Well I just got my new project Bronco on the road finally im really enjoying the rusty ol' thing. I still need a few things before I can pass safety inspection but here is the next priority fix. I will start off by saying this is my first 4x4 and anything bigger than a coupe.

I have a massive shuttering in the front end. It happens no longer than a couple seconds at a time but it would last longer if I didn't let off the gas to get rid of it. If I drive with a slightly heavy right foot it happens much less often. Pretty much any time im light on the gas it will happen. It doesn't seem to happen going less than 30 mph but I hardly drive on any 25 mph roads.

At first I thought it was coming from the right front but after driving with a passenger it seems that its more centered. I cannot confirm that though. I know that I need tie rods and ball joints, plus the control arm bushings are pretty worn. Although the driver side suspension looks much worse and this has not happened on the driver side. I keep repeating transmission in my head but I don't know what the front driveling components are doing even when in 2WD(or 4WD).

Replacing the trans is not an issue and I will also be fixing the front suspension soon enough so that can be ruled out. Thanks in advance

 

Crawl under and check the driveshafts. Grab it near the middle/ slip yoke and see it it moves/ has any play in it (side to side )

 

Are your wheels balanced? Power steering fluid topped off?

Look under the front end while someone turns the steering wheel from left to right and see if there's any visible slop in the steering linkage, box, drag link, tie rod, and tie rod ends.

 

Wheels are factory and all the origional wheel weights are in place. I just had tires installed and nothing changed from before the install. I didnt have an alighnment done since im about to replace some of the front suspension components. I have maybe a half inch of play in both of the wheels from side to side, and some play up and down.

Since im at work all night I wont be able to check most of the things recomended until tomorrow. Instead of telling you what I remember from looking at it last I will wait until tomorrow to tell you more precisely.

 

Before getting to worried about the vibration, get the front repair done and an alignment. Without that done, you will be chasing things all over the truck.

 

Ya I hear ya. Im looking right now to order the parts. I can get cheap ball joints and tie rod ends for $107, or go with Moog for $330. I just dont know how long the cheap stuff will hold up and if this is the wrong place to try and save money. But if I can save $220... what do you guys think? Im not doing any off roading at the moment and I may only be putting 3K miles on it for the year. But I will be driving it in any wintry conditions we get this year in Northern VA.

 

Best place for Moog is Rockauto.com I've found. I just got all for ball joints for $120 shipped. The entire drag link tie rod set-up is about $300 for all Moog. I say def go Moog on the joints since they are such a pain to replace.

 

I bet it's a broken radius arm bracket, i had exactly the same issue, usually when turning, but it could happen at any time. Get under the front and inspect for any cracks, look closely because sometimes it's hard to pinpoint them.

 

Ya rockAUTO is where the above price quotes came from, great site. But like I said I will get back on here tommorrow after inspecting everything that was recommended. Im going to wait until tommorrow before ordering anything in case I want/need to add something. Any other opinions on cheap replacement suspension parts?

 

Must bump, I have a similar issue with my 78, the PO said he replaced the steering box, and it looks fairly new. I have probably an inch or more of steering slop at any given time and while driving, when i turn the wheel so that it is in that slop zone it shakes and jerks but when it is on either side it's fine. I do have 35s and i have not inspected any joints or anything so i will have to look into that.

 

Its been raining all day quick sucks since I planned on working on the Bronco all day. I want to add that this ONLY happens when accelerating which is why I thought driveline. Im about to get out there now while its not raining as hard. Post back after.

 

Hmmm, accelerating? then it probably won't be the mounting bracket, anyway report back please.

 

Are you sure its not in 4wd? Sounds like maybe the u-joints in the axle are binding up.

 

I think either u-joins or cv joints is another possibility for me as well. Like someone else mentioned though I think I will replace the suspension parts I was already going to replace and go from there.

Im also going to do a number of tune up type things that I haven't gotten to yet since I just bought the Bronco. Plugs, wires, fuel pump, fuel filter, check fuel lines, injectors( I have some from a 5.0 Mustang), trans filter, maybe diff fluid? Anything else for a high mileage truck that was barely taken care of? Already did the basic oil, oil filter, air filter, cleaned air intake components, did all fluids except whats above, engine and fuel treatment(z-max), couple other things.

 

Don't replace the fuel pump if you don't need to, it's a pain to do it, replace all the rubber that looks old (specially hoses).