78 e350 front end problems
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78 e350 front end problems
I have a 78 e-350 dually with a stahl utility body on it. It used to be a Fire Rescue Squad truck. I feel like i'm getting a wobble in the front end when i'm going slow - under 10 mph - then it's fine until I hit 45 - it starts to shake a bit. Any Ideas?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Did you check everything? Jack up the front wheels off the ground and try and shake the wheels side to side, and up and down. Should be no movement.
Tie rods, King Pins, Pit-man arm, steering links can be worn and loose.
Tie rods, King Pins, Pit-man arm, steering links can be worn and loose.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Could also be the tires or wheels---I'm guessing this is one very heavy duty van with the inverted dish type wheels?
If the wobble or vibration comes on more noticeably at different speeds that would be one of the first places to check.
Hope its nothing too serious-----front ends can get expensive to repair in a hurry.
If the wobble or vibration comes on more noticeably at different speeds that would be one of the first places to check.
Hope its nothing too serious-----front ends can get expensive to repair in a hurry.
New User
Joined: Apr 2011
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Common issues that cause wobble
I have owned several vans ranging from 69-80 and there are two issues that were common across those years.
1: If you're in a state that uses salt on the road the frame where the steer box mounts will rust out. This causes a flexing in the frame which, in turn, allows the steering box to move.
2: Wide front tires on vans without a steering stablizer (or one with a bad shock absorber) will also do this. Stock width tires don't usually do it.
The frame issue is easy to check. Look at that area of the frame while someone turns the steering wheel back and forth.
Of course this is all assuming the steering & suspension is in good shape.
Hope this helps.
1: If you're in a state that uses salt on the road the frame where the steer box mounts will rust out. This causes a flexing in the frame which, in turn, allows the steering box to move.
2: Wide front tires on vans without a steering stablizer (or one with a bad shock absorber) will also do this. Stock width tires don't usually do it.
The frame issue is easy to check. Look at that area of the frame while someone turns the steering wheel back and forth.
Of course this is all assuming the steering & suspension is in good shape.
Hope this helps.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,289
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
Just to add to what IDIDieselJohn said also check out your radius arm ( whatever you want to call them ) bushings. Those along with the king pins, and tie rods ends would be the most likely suspects.
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