz and bind. Either way it makes for an uncomfortable steer. Jake.
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